Acidemia- The Modern Day Nightmare!

Acidemia means abnormal acidity of the blood. In technical terms, acidemia is decreased pH of body fluids due to increase in the Hydrogen ion concentration in the blood. The wrong foods, environmental toxins and an unhealthy modern day lifestyle, apart for other factors, can lead to acidemia. 

The Right Balance

pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH can also be said to be a measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. When the concentration of H+ (Hydrogen ions) equals the concentration of OH- (Hydroxide ions), the solution is said to be neutral and corresponds to a pH level of 7.0. Pure water is said to be neutral. When the concentration of H+ exceeds that of OH-, the solution is said to be acidic, and the pH level is lower than 7.0. Similarly, when the concentration of OH- exceeds that of H+, the solution is said to be basic or alkaline, and the pH level is greater than 7.0. So higher the H+ concentration, lower the pH and vice versa. An acidic fluid is oxygen deprived and an alkaline fluid is oxygen rich. Our bodies function best when blood and tissue fluids are neither too acidic nor too alkaline. So the right balance is very important. Since blood is a liquid, it can be acidic or alkaline. The same can be said of urine and other bodily liquids. Acidemia is the state where the blood pH is less than 7.4. Acidosis is a metabolic state that increases acidity in the body and should not be confused with acidemia. Acidosis may lead to acidemia. 

The body becomes acidic due to a number of factors which include acidic foods, emotional stress, overload of toxins and immune reactions. In such a situation the body is deprived of oxygen and other essential minerals. The body thus tries to balance the pH by using alkaline minerals such as calcium from the bones. As the calcium content of the bones decreases, osteoporosis sets in. Acidosis which is a metabolic state that increases acidity leads to acidemia and results in various disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure and most cancers.  

The Right Diet

The modern diet is devoid of proper nutrients. To make matters worse, our diet consists of unhealthy acid-forming foods. These foods disrupt the acid-base balance of the body leading to various degenerative disorders. In such conditions, alkaline foods not only help maintain the acid-base balance, but also act as antioxidants and counter the damaging effects of free radicals. Including alkaline foods such as Lemons, Watermelons, Papayas, Apples, Avocados, green bananas, beet and the like can counter acidemia. Acid producing foods such as red meat, carbonated soft drinks, white flour products, coffee, chocolate, white sugar and other processed foods are to be restricted. Flavonoids found in apples and other fruits and vegetables, teas and red wine are known for their antioxidant activity and thus help protect against cancers and heart disease. Quercetin is one of the most active flavonoids and is found in oranges, green and black tea, red wine, onions, leafy green vegetables and beans.

 Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Environmental pollution is detrimental to our health. The increase of toxins and pollutants in the air not only affects our lungs, thereby shortening life; but also affects our skin, giving it an ageing look. The increase of carbon-dioxide off course leads to global warming and the slow death of the planet, but it also increases the risk of acidosis and thereby acidemia that leads to various diseases. Environmental toxins are chemicals that we are exposed to through water, food and air. These toxins are the result of industrial processes and the processing of various foods that we eat. A study revealed that 95% of cancers are produced due to exposure to diet and environmental toxins. These toxins get stored in the fat cells and cause diseases including neurological disorders, endocrine disorders, hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders and immune system depression. Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are banned in the U.S. they still find their way in certain foods. Pesticides have been found in commercially grown fruits, vegetables and meats. Fungal toxins found in certain foods and alcoholic beverages can cause cancer, heart diseases, asthma and multiple sclerosis. Phthalates, found in plastic wraps and containers can contaminate food and cause damage to the endocrine system. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) present in household deodorants, cleaning liquids, varnishes, insect repellants and paints can cause a variety of disorders. Heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminum, lead, cadmium and mercury present in dental amalgams, antiperspirants and building materials can penetrate the soft tissues of the body. Chlorine which is commonly used to purify water, in household cleaners and in industrial processes can cause certain minor disorders and other serious disorders. Other toxins such as chloroform, dioxins and asbestos add to environmental toxicity, producing detrimental effects on health. 

The Right Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes may bring about as much as 90% improvement in health. Instead of drinking coffee in the morning, a mug or green of black tea, rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and catechin, a few times a week, can make a big difference. Coffee increases acidity and regular consumption may lead to acidemia. Coffee irritates the stomach lining and may even cause acid reflux reaction and a host of other problems. Drinking plenty of water helps detoxify the body. Going for a refreshing walk or exercising first thing in the morning has positive benefits on health and lifestyle. Avoiding addictive habits such as cigarette smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol can definitely have positive results in avoiding acidemia. Our mental and emotional state also is very important. Stress, anger and anxiety tips the body balance towards the acidic side. Meditation and other methods of physical relaxation may help.

 Go Natural

In order to limit the effects of environmental toxins, ‘natural' is the keyword. One must eat organic foods as much as possible. The use of natural cleaning agents, natural cosmetics, toiletries and sprays can help in keeping these toxins at bay. Exposing yourself to natural sunlight for a good dose of vitamin D can boost your immune system. You must limit the consumption of processed foods, artificial sweeteners and the use of synthetic material. 

Although you may seem to be doomed to living in an age when little can be done to avoid environmental toxins, limiting exposure to these toxins, and making the necessary changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in fighting acidemia.