The Nutritional Implications of Acid / Alkaline Imbalance

Have you ever checked your body's pH? Do you know what body pH is and how it plays an important role in good health? Do you suffer from acidosis? Many people never ask themselves these questions. Yet, body pH plays an important role in maintenance of your body' many intricate systems.

Acidity and alkalinity are measured according to the pH scale. Pure water, with a pH of 7.0, is considered neutral. Any substance with a pH below 7.0 is acid, while anything with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal pH range for the human body is between 6.0 and 6.8 (slightly acid). For the body, values below pH 6.3 are considered on the acidic side. Values above pH 6.8 are on the alkaline side.

You can obtain a pH test kit and determine your own body pH by doing a self test. This test will determine whether your body fluids are either too acidic or too alkaline. Apply saliva or urine to litmus paper. The paper will change color to indicate if your system is overly acidic or alkaline. Red litmus paper turns blue in an alkaline medium and blue litmus paper turns red in an acidic medium. Always perform the test either before you eat or at least one hour after eating. If your test indicates that your body is too acidic, consult the recommendations for Acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body chemistry is imbalanced and overly acidic. Symptoms of acidosis include frequent sighing, insomnia, water retention, recessed eyes, arthritis, migraine headache, abnormally low blood pressure, acid or strong perspiration, dry hard stools, foul smelling stools accompanied by a burning sensation in the anus, alternating constipation and diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, halitosis, a burning sensation in the mouth and / or under the tongue, sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits, and bumps on the tongue or the roof of the mouth.

There are two classifications of acidosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory acidosis is caused by an interruption of the acid control of the body and results in an overabundance of acidic fluids or the depletion of alkali. Simply put, it occurs if the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide. Respiratory acidosis can be a result of asthma, bronchitis, or obstruction of the airway. It can be mild or severe.

Metabolic acidosis is caused by chemical changes in the body which disturb the acid-base balance. This results in an excessive amount of acid in the body fluids. Diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, the use of unusually large amounts of aspirin and metabolic diseases are some of the conditions that can deplete the body's alkaline base. Other contributing factors can include liver and adrenal disorders, stomach ulcers, improper diet, malnutrition, obesity, ketosis, anger, stress, fear, anorexia, toxemia, fever and the consumption of excessive amounts of niacin and vitamin C.

Guidelines for avoiding or reducing pH imbalance include:

1. Practice deep breathing.

2. Eat a diet of 50 percent raw foods including apples, avocados, bananas, bilberries, blackberries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, pears, pineapple, strawberries, and all vegetables. Fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits and vegetables reduce acidosis. Start with small amounts of citrus fruits and gradually add larger amounts.

3, Chew your food slowly, and do not overindulge. Make sure food is mixed well with saliva. Do not drink fluids during meals.

4. Prepare cooked foods with care. Maintain clean working surfaces and wash vegetables and fruit. Keep meat and vegetables separate you can contaminate vegetables with bacteria from raw meat. Do not overcook vegetables, as this makes them lose flavor and nutritional value. Eat processed foods in moderation. They are low in nutrients and overexert the digestive system. Both cooked and processed foods tend to make the body more acidic. Also avoid eating late at night.

5. Drink potato broth every day.

6. Avoid animal protein, especially beef and pork, as they contribute to acidity.

7. Avoid beans, cereals, crackers, eggs, flour products, grains, oily foods, macaroni, and sugar. Plums, prunes, and cranberries do not oxidize and therefore remain acid to the body. Avoid these until the situation improves.

8. Since excess vitamin C may lead to acidosis, reduce your intake of vitamin C for a few weeks. When taking larger does of vitamin C, use a non-acid form.

9. Heartburn and indigestion can result from poor digestion. If you suffer from heartburn, taking small swallows of a teaspoon or two of natural cider vinegar in a glass of water may be of some help. It may cause a burning sensation when you swallow it, but then, in approximately twenty minutes, you should feel relief. If this helps it may indicate you lack sufficient acid in your stomach and the vinegar compensated. In this case, consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement containing hydrochloric acid (HCL).

Check your urine pH daily and avoid acid forming foods until your pH is corrected.

ACID Forming Foods include:

Alcohol, asparagus, beans, brussels sprouts, buckwheat, catsup, chickpeas, cocoa, coffee, cornstarch, cranberries, eggs, fish, flour and flour-based products, legumes, lentils, meat, milk, mustard, noodles, oatmeal, olives, organ meats, pasta, pepper, plums, poultry, prunes, sauerkraut, shellfish, soft drinks, sugar and all foods with sugar added.

Acidosis, if allowed to go unchecked, can adversely affect health. Fortunately, it is easily detected and, it can be avoided or corrected if found.