What is pH?
pH (potential of hydrogen) represents the balance of positively
charged (acid-forming) ions to negatively charged (alkaline-forming)
ions in your body. The lower the pH of your blood, the more acidic; the
higher the pH, the more alkaline.
Studies show you pH directly impacts your overall health, including
energy, digestion and skin - as well as your risk for serious diseases
including cancer, osteoporosis and even obesity.
For optimum health, our body's pH should be slightly alkaline; however
the majority of North Americans are overly acidic due mostly to their
diets. The good news is that you can become more alkaline,
starting with an easy pH test and the right dietary and lifestyle
changes.
How Does the Acid-Alkaline balance work?
Everyday we derived energy from the foods that we eat and a
steady flow of oxygen. After food is digested and absorbed what's left
behind is an ash residue that's either acidic (requiring elimination via
the intestines, kidneys, skin or lungs) or alkaline.
Before the body can excreted the acidic waster products, it must
neutralize them using a steady source of oxygen and minerals found in
foods such as vegetables, herbs and green food supplements. When there
is ample oxygen and alkaline minerals available for neutralization, the
body's pH remains balances and its organs function correctly.
Are YOU at Risk?
What causes Acidosis? -When we consume too many acid-forming foods, and
not enough alkaline-forming foods, the body looks to its own "buffers"
(stored alkalized minerals) to neutralize the acidic load. Emotional and
physical stress also increases acidity, due to its uric acid by-product.
What happens when the body is TOO Acidic?
In addition to the tell-tale signs such as low energy and poor
digestion, studies have shown a direct link between an acidic pH and a
variety of health issues, including:
Free radical oxidation occurs with greater ease, while antioxidant
activity is impaired
Vitamins and minerals from foods or supplements are not absorbed well
Friendly bacteria in the small intestine die and the immune system is
impaired
Connective tissue becomes weakened causing skin and hair to lose their
tone
Sleep patterns are disturbed
Cold, infections, headaches and flu become more frequent
Physical and mental energy is depleted, affecting stamina and moods
What causes excess acid in the body?
It could be:
Easting too many proteins, grains or dairy products
Strenuous exercise
Excess stress
Excess acid is excreted in urine, and is a signal that the body
chemistry is not in balance. The acid level in the body may be a factor
in determining an individuals health.
pH and Weight Loss
Can a healthy pH help you lose weight? YES! That's because instead of
eating processed foods that overload your body and deplete energy, an
alkaline-friendly diet feeds your body whole, natural foods for the best
energy, digestion and metabolism. Studies also show that diets high in
acid-forming foods promotes production of the stress hormone "Cortisol",
which in turn promotes the accumulation of abdominal fat. In other
words, pay attention to the pH scale and not your bathroom scale and
your body will reward you back!pH and Serious Illness
For years, doctors have linked oxygen supply with cancerous
activity. Research shows acidosis (little to no oxygen) appears to allow
the pathogens and cancer cells to proliferate, whereas an alkaline pH
(high oxygen levels) discourages cancer cell colony initiation and
promotion. This explains why regular, deep belly breathing is so
important! It's feeding your body oxygen!
The pH Scale
The scale runs from 0 to 14. Zero is totally acidic and 14 is totally
alkaline. The middle of the scale, at 7, is neutral. Quality water has a
pH of 7.
An ideal range for pH should be 6.2 to 7.4, typically fluctuating as
follows:
6.2 to 7.0 (morning)
6.6 to 7.2 (afternoon)
7.0 to 7.4 (evening)
If your pH level is consistently 5.5 or less, you are overly acidic and
should adjust your diet accordingly. While you may feel fine, your
health is at risk in the long-term.
To get an accurate measure of your state of health, it is recommended
that pH levels be recorded three times a day 2 hours away from meals - morning, afternoon and
night- for 30 days. Any measurement of saliva or urine is acceptable, as
long as you perform your pH test at the approximately same time each
day.
How to test pH
Tear off a strip (approx 2.5cm or 1 inch long)
If using saliva, DO NOT let the strip touch your tongue or
mouth. Collect a sample in a glass or on a spoon and test that way.
If using urine, place the paper in direct contact at mid
stream or collect sample in cup.
AS SOON as the paper makes contact with the sample, compare
the colour to the colour coded chart on the dispenser.
Write down your results and repeat for 30 days to get a fair
reading.
How to become MORE Alkaline
One of the most important steps to increasing alkalinity is to
reduce the intake of acid-forming foods and increase intake of
alkaline-forming foods. The ideal diet is comprised of 75%
alkaline-forming foods and 25% acid-forming.
Other proven ways to become more alkaline include:
Reduce and/or eliminate stress
Reduce and/or eliminate medications where possible
Exercise regularly
Practice "deep belly breathing" throughout the day
|