Citrus Myth Busted: Acidic Foods and the Healthy Gut

Learn why the acidity of cold-pressed, homemade citrus juice is nothing to fear.

Gut and Brain

In recent years, more and more research has emerged on the link between the brain and the gut. The nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract are intimately connected, sending messages back and forth to one another.

Researchers continue to study how stress and mood relate to the gut.

What Makes a Healthy Gut?

There are myriad ways to take care of your digestive system. Keeping stress levels low and enjoying a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are two. Limiting ultra processed foods, alcohol, and sugar are others.

Consuming probiotic, fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, and apple cider vinegar can also be part of a gut-friendly diet.

Learn how to make delicious shrubs with apple cider vinegar

Acidic = Bad, Right?

But how can something as acidic as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar fit into a gut-friendly diet? Many of us grew up believing acidic foods were unhealthy. Who doesn’t remember the dentist’s admonition to steer clear of citrus juices and other acidic drinks? Logically, it seems to make sense – if acid from fruits and carbonated beverages can damage the enamel on our teeth, just think what it could do to our insides!

Yet a food’s acidity is only part of the story. Yes, our bodies are mostly alkaline (non-acidic), but through the process of digestion, acidic foods become alkalized.

Food Science

Alkaline vs. Acidic

In case you need a quick refresher, acidity is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from zero to 14, 7 being neutral. A pH lower than 7 indicates a substance is acidic, and a pH higher than 7 indicates it is alkaline.

The body usually maintains a blood pH of around 7.4; a person’s stomach acid generally ranges from a pH of 1.5 to 3.5. The acidity of lemon juice usually lands somewhere between 2 and 3.

Strangely enough, the pH of a food does not dictate how it reacts in our body. The acidity of the lemon juice that sends dentists running actually becomes alkalized in the body once it enters the bloodstream. This is thanks to the way it interacts with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Acid Forming Foods vs. Alkaline Foods

Now consider foods like meat, dairy products, and ultra processed foods. While they do not feel or taste acidic, they interact with the body differently.

Is Juice Good for the Gut?

Another message we’ve received over the years is that it’s better to eat whole fruits and vegetables than to drink juice. If you’re juicing, however, you already know that not all juices are created equal. It’s true that since store-bought juice is often missing essential nutrients and is sweetened with processed sugar, you’re not doing your digestive system any favors by drinking it.

Cold-pressed juice is more nutrient dense and flavorful than store-bought juice. Citrus juice offers many of the same nutrients as the citrus fruits it is pressed from.

Try Some of Our Favorite Cold-Pressed Citrus Recipes:

1. Cranberry-Orange and Pineapple-Ginger Shrub Recipes
2. Cranberry Pomegranate Juice Recipe
3. Kale-Pineapple-Lime Green Juice Recipe
4. Orange-Chili-Matcha Mocktail

Are Dentists Wrong about Acidic Foods?

We’re not dentists, but we’re pretty certain that the tooth experts aren’t wrong about the effects of acidic juices on enamel. We’ve got a pretty easy fix though — just drink your cold-pressed juice through a straw!

Happy juicing!

Looking for More Ideas?

Head to our Instagram or YouTube channel for demos.

Medical Disclaimer

We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.