Understanding the Acid-Alkaline Balance of the Body

The concept of the acid-alkaline balance is often discussed in the realms of nutrition and connected health. It refers to the balance between the levels of acid-forming and alkaline-forming elements in the body, primarily measured through the pH scale. But what does this balance mean for our health?

1.The Basics of pH

The term “pH” stands for “potential of hydrogen.” It’s a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline. The human body’s pH varies depending on the organ or system.

For instance, the stomach is highly acidic, with a pH of around 1.5 to 3.5, which helps in digestion. On the other hand, blood pH is slightly alkaline, typically ranging from 7.35 to 7.45.

2. Why is Acid-Alkaline Balance Important?

Maintaining the right pH level in different parts of the body is crucial for several reasons:

Enzyme Function: Many enzymes in the body require an optimal pH to function correctly. Any deviation from this can hinder their performance and affect metabolic processes.
Nutrient Absorption: Proper pH levels can influence the absorption and assimilation of various nutrients, including minerals and vitamins.
Detoxification: An appropriate pH balance aids the body in eliminating toxins and waste products.
Disease Prevention: Extremes in pH can make the body more susceptible to certain diseases and conditions.

3. Factors Affecting Acid-Alkaline Balance

Several factors can influence the body’s pH levels:

Diet: Consuming a diet high in acidic foods, such as meat, dairy, and processed foods, can make the body more acidic. Conversely, alkaline-forming foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes can help balance the pH. Here it is necessary to say that what we eat affects the pH of the urine, not the pH of blood.
Stress: Chronic stress can lead to acidosis, a condition where the body becomes too acidic.
Medications: Some medications can alter the pH balance.
Environmental Toxins: Pollution and chemicals can also affect the acid-alkaline balance.

4. How to Maintain a Balanced pH

While the body has its mechanisms to regulate pH, certain lifestyle choices can support this balance:

» Balanced Diet: Include more alkaline food into your diet in this proportion:

Alkaline Foods: 60-80%

Most vegetables: broccoli, spinach, zucchini, beet, carrot, celery, salad, radish
Most fruit: bananas, avocado, melon, figs, lemons, lime, raisins, grapefruit
Legumes: lentils, peas
Nuts: almonds, macadam nuts
Seeds: sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
Herbs and spices: basil, parsley, mint, turmeric
Drinks: mineral water, green tea
All of the cold pressed oils

Acidic food 20-40%

Meat: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish
Dairy products: milk, cheeses, yogurt
Cereals: wheat (and pastry and pasta), rice, oats
Nuts: walnut, peanuts, cashews, para nuts
Some fruits: blueberries, cranberries, canned fruit
Drinks: alcohol, coffee, black tea, sweetened drinks
Other: sugar and all sweets, ketchup, mayonnaise, artificial sweetener

Neutral food

Some types of cereals: corn, barley
Clean water
Potatoes
Most herbs and spices in a small amount

» Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps flush out excess acids.

» Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.

5. Conclusion

The acid-alkaline balance plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Also, by understanding how our body works, we consciously contribute to its better functioning.

And it’s much easier than it sounds. More vegetables and fresh foods in the diet and reduced sugar, white food, alcohol, etc. will benefit to all of us, whether we think about what is alkaline or acidic. It is just one of the explanations why eat healthier and guides us to more colorful diet and so more colorful life..