What is pH?
The scale by which we measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance is called pH (potential hydrogen). It relates to the concentration of acidic hydrogen ions in the substance being tested. This scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 0 being extremely acid and 14 very alkaline. A pH of 7 is considered neutral.
Our body's efforts to protect us
Our modern life bombards us with acid-forming stimuli. Metabolism itself is acid-forming. Pollution and chemicals around us have an acidifying effect on our body.
To maintain a healthy blood pH of 7.35-7.45 our body has a range of safety measures:
- Bones release alkaline minerals, primarily calcium, into the blood to counter acidic residues from high protein meals.
- Acidic wastes are excreted via our kidneys and urine.
- Lungs inhale alkalizing oxygen and exhale acidic carbon dioxide
We need alkalizing oxygen
Our body equates an acid state with low oxygenation. Lactic acid build-up in our tissues increases our rate of breathing during intense exercise as our body strives to maintain a normal pH. Our rate of breathing will also increase if we eat an overly acid-forming diet
Acid states support disease
Fungi such as Candida flourish in a low pH range, as do inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The metabolism of malignant cancer cells is also anaerobic (without oxygen).
Heal yourself by alkalizing
To balance acidity we recommend incorporating 75% alkaline-forming foods and alkalizing activities into your life. You will find it easier to relax; your mood will stabilize and become calmer. Aches, pains and other health concerns may start to fade. Allowing your body to enter a state in which it is better able to restore itself - you will notice the positive changes.
Which foods are acid or alkaline? See our Acid/Alkaline chart.