Contrary to belief, Lemons are very acidifying to the body. The ph of the bloodstream cannot survive outside the range of 7.35 to 7.45 alkalinity; therefore, the body in response to citric acid releases stored bicarbonates to neutralize the citric acid from lemons and citrus fruits. The body works off of negative feedback, which means it will keep releasing bicarbonates until the brain says you have released enough.

However, because of this, an excessive amount of bicarbonates is released into the bloodstream, which is lost in the urine, creating an “alkaline” response. So it’s not the lemon itself that creates the alkaline bicarbonates; it’s the body’s response to counteract the acidic food.

Excessive consumption of citric acid and other acid foods will eventually deplete the bodies stored bicarbonate reserves, which can cause major health issues.

Foods that acidify the body include;