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Acid/Alkali Balance

Over acidity can cause alot more then indigestion and so can the opposite. Read on to find out more about balancing acidity in your body...

Functioning of the human body is optimized when the body’s tissues and fluids are at a pH between 6.3 and 6.8. Acidosis occurs when the body is overly acidic (pH below 6.3). Alkalosis occurs when the body is overly alkaline (pH greater than 6.8).

A problem with the pH of the body is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is always a sign that there is dysfunction in a part of the body.

Acidosis can result from asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, stomach ulcers, liver, kidney, or adrenal dysfunction. Stress, anger, poor diet, aspirin, alcohol and coffee can also contribute to acidosis.

Alkalosis can result from diarrhea, vomiting, poor diet, high cholesterol or osteoarthritis. Alkalinizing drugs for treatment of stomach ulcers can also contribute to alkalosis. In the general population everyday imbalances in pH are usually due to improper diet and stress.

The symptoms of acidosis are variable depending on the cause of the imbalance. They can include everything from insomnia, migraines and difficulty swallowing to strong smelling or burning breath, stool and perspiration. The symptoms of alkalosis usually begin with an excitation of the nervous system. This can lead to hyperventilation and seizures. Other symptoms of alkalosis are variable and can include sore muscles and joints, bone spurs, high blood pressure, allergies, indigestion, menstrual problems or prostatitis.

Treating the root cause is the best way to deal with pH imbalance. Conventional treatment is only used when the imbalance is severe enough to be life threatening.

Although the potential for disease from small, long-term pH imbalances has not yet been examined; by maintaining a healthy, internal environment, you can prevent future illness. This works by maximizing your body’s potential for regulation of natural processes that aid in good health, especially if osteoporosis is of concern to you.

The air we take in is a vital part of maintaining acid/base balance. Proper breathing from the diaphragm, yoga and other activities that promote proper breathing are important.
Since the food that we eat directly contributes to our body pH, diet is also essential.

Practitioners normally give patients a list of acid/alkali foods and recommend eating mainly from the alkali list. Some people prefer to test their urine or saliva pH using litmus paper throughout the day. They then choose their diet accordingly. High amounts of raw foods, chewing properly and eating small meals have been shown to help the body maintain its pH balance.

Here are some examples of acid forming foods: alcohol, meat, fish, dairy products (unfermented), coffee, tea, soft drinks, any food with added sugar, breads, noodles and other flour products, vinegar, most legumes, most nuts and seeds, dried fruits, most pharmaceutical drugs.

Here are some examples of alkaline forming foods: most fresh vegetables and fruits (including citrus fruits), soy products, honey, molasses, maple syrup, horseradish, almonds, brazil nuts, millet, lima beans, fermented dairy products like yogurt.