Education

What is Dietary Acidosis?

by Christopher Brainard on Jul 30, 2025

What is Dietary Acidosis?

What Is Dietary Acidosis?

Dietary acidosis refers to a state in which the body’s acid-base equilibrium is influenced by a consistent intake of acid-forming foods and limited consumption of alkaline-forming foods. This acid load can challenge the body's natural buffering systems over time.

Acid-Forming vs. Alkaline-Forming Foods

Foods affect the body's internal chemistry in ways unrelated to their taste or initial pH. Once metabolized, they leave behind acidic or alkaline residues known as “ash.” Many elements of the modern Western diet tend to produce an acid-forming effect.

  • Acid-forming foods: Meat, dairy, refined grains, sugar, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks

  • Alkaline-forming foods: Leafy greens, vegetables, and low-sugar fruits

However, alkaline-forming foods can lose some of their buffering potential during cooking, especially above 50°C. Many vegetables (like squash, chard, or potatoes) must be cooked, which may reduce their alkalizing properties.

Low-Grade Dietary Acidosis and Wellness

Although the body tightly regulates blood pH, repeated acid-forming food intake can contribute to acid load. This can increase the demands on systems like the kidneys, bones, and muscles, which help buffer excess acidity.

Some signs that may be associated with high dietary acid load include:

  • Feelings of fatigue or sluggishness

  • Muscle soreness after physical activity

  • Digestive discomfort or food-related sensitivity

  • Cravings for sugar or caffeine

  • Challenges with recovery or resilience

See F. Gholami, et. al. (2022) "Dietary Acid Load and Bone Health: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies."  Front Nutr. 2022 May 6;9:869132.

See M. L. Wieers, et. al. (2024) Dietary acid load in health and disease." Pflugers Arch. 2024 Jan 29;476(4):427-443.

Supporting Your Natural pH Balance

Supporting pH balance through diet and lifestyle is a proactive choice. Some simple ways to reduce acid load include:

  • Minimizing consumption of processed or acidic foods

  • Emphasizing raw, mineral-rich vegetables and fruits

  • Staying well hydrated

  • Exploring options that include bicarbonate and citrate sources — the same buffering compounds your body naturally uses to manage acid


Alkaline Electrolyte Support with Alklyte™

Alklyte™ is an effervescent formula developed to complement a balanced diet and active lifestyle. It delivers a refreshing alkaline solution made with bicarbonate and citrate electrolytes — the same types of buffers the body uses to maintain pH equilibrium.

When taken with meals, Alklyte’s unique effervescent delivery offers an alternative way to enjoy buffered hydration. Unlike most bottled alkaline waters, Alklyte produces a carbonated alkaline solution with a pH typically around 9.8 to 10.2, and contains no additional minerals beyond sodium and potassium.

This makes it a convenient option for those interested in supporting their acid-base balance as part of a wellness routine.


Final Thoughts

Dietary acid load is a modern nutritional challenge — but it’s one that can often be supported through education, mindful food choices, and a consistent approach to hydration. By learning how acid and base chemistry interact in the body, individuals can make smarter decisions that align with their health and performance goals.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


 


Related Articles
Exploring Alkaline Buffers: Supporting Healthy Digestion With Designer Electrolytes

Exploring Alkaline Buffers: Supporting Healthy Digestion With Designer Electrolytes

Is Dietary Phosphorous Harmful?
education

Is Dietary Phosphorous Harmful?

Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented Through Diet and Acid-Base Balance?
education

Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented Through Diet and Acid-Base Balance?