{"id":7866,"date":"2022-08-12T12:16:08","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T12:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/?p=7866"},"modified":"2022-09-18T01:40:01","modified_gmt":"2022-09-18T01:40:01","slug":"are-carrots-acidic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/are-carrots-acidic\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Carrots Acidic? Yes, Slightly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Carrots are mildly acidic, but interestingly, they have an alkalizing impact on the body \u2014 making them a friendly veggie for people who have acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some acidic foods have an alkalizing effect on the body once they\u2019re digested. The alkalizing minerals sodium and magnesium found in Bugs Bunny\u2019s favorite veggie aid the kidneys in keeping the pH level of your body steady. They also contain a lot of nutrients and fiber, which can alleviate acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what about cooked and canned ones? Or carrot juice and baby carrots? Can you have a low-acid diet with these alternatives? Let’s look at their pH levels and discuss how these veggies affect acid reflux in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Carrots\"
Carrots<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/a>pH Value of Carrots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Raw carrots have a close to neutral pH level , ranging from 5.88 \u2014 6.40. They are a great complement to an alkaline diet since they have a net alkalizing effect on the body, as shown by the potential renal acid load assessments<\/a> (PRAL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pH scale is used to determine how acidic or alkaline something is. Anything from 0 to 6 is acidic, and anything from 7 to 14 is alkaline, with 7 being neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, strawberries are very acidic<\/a>, with a pH of 3 to 3.5. These vegetables, on the other hand, are only mildly acidic, almost close to neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>pH Value of Different Carrot Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because carrots come in so many different shapes and forms, their acidity fluctuates. Let’s examine their pH values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrot<\/th>pH Level<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Raw<\/td>5.88 \u2014 6.40<\/td><\/tr>
Canned<\/td>5.18 \u2014 5.22<\/td><\/tr>
Chopped<\/td>5.30 \u2014 5.56<\/td><\/tr>
Cooked<\/td>5.58 \u2014 6.03<\/td><\/tr>
Pureed<\/td>4.55 \u2014 5.80<\/td><\/tr>
Strained<\/td>5.10<\/td><\/tr>
Baby carrots<\/td>5.88 \u2014 6.40<\/td><\/tr>
Carrot juice<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>The Importance of pH Value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our bodies lie somewhere in the center of the pH scale, which means we’re somewhat alkaline, with a pH of 7.35 \u2014 7.45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If our bodies are too acidic, we may suffer from inflamed gums, low energy, chronic fatigue, increased heart rate, weak, brittle bones, headache, confusion, and sleepiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the body is too alkaline, we may be prone to twitching, increased urination, irritability, lightheadedness, tremor in the hands, and muscle spasms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your blood in a neutral pH state (around 7) keeps your energy levels up and allows the oxygen in your blood to travel where it needs to go. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to eat a balanced diet that is easy on acidic foods<\/a> and consume alkaline-friendly vegetables like carrots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Do Carrots Cause Acid Reflux & GERD?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Acid
Acid Reflux<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These humble veggies are unlikely to induce acid reflux since they have a rather strong alkaline value. That means that even though carrots have a somewhat acidic pH, they have an alkalizing effect<\/a> on our bodies due to their potent components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, carrots are rich in potassium and magnesium \u2014 the most powerful alkalizing minerals that increase blood pH. What\u2019s more, they also contain citric acid<\/a>, which balances the urine\u2019s pH level once it\u2019s digested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what is acid reflux? If you eat a meal high in fats or acidity, you may start having a burning feeling in the chest and an occasional burp that leaves a bad taste and an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid rises into the food pipe. If similar symptoms occur regularly, more than twice a week, the condition is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a closer look at why carrots<\/a> may be the wonder veggie to help with acid reflux and GERD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Why Are Carrots Good for Acid Reflux?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These veggies can help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux since they\u2019re rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Carrots Are Rich in Fiber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This superfood has 2.8g of fiber per 100g, which is pretty high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiber absorbs excess stomach acid, preventing or lessening<\/a> instances of acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, fiber encourages the growth of healthy gut microbiota, which is necessary for warding off dangerous bacteria and preserving a wholesome environment in the gastrointestinal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiber-rich foods facilitate digestion and help us avoid constipation, all of which reduce the risk of acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Carrots Are Rich in Antioxidants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These vegetables are a rich source<\/a> of beta-carotene and vitamin C, two potent antioxidants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These antioxidants neutralize free radicals to avoid oxidative stress<\/a> \u2014 a state of imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antioxidants<\/a> help patients with GERD and acid reflux in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n