pH Balance: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Health

Maintaining a proper pH balance in the body is one of the most important factors for health. pH is a measure of acid and alkaline in the body. It is reported on a scale from 0-14, with 7 being neutral, 1-7 acidic and 7-14 alkaline. pH levels can be checked using special testing strips. Testing is best done early in the morning and no food or drink should be consumed for 1-2 hours before testing.

Our bodies function best in an alkaline state, but most of the bodies’ functions are acidic in nature, so the body must constantly balance. A pH imbalance in either direction leads to disease, although an acid imbalance is much more common and problematic.

Diet is a huge factor in pH balance. The typical American diet of highly processed food, meat, dairy and sugar creates an acid imbalance. Other contributing factors are prescription drugs and artificial sweeteners.

Acid imbalance causes minerals to be taken from the bones in order to neutralize and remove the acid. This leads to osteoporosis and brittle bones that are prone to fracture. Excess acid also leads to a breakdown of proteins, which affects muscle mass. Other health conditions caused by excess acid include:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Weight gain, obesity and diabetes
• Hormone imbalances
• Chronic fatigue
• Urinary tract infections, kidney problems
• Premature aging
• Joint pain and aching muscles

Diet and lifestyle changes can help to correct pH levels. Generally, aim for a diet that is 80% alkaline and 20% acid. Alkaline foods include leafy green vegetables (the darker the better), fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy nuts and oils.

Raw foods and 2-3 liters of filtered water daily are recommended. It is also important to chew food well, especially carbohydrates, so that saliva (alkaline) is released. Acid foods include meats, dairy, sweets and chocolate. Alcohol, tobacco and processed or fried foods should also be avoided.