Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

At a time when boosting our immunity is of paramount importance, UAE residents need to be more careful of their choice of food to maintain the right pH balance as well, suggest experts. Giving advice on the topic, Dr Harkirat Wilkhoo, Health and Lifestyle Coach at RAK Hospital has urged residents to opt for foods that ensure the pH level remains normal to avoid any complications in the body organs.

The pH level in a human body can range from 0 to 14 with 0 being extremely acidic and 14 most alkaline. Ideally the human blood is slightly alkaline with pH of 7.4 which keeps our physiological health in good shape. The body also has a built-in system to maintain the pH level through lungs which exhale out CO2, and kidneys which eliminate metabolic waste from the blood. However, at times, when the level oscillates to one side and the pH imbalances, it can cause both respiratory and metabolic issues known as acidosis and alkalosis.

Generally, respiratory issues begin when the lungs are unable to do their job properly and have difficulty either exhaling enough CO2 from the body or retaining enough CO2 for the body to function normally. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis include headache, fatigue, confusion and extreme sleepiness, while signs for respiratory alkalosis can be cramping and twitching in muscles.

“Eating more acidic food can, not only cause acidity in urine, but could also be the cause of kidney stones. Moreover, it can weaken your bones since your body uses the calcium from the bones to restore the pH balance. Eating more alkaline-based food can slow down our organs,” explained Dr Wilkhoo.

“This, in turn compromises our immunity, and now, more than ever we need to focus on boosting our digestion and metabolism. So, choose what you eat wisely and make a conscious effort to avoid processed food, excessive caffeine, sodas, etc. that are acidic in nature. Smokers in particular should be more careful.”

Foods that can help boost immunity include nuts such as almonds, coconut water and almond milk, citrus fruits, garlic and ginger, herbal green tea, green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli and cucumber, buttermilk and yogurt, turmeric, papaya and kiwi among others.

The International Food Safety Authorities Network, INFOSAN and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, ADAFSA, recently issued a guidance document on preventing the spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19, in food business sector.

The document aims at raising awareness of food businesses, food workers and consumers about ways to prevent the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and to strengthen existing food hygiene practices in the Emirate’s food facilities.