pH

Acidity and alkalinity are measured in pH (potential of hydrogen). The pH scale is from 0 to 14. The most acidic is 0 and 14 is the most alkaline. Every solution is either acidic or alkaline. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. A pH below 7.0 is acidic. A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.

A common misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it has an acid-forming effect on the body. Citric fruits are a good example, they are actually alkalizing. Common symptoms of an unbalanced pH include: cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney and gall stones, tooth decay, halitosis, heartburn, bloating, belching, insomnia, water retention, migraines, constipation with diarrhea.

An acidic pH can occur from an acid producing diet, stress, or toxic overload. The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur. The extra buffering required can deplete the body of alkaline minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making the person prone to chronic and degenerative disease. Minerals are borrowed from vital organs and bones to buffer or neutralize the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of this strain, the body can suffer severe and prolonged damage, a condition that may go undetected for years. An acidic balance will decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease the ability to repair damaged cells, decrease the ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness.

Highly acidic urine pH occurs in: acidosis, uncontrolled diabetes, diarrhea and dehydration, and respiratory diseases in which carbon dioxide retention occurs and acidosis develops. Highly alkaline urine occurs in: urinary tract obstruction, pyloric obstruction, salicylate intoxication, renal tubular acidosis, chronic renal failure, respiratory diseases that involve hyperventilation. A diet rich in citrus fruits, most vegetables, and legumes will keep the urine alkaline. A diet high in meat and cranberry juice will keep the urine acidic.

Acidosis is common due to a poor diet which is far too high in acid producing animal protein like meat and dairy, and processed foods like white flour, sugar, coffee and soft drinks, alcohol, artificial chemical sweeteners and drugs. An imbalanced diet high in acidic-producing foods puts pressure on the regulating systems to maintain pH neutrality.

To maintain health, Steps to Increase Alkalinity, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming food and 20% acid forming foods.

Kathy Kafka

Complete Natural Blends