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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Acid-Free Diets

Acid-Free Diets

Some people need to maintain an acid-free diet. People who suffer from acid reflux, for example, benefit from a diet that includes foods that are low in acid and eliminate acid-packed food options. Uric acid is also sometimes a concern, and foods that don't have a high uric acid content are best.

Uric Acid

    Some uric acid is necessary for your body's health. For example, your blood vessels rely on uric acid. However, too much uric acid can lead to a buildup, possibly leading to diabetes, gout or cardiovascuar disease.

Purines

    Purines are organic compounds that are often found in several types of foods. Purines break down in the body, producing uric acid. Staying away from food with high amounts of purines is advisable. Foods that you can consume include egg whites, pulp-free fruit juice and certain dairy products, like cottage cheese. While fresh veggies contain purines, these purines are safe to ingest and won't add to a problem like gout. Red meats and organ meats, though, should be avoided.

Safe Foods

    Foods that you can consume include fruits, such as apples and bananas, plus fruit juice and dried fruits. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, peas, carrots, potatoes and green beans are good for you as well. Certain meats, like skinless chicken breast, lean ground beef and London broil are safe as well. Egg whites, fat-free fish and low-fat dairy products can be consumed as well. Brown or white rice, oatmeal and brand, multi-grain or white bread and corn bread are safe too. Snacks like Graham crackers, rice cakes, fat-free cookies, baked chips, licorice, jelly beans and pretzels can be added to your diet. Mineral water is the best beverage for a low-acid diet.

Avoidances

    Certain foods should be avoided whenever possible. Stay away from tomatoes, lemon and certain juices, like orange, grapefruit or cranberry juice. Veggies like raw onions and potatoes that are either in the form of mashed potatoes or French fries should be avoided too. Certain meat products, like chicken nuggets or Buffalo wings, aren't good for the diet. Full-fat dairy products, including cottage cheese, sour cream and ice cream treats should not be eaten. Stay away from spaghetti, creamy salad dressings and full-fat pastries and cookies. Drinks that should be avoided include wine and other liquor, coffee and tea, even if it's decaffeinated. Beer especially can double the acid in your stomach in a short amount of time.

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