Acid Alkaline Balance for Good Health

What is an Acidic Body

An acidic body refers to a condition where the body's pH levels are lower than normal, indicating higher acidity. This condition is known as acidosis. The body maintains a balance of acids and bases, typically with a pH of around 7.4 for blood. When this balance is disrupted, the pH drops and rises, sometimes leading to various health issues.

There are two main types of acidosis:

Metabolic Acidosis

This occurs when the body produces too much acid or loses too much bicarbonate. An acidic body has a net increase in hydrogen ions (H+) which causes free radicals in the body resulting in oxidative stress. This contributes to many common illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension and so on.

Respiratory Acidosis

This happens when the lungs can't remove enough carbon dioxide, leading to increased acidity in the blood. Obesity, sedative usage, and persistent respiratory disorders are some of the causes.

Symptoms of acidosis can include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and rapid breathing. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have acidosis, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

What is an Alkaline Body

The term "alkaline body" describes a state in which the body's pH values are higher than usual, signifying a decreased level of acidity. This is frequently discussed as keeping the pH balanced to support general health and the ideal pH for the body is approximately 7.4, which is slightly alkaline.

Researchers of an alkaline diet believe that consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that leave an alkaline PH may help this balance and improve health conditions.

Here are some key points:

An alkaline diet focuses on consuming more plant-based foods that can help reduce acidity in the body.
Drinking plenty of water is important, as it can help maintain the body's pH balance.
Some researchers and doctors suggest that a slightly alkaline body can reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases.

How to tell if your Body is Alkaline or Acidic

To find out if your body is more acidic or alkaline, there are the following methods:

PH Testing Strips

These are available at pharmacies and can be used to test your urine or saliva. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity.

Blood Tests

A more accurate method is a blood test, which measures the pH level of your blood. This test is typically done by a healthcare professional.

Symptom

Pay attention to symptoms that might indicate acidosis (high acidity) or alkalosis (high alkalinity). Common symptoms of acidosis include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and rapid breathing. Symptoms of alkalosis can consist of muscle spasms, irritability, and tingling in the extremities.

Harmful Effect of an Acidic Body

An acidic body can have several harmful effects on your health. Here are some of the key issues:

High acidity can delay or hinder regular cellular energy production, which makes you feel tired and drained out - causing chronic fatigue.
Acidic conditions may deplete essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, leading to muscle pain, weakness, or cramps.
Acidosis can lead to inflammation and reduced oxygen supply to the brain, triggering recurring headaches or migraines.
An acidic environment can impair immune function, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion may indicate excess acidity in the stomach and digestive tract.
High acidity can contribute to inflammation in the joints, worsening conditions like arthritis and causing stiffness and discomfort.
Acidic conditions can lead to skin issues such as dryness, irritation, and acne.
Acidosis can weaken nails and hair, making them more prone to breakage and damage.

Harmful Effect of an Alkaline Body

An extremely alkaline body can also have harmful effects on your health. Here are some potential issues:

Severe alkalosis can lead to confusion, which may progress to loss of consciousness and even coma.
High alkaline levels can cause muscle twitching, spasms, and prolonged muscle contractions.
Alkalosis can lead to nausea and vomiting, making it difficult to maintain proper nutrition.
This condition, characterized by low potassium levels, can result from alkalosis and lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even heart arrhythmias.
Excessive alkalinity can cause irregular heartbeats, which may result in chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath.
You may experience numbness or tingling in your face, legs, and arms due to altered nerve function.

Best PH for a Health Body

A slightly alkaline pH of 7.4 is ideal for a healthy body. This is especially vital for blood since it guarantees proper metabolic function and the preservation of the body's biochemical balance.

Maintaining this pH balance involves:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Managing stress, which can influence your body's pH levels by increasing cortisol.
Avoid excessive consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks, such as sodas, processed foods, and excessive amounts of meat.
A fibre diet can help to lower body pH and can be very useful for people having diabetes and high blood pressure.
Balancing PH doesn't involve cutting out certain foods completely. This means that you need to balance between eating acidic and alkaline foods. If you eat an acid food then balance this by eating an alkaline food.
Aim to fill your plate with 70-80% alkaline-forming foods and 20-30% acid-forming foods.

That's why healthcare providers encourage us to eat a balanced diet which includes 5 portions of fruits and vegetables and a portion is what just fits in your fist. Most fruits and vegetables are alkaline in nature while meat is acidic.

Alkaline Body Benefits

Maintaining a slightly alkaline body around 7.35 to 7.45 can offer several potential benefits though that's not always possible however you can manage this by eating a healthy balanced diet if there are no other factors for example medications or underlying health conditions.

A balanced pH can help maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce symptoms of acid reflux, ulcers and indigestion.
Proper pH balance can boost energy by optimising cellular function and reducing fatigue.
An alkaline environment can support the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections and diseases.
An alkaline diet may help reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating symptoms like arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
An alkaline pH can help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis by reducing the body's need to leach calcium from bones to neutralise acidity.
A balanced pH can improve skin health, reducing the likelihood of issues like dryness, irritation, and acne.
An alkaline diet is typically rich in fruits and vegetables, which can help in weight management and overall health.

Best 5 Alkaline Foods

There are many foods which are alkaline in nature. I list 5 of them because of their easy availability and benefits.

1. Apple

Apples are considered to have an alkalising effect on the body. They are rich in nutrients, high in fibres, have antioxidant properties and are good for heart health. They also help with weight management, and hydration and support the immune system.

2. Berries

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are naturally alkaline for the body. Like apples, they are good for the immune system because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the antioxidants in berries have been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Lemon

Lemons are naturally acidic, but once the body metabolises them, they have an alkalising effect. They are rich in vitamin C and can help detoxification. They are good for the digestive system and have antioxidant properties. The citric acid in lemons may help prevent the formation of kidney stones by increasing urine volume and pH.

4. Cauliflower

In addition to its many health advantages, cauliflower is thought to have an alkalising effect on the body. They are rich in nutrition and high in fibre, making them an excellent food for weight loss. Vitamin K in cauliflower supports bone health and helps prevent bone-related disorders.

5. Ginger

Ginger helps to increase body PH and helps with digestion. This can be used in teas and food for a metabolic boost. By increasing blood circulation, ginger can lower the risk of heart disease and support cardiovascular health.

According to certain research, ginger may have anti-cancer effects because it lowers inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, ginger is known to reduce muscular soreness and pain, and it can help people who are experiencing discomfort in their muscles after exercising.

Sample Alkaline Diet Plan

Breakfast

You can make a smoothie with spinach, kale, avocado, banana, and almond milk or can simply blend apple, raspberries and cucumber with water. These smoothies are easy to make and won't take a lot of your time to prepare.

Some people also prefer teas and coffee in the morning and they can replace them with roasted chicory which are alkaline in nature and also taste like coffee.

Lunch

Quinoa salad with mixed greens, cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-tahini dressing.

Snack

A handful of almonds or a sliced apple with almond butter.

Dinner

Stir-fried broccoli, cauliflower, and tofu are served over a bed of quinoa or brown rice with Julian ginger and garlic.

Beverages

Water with lemon, herbal teas, or green tea. Roasted chicory is a coffee alternative, and one can also opt for decaf drinks.

Important Reminder

An alkaline diet is for people with severe acidosis but healthy people are recommended to eat a balanced diet. Don't forget the 80-20 rule when you have an acidic body but if your body is not too acidic or your body is slightly alkaline then you can go to the 60-40 rule.

If experiencing severe acidic or alkaline conditions, always seek advice and guidance from your healthcare provider. They are best equipped to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments tailored to your specific needs.

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