Why Ph Balancing is Important

What is often  overlooked in our quest for health is the importance of pH balancing. When I first became involved in health I had no idea how important the acid-alkaline balance is for the body. I didn't realize the importance it made for someone's health to focus on keeping the pH in balance. pH is an important matter for optimal health, and it can affect the all the major body systems if the body's pH is out of balance. A pH balanced body allows the body to function properly, and maintains proper metabolic functions.

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of  a solution.  The body has an acid-alkaline ratio which is an balance between positively charged ions that are acid forming, and negatively charged ions that are alkaline forming. The body uses hydrochloric acid to break down foods and nutrients, so the optimal pH for saliva and urine is slightly acidic, around 6.4-6.5 If your urinary pH  fluctuates between 6.0-6.4 in the morning and 6.4 -7.0 in the evening you are within normal range. The best is to test one hour before meal or two hours after a meal.

The body constantly tries to maintain the balance, once there is an imbalance the body systems can become weakened. The body needs to be balanced in order to properly assimilate minerals and nutrients. The ideal ratio is 80% alkaline food and 20% acid forming food in the diet, and this make  the strongest resistance against disease.

Acidic

It is more common for people to be acidic than be alkaline today. An acidic condition forces the body to borrow minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium from bones and vital organs in the body to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. Over time it weakens the bones and the organs. A high acidity prevents the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, and the body is constant deficient even with supplements. This is one reason why supplements don't work as they should. Acidosis, high acidity level, may lead to cardiovascular weakness, weight gain, bladder and kidney concerns, immune deficiency, joint discomfort, low energy and lower bone density.

Avoid canned, frozen, and processed foods. Dairy, sodas, most grains and nuts are also acidic, and so is meat, It is also important to avoid refined sugar, rice and  flour.  Artificial sweeteners are the worse by all means.

Alkalinity

It is fairly uncommon to be alkaline. It causes several of the same kind of mineral problems as acidity. It takes longer for someone who is alkaline to normalize the pH balance than an acidic person. Alkalinity may lead to digestive sluggishness, immune system concerns, urinary weakness, nervous system exhaustion, respiratory concerns and intestinal system concerns.

How do I deal with an acidic body?

Well, first of all, start focusing on balancing the pH ratio, 80% alkaline* and 20% acidity** by changing your diet. Sometimes the body needs additional supplements in order to restore the balance. 

*Alkaline foods

Garlic, Asparagus, Fermented Veggies, Watercress, Beets Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Chlorella, Collard Greens, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi,Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Dulce, Dandelions Edible Flowers, Onions, Parsnips, (high glycemic)
Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin, Rutabaga, Sea Veggies, Spirulina, Sprouts, Squashes, Alfalfa, Barley Grass,
Wheat Grass, Wild Greens, Nightshade Veggies

Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Currants, Dates/Figs, Grapes,
Grapefruit, Lime, Honeydew, Melon, Nectarine, Orange, Lemon, Peach, Pear ,Pineapple, All Berries, Tangerine, Tomato, Tropical Fruits, Watermelon

Eggs, Whey Protein Powder, Chicken Breast, Yogurt, Almonds, Chestnuts ,
Tofu (fermented), Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Tempeh (fermented), Squash, Seeds, Sunflower Seeds,
Millet ,Sprouted Seed

Apple Cider Vinegar, Bee Pollen, Lecithin Granules, Probiotic Cultures, Green Juices,
Veggies Juices, Fresh Fruit Juice, Organic Milk (unpasteurized), Mineral Water,
Alkaline Antioxidant Water, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, Dandelion Tea, Ginseng Tea,
Stevia
Cinnamon, Curry, Ginger, Mustard, Chili Pepper, Sea Salt, Miso, Tamari , All Herbs

Almonds roasted Chestnuts, dried Coconut, Peanut

Agar, Alfafa products, dried, unsweetend Ginger, Honey, Kelp,  UnsweetenedTeas, Yeast Cakes

**Acid forming foods

All fruit that is All preserved or jellied Canned: sugared Dried, sulphured Glazed Fruits Raw with sugar Bananas if green tipped Cranberries Olives, pickled, green

Asparagus tips, white Beans, all dried Brussel Sprouts Garbanzos Lentils Rhubarb

Butter Cheese, all Cottage Cheese, Cream, Custards, Ice Cream, ices
Milk, boiled, cooked, dried

All meats, fowl & fish, Beef Tea, Fish, Shellfish,  Gelatine, Gravies

All flour product, Buckwheat, Barley Bread, all kinds Cakes, Corn, Cornmeal, corn flakes
starch and hominy Crackers, all Doughnuts

Because a fruit is "acid" doesn't mean it will be acid in the body, the reaction may be alkaline instead.

Honey and raw sugar shows as  alkaline, but in a higher sugar concentration makes it acid. Also, there are several lists and some food are listed as acidic on one but alkaline on another. Just remember that greens and most fruits are considered alkaline, especially those high in potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. (Plant based, not salt). Processed food is acidic.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils.  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She received her aromatherapy education at the American College of Health Care Sciences.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. Explore her new aromatherapy new blog and find out how you can get her e-book for free. Johanna is also the founder of the new network blog, Living Well Moms, and her posts are published every Monday.