Bladder-friendly living
Food acid and the bladder
A calm, practical guide to what food acid is, where it hides, and how a pre-meal buffer can fit into an IC-friendly routine.
Explore CalGlyThe basics
What is food acid, and why does it matter?
Acidity is measured on the pH scale, where lower numbers mean more acid and pure water sits at around 7. Many things we reach for without a second thought — a morning coffee, a squeeze of lemon, a tomato-based sauce, a glass of wine — sit towards the acidic end of that scale.
For those with a sensitive bladder, the acid content of food and drink is something they often prefer to keep an eye on. Dietary guidance from organisations such as the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), and food lists like the IC Network's, group foods partly by how acidic they tend to be — so people can make informed, individual choices.
Worth a buffer
Foods worth a pre-meal buffer
Coffee
That morning cup is more acidic than many expect — which is why it comes up so often in conversations about sensitive bladders.
Citrus
Lemons, oranges and grapefruit are among the most acidic everyday foods, whether eaten whole or as juice.
Tomatoes
Fresh, tinned or as a sauce, tomatoes are a classic acidic ingredient on most IC-friendly food lists.
Wine
Both red and white wine sit firmly at the acidic end of the pH scale — worth knowing before a glass with dinner.
Quick reference
A pH guide for common foods & drinks
| Food or drink | Approx. pH | Acidity |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon juice | 2.0–2.6 | Very high |
| Cola & many soft drinks | 2.4–2.7 | Very high |
| White wine | 3.0–3.4 | High |
| Red wine | 3.3–3.6 | High |
| Orange juice | 3.3–4.2 | High |
| Tomatoes & tomato sauce | 4.3–4.9 | Moderate |
| Brewed coffee | 4.8–5.1 | Moderate |
| Black tea | 4.9–5.5 | Moderate |
| Milk | 6.5–6.7 | Low |
| Pure water | ~7.0 | Neutral |
Where CalGly fits
A pre-meal buffer, kept to hand
CalGly is a food supplement built around calcium glycerophosphate — the same active ingredient many people used in Prelief in the US. Taken just before an acidic meal or drink, it works as a pre-meal acid buffer that may help reduce the acid content of the foods and drinks you enjoy.
Each vegan capsule also contains organic, anthraquinone-free aloe vera — the same aloe as our Super-Strength Aloe Vera — so it sits naturally alongside the rest of a bladder-friendly routine.
Learn more about CalGly
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is food acid?
Which everyday foods and drinks are most acidic?
What is CalGly?
Is CalGly the same as Prelief?
Who uses CalGly?
Try it
A calmer way to enjoy the foods you love
CalGly — a pre-meal food-acid buffer with organic aloe vera. 120 vegan capsules, €19.95.
Shop CalGlyFood-acid relief · Bladder-friendly living blog
Food supplement. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of children. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.