Identification

• These foods contain the highest alkaline levels and are best eaten when your pH level is extremely low: asparagus, onions, parsley, spinach, broccoli, garlic, lemons, grapefruit, limes, watermelon and mango.
  
  

Types

• Several foods have moderate alkaline levels and can be diet aids when your pH level is not dangerously low but needs to be increased: okra, squash, zucchini, carob, lettuce, beets, green beans, figs, melons, grapes, papaya, kiwi, apples and pears.
  
  

Considerations

• Foods with lower alkaline levels complement your diet well when your pH level is at its proper level. These include: carrots, tomatoes, corn, cabbage, banana, pineapple, avocado, peaches and cherries.
  
  

Benefits

• A diet full of high alkaline foods is most beneficial when properly balanced with acidic foods and when intake of yeast and sugar is at a minimum.
  
  

Function

• The pH of blood is said to be 7.4, which is considered alkaline and at a level to be maintained for proper health. There are several products available by which you can measure your body's pH and use the results to determine whether you should increase or decrease the amount of high alkaline foods in your diet.
  
  

Warning

• An unusually high alkaline level is known as alkalosis and is caused when there is excessive alkali in the blood and not enough acid. The disorder causes muscle cramps, spasms and twitching and high alkaline foods should be avoided when the condition exists.