Acid Reducing Foods

Although highly acidic foods are flavorful, they cause an overproduction of stomach acid that can lead to discomfort. Alkaline foods leave alkaline ash in the body after the food has been consumed and stabilize your pH level. Highly acidic foods leave acidic ash in your body and cause health problems. To have a healthy pH level, eat more alkaline foods and replace highly acidic types, such as tomato-based foods. Acid-reducing foods include fruit, fat-free dairy products, poultry and specific vegetables.

Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, bananas, grapefruit and watermelon are just a few alkaline fruits that help balance your pH level. Lemons, limes, avocados and rhubarb also benefit your body by producing little to no acid after consumption. You should consume these fruits at least two to three times daily to combat the amount of acid your body produces. You can also mix the fruit with non-fat yogurt for the additional health benefits of protein and live, active cultures.

Broccoli, green beans, cabbage and other green vegetables are alkaline foods and aid in lowering acidity. Because they are also non-starchy foods, you can eat a large amount of them without causing a spike in carbohydrates or blood glucose levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, non-starchy foods should fill half of your plate per meal.

Meat

Ground beef is high in protein but also highly acidic, which means you will need to either eliminate it from your diet or replace it with lean ground beef. Lean ground beef is also beneficial because it provides the same nutrients without the saturated fat found in regular beef. Chicken also helps reduce acid levels when it is prepared properly. For the best nutrients, remove the skin and cook it by baking, broiling or grilling. Fish is also a healthy alternative. It provides little to no acid and high levels of protein.

Dairy

Dairy products that use whole milk should be avoided and replaced with non-fat or low-fat substitutes. Although these foods still produce acid, they don't produce as much as those containing whole milk. Because of acid production, consumption of dairy should be limited and vitamin supplements should be taken to receive calcium and vitamin D nutrients.