$\text{pH}$ Balance and Your Health: Signs of Acidosis and How to Alkalize

The concept of maintaining the body’s $\text{pH}$ balance has gained popularity, but the science behind the benefits of an alkaline environment dates back decades. From impacting energy levels to potentially influencing disease risk, understanding your body's $\text{pH}$ is a crucial step toward proactive health.

Understanding $\text{pH}$ and Acidosis

What is $\text{pH}$?

$\text{pH}$ is a chemical measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. The scale runs from $1$ to $14$:

• $7$ is neutral (like pure water).

• Below $7$ is acidic (high H+ concentration).

• Above $7$ is alkaline or basic (low H+ concentration).

In optimal circumstances, human blood is always slightly alkaline, maintaining a very tight $\text{pH}$ range of between $7.36$ and $7.44$. The body works tirelessly to keep blood $\text{pH}$ in this range.

Why Does $\text{pH}$ Matter?

While the body has strong buffering systems to prevent drastic changes in blood $\text{pH}$, supporters of the alkaline diet suggest that the body's tissues and cells can become overly acidic, a condition sometimes called acidosis.

Research, including work that earned a Nobel Prize in 1931, has highlighted a correlation between an acidic environment and cell growth (like cancer). Proponents of the alkaline diet believe that chronic, low-grade acidosis contributes to a wide range of chronic diseases, including:

• Inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis)

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Osteoporosis and kidney stones

• Metabolic syndrome

The goal of alkalizing is not to change blood $\text{pH}$, but to lessen the burden on the body's buffering systems by consuming foods that produce an alkaline residue (or "ash") after metabolism.

Warning Signs Your Body May Be Too Acidic

According to health experts, signs and symptoms that may be associated with acidosis include:

• Persistent headaches and feeling generally tired

• Lack of appetite

• Confusion or sleepiness

• Fast breathing

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How to Test Your $\text{pH}$ Level at Home

You can check your $\text{pH}$ levels using litmus paper, available at most pharmacies.

1. Urine Test: Dip the litmus paper in your first morning urine sample.

2. Saliva Test: Test your saliva one hour before a meal or two hours after eating. Ensure you swallow first to obtain a clean sample before spitting on the paper.

The $\text{pH}$ of your saliva should ideally stay between $7.0$ and $7.4$ all day. Keeping a diary can help you track your values over time.

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Tips for Alkalizing Your Body

Alkalizing focuses primarily on dietary and lifestyle shifts to reduce acid load.

1. Make Basic Dietary Changes

The goal is to increase the percentage of alkaline-forming foods while reducing acid-forming foods.

• Embrace Vegetables: Your diet should consist of at least $60\%$ vegetables. Dark leafy greens and cucumbers are particularly beneficial. These can be cooked or raw, depending on what your digestive system tolerates best.

• Eat Alkaline-Forming Fruits & Nuts: Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

• Use Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar: Despite their initial acidity, lemons and raw apple cider vinegar ($\text{ACV}$) have a powerful alkalizing effect on the body after metabolism.

  • Tip: Mix a tablespoon of $\text{ACV}$ or freshly squeezed lemon juice with warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.

• Eliminate Acid Culprits: Drastically reduce or eliminate refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine, excessive red meat, and all junk/processed foods.

2. Reduce Your Stress Load

Stress is a major factor that can push the body toward an acidic and inflamed state.

• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get sound, restorative sleep nightly.

• Exercise and Relax: Regular exercise, yoga, and simple breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.

• Practice Relaxation: Incorporate regular relaxation techniques like meditation or the emotional freedom technique ($\text{EFT}$) into your daily routine.

Going alkaline is often seen as a wise choice because it naturally promotes a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense plant foods and a lifestyle focused on relaxation and activity—changes that universally promote health and help you stay in balance.