A special diet prescribed

to increase the acidity o

f the urine so that alkalin
e salts will remain in solu
tion.

Chicken and plum pasta is an acid-

ash diet-approved meal. Photo
CreditGregor Lajh/iStock/Getty
Images
 The acid-ash diet is based on the idea that it can
alter the composition of diet to change the pH of
urine -- in this case, making it more acidic, which
may help eliminate some types of kidney stones.
Minerals from food that are not oxidized during
metabolism leave an ash, or residue, in the
urine.
An acid ash is formed from phosphorus, chloride
and sulfur, whereas alkalinity comes from
sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
 Once the liver has broken down the food that
has been ingested, ash or a mineral deposit
is usually left behind. This can be either acidic
or alkaline as per the effects it has on the pH
level of the urine.
Eating a diet rich in acid ash can help to
create an antibacterial environment within
the body, which is very favourable for people
with UTI infection.
 The diet may be given in the treatment of so
me types of
urinary tract infection, and to inhibit the form
ation of alkaline urinary calculi.
The acid ash diet is a medically prescribed
diet for those who suffer from kidney stones
 Kidney stone formation can be affected by
the pH of urine in people who have a history
of forming stones. Kidney stones that
contained phosphorus, a low-phosphorus
diet may have been recommended, as well as
a diet that produces "acid ash."
 Foods that produce "acid ash" include cheese
as well as whole grains, meat, eggs,
cranberries

Acid-forming animal proteins

roast beef, chicken, ham, lamb, pork, veal
and bacon qualify.
 While most fruits must be avoided due to
their alkaline-ash product, cranberries, plums
and prunes contain acids that remain
unprocessed and contribute a net acid ash.
 While many other animal proteins are
essential on the acid-ash diet, milk creates an
alkaline ash and should not be consumed.
Almonds, Chestnuts and Coconut are off-
limits as well.
Like most fruits, many vegetables should be
avoided on this plan, especially beets, many
other leafy green vegetables
 An alkaline ash diet has plenty of fruits, milk
and vegetables, but minimal fish, meat and
cereals. Such a diet yields an alkaline waste
product after digestion. An acid ash diet
comprises of cereals, meat, fish and eggs but
minimal vegetables and fruits. The excreted
end products of digestion are acidic.