We often hear that we should have an alkaline diet but what does that mean? Our blood has a normal pH of 7.35-7.45, which is slightly alkaline. When our diet is alkaline, it helps our blood stay within a normal pH. When our diet is acidic, it promotes an acidic pH, which in turn promotes to loss of nutrients as our body tries to restore equilibrium. Acidic and alkaline foods are labeled so because of their net effect on our systemic pH.