Acid-alkaline health benefits & how to improve the pH of the body is without a doubt one of the main health topics that is discussed in my clinic. The human body has an intricate balance that is maintained by the acid & alkaline systems. These systems regulate the acidity levels, which are critical for various bodily functions. However, when the acid-alkaline balance is disrupted, it can cause symptoms, benefits & issues.

The human body needs to maintain a proper balance between acid and alkaline for optimal health. Our bodies are naturally slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.4. Alkalinity is thought to help protect against disease, improve the immune system, and even slow down the aging process. Acidic levels can lead to inflammation, irritation & infection.

 

 Chart – Normal Body pH Range:

 

Acidic system:

 

The acidic system is responsible for maintaining the pH levels in the blood and other bodily fluids. The primary function of the acid system is to break down food, enable the absorption of nutrients & activate enzymes that aid in digestion.

However, an excessive amount of acid can lead to a condition called acidosis.

 

Symptoms of an acid system:

 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Coma
• Rapid heartbeat

Acidosis can occur due to metabolic & respiratory conditions, including:

• Kidney disease
• diabetes
• lung disease

However, a minor disruption of acid-alkaline balance in the body may result in unpleasant symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and bloating.

 

 Benefits of an acidic system:

 

• The ability to break down food and absorb nutrients
• Activating enzymes that promote digestion
• Regulating hormone production
• Neutralising the effects of allergens and bacteria

 

Alkaline system:

 

The alkaline system works with the acid system to regulate the pH levels in the body. This system is responsible for removing excess acid from the body, especially from the blood, & preventing the onset of acidosis.  The alkaline system achieves this by producing bicarbonate ions, which neutralize acid in the blood.

The alkaline system is also responsible for regulating the acid levels in other bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. An imbalance in the alkaline system can cause a condition known as alkalosis.

 

Symptoms of an alkaline system:

 

• Muscle spasms
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Numbness
• Tingling of the fingers and toes
• Seizures

However, minor disruptions in the alkaline system may lead to less severe symptoms such as nausea & vomiting.

 

Benefits of an alkaline system:

 

• Detoxifying the body
• Reducing inflammation
• Enhancing the immune system
• Boosting energy levels
• Improving cognitive function

 

 

 

 

Acid–alkaline imbalance & the effects on the body:

 

 

An imbalances in the acid-alkaline levels can cause various health issues. When the body becomes overly acidic or alkaline, it can cause organs and bodily systems to function improperly, leading to conditions such as: https://www.healthline.com/health/acid-base-balance

 

• Osteoporosis & arthritis – Acidic conditions in the body can cause calcium to leach from bones, reducing density & contributing to osteoporosis. It can also cause joint inflammation & lead to arthritis
• Metabolic acidosis – The build-up of acid in the body due to kidney disease or kidney failure is called metabolic acidosis. When your body fluids contain too much acid, it means that your body is either not getting rid of enough acid, is making too much acid, or cannot balance the acid in your body
• Respiratory acidosis – The lungs work with the kidneys to regulate pH levels. They manage the concentration of carbon dioxide, which regulates the acidity levels in the bloodstream. Too much acid can cause respiratory acidosis, which affects breathing and may cause fatigue, seizures & even comas
• Kidney stones – The kidneys play an essential role in regulating the body’s pH levels. They filter out excess acid & maintain proper pH levels in the body. Too much acid in the bloodstream can cause the kidneys to work overtime, leading to complications such as kidney failure, kidney stones & hypertension
• Liver disease – The liver plays a significant role in detoxifying the body. It is responsible for metabolizing acidic waste and clearing impurities from the bloodstream. An overproduction of acid in the body may cause liver disease & impede liver functioning.
• Heart disease – Acidosis can cause heart diseases such as hypertension, stroke & heart failure by weakening the heart muscles and impairing their ability to pump blood effectively
• Diabetes – Excessive acid in the bloodstream can cause the body to become resistant to insulin, leading to diabetes.
• Cancer – Requires an acidic environment to survive & thrive. Excessive acidity in the body may fuel cancer growth & increase the risk of cancer development.

Dietary cause of Acid-alkaline imbalance:

 

• Consuming an excessive number of acidic foods such as coffee, meat, dairy & processed foods can cause the pH levels in the body to become too acidic.
• On the other hand, consuming an excessive number of alkaline foods such as leafy greens, fruits, & vegetables can cause the pH levels in the body to become too alkaline.

Maintaining the acid-alkaline balance is essential for optimal wellbeing. It is crucial to maintain a balance between these systems to improve energy levels, digestion & overall health. You can maintain balance through:

 

 Acid-alkaline health benefits lifestyle choices:

 

• Eating a balanced diet: Consuming a balanced diet with more alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables can help keep the body’s pH levels in check https://www.nutritionalhealthenterprises.com/how-a-ph-imbalance-can-impact-your-health/
• Hydration: Drinking enough water can help flush out excess acid from the body and maintain proper hydration levels.  https://www.nutritionalhealthenterprises.com/alkaline-water-purifier/
• Exercising regularly can help balance pH levels by reducing stress levels
• Reducing stress levels can also help reduce the production and accumulation of acid in the body
• Monitoring your pH levels: Regular monitoring helps to stay informed about the body’s acid-alkaline balance & make necessary changes in lifestyle to maintain the balance

 

 In conclusion:

 

In conclusion, maintaining a balance between acid and alkaline is essential for optimal health. Eating alkaline foods can provide numerous health benefits including improved immune system function, slowed aging process & reduced inflammation.

I feel the most important way to keep your pH in check is to eat a clean healthy diet which includes whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains & healthy fats while limiting highly processed snacks & other packaged foods with added sugar & salt. It may also be associated with terms like – plant-based, grass-fed, sugar-free or gluten-free.

 

 

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