Body pH Balance

pH, which is short for "potentiometric hydrogen ion concentration", is the measure of the acidity of a specific solution. Various solutions possess various pH levels. Solutions with a pH level below 7 are referred to as acidic while those with a pH of 7 or higher are considered basic or alkaline.

What we know about pH originated with the findings of Danish chemist Soren Peder Lauritz Sorenson on 1909. Further research led to small changes in 1924 when the modern knowledge of pH was born. Scientists have continued to study mathematical equations and applications for pH, including various scales, tests, and figures.

Health professionals now suggest we aim to keep our pH levels neutral or even slightly alkaline to increase our potential to live long, healthy lives. When the body's pH level becomes too acidic, there is a greater risk of many prominent health problems including heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Dietary Effects on Body pH

While no food is inherently dangerous as far as pH levels go, the construction of our diets leads to the serious health problems. Dairy products, grains, and meat tend to be closer to the acidic level of the pH scale. These foods are not harmful when eaten in moderation, nor will they lead the body to ultimate acidic failure. However, the problem arises because people do not balance out the acidic foods with the alkaline fruits and vegetables.

A diet prone to acidic foods depletes proper mineral balance in the body. As the levels of calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients slowly decrease, the body becomes weak. Muscle mass and bone strength diminish while the kidneys try to counteract the acidic effect in the body. In the end, the body continues to grow weaker and weaker, unable to neutralize the intense acids.

Although most of us do not consider pH levels in relation to our nutritional habits, it is essential to balance our diets with both acidic and alkaline foods. We do not need to think about anything different from what we have already heard from nutritionists. Simply put, we should strive to consume five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day along with dairy products, grains, and meat. As we eat a balanced diet, our body's pH levels will naturally balance themselves out.

Lest you fear that your entire diet is unhealthy at this point, consider that you only need to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables in order to maintain proper levels in your diet. Including fish, eggs, rice, bread, or meat in your diet is not going to cause osteoporosis or heart disease. Instead of focusing on all of the negative effects, counteract any of those negative health effects by consuming large quantities of alkaline foods. Not only will your pH levels benefit, but your entire body will benefit from a healthy supply of fruits and vegetables.

Testing Body pH Levels

If, for some reason, you are concerned about your body's pH, you may benefit from testing the levels. This will allow you to focus your diet to reach or maintain a healthy pH level.

To test your body’s pH level, all you need are some pH litmus test strips. Before you eat or drink anything in the morning, wet a strip of test paper with your saliva. The paper will take on a specific color which you can match to the color chart provided in the package. Secondly, it is suggested to wet the strip with your second urination of the morning. After approximately ten days of these two morning tests, you can average the numbers together to receive your body's pH level.

If you fear that your body is still too acidic, you may try taking supplements to raise pH levels to alkaline. However, there is no proven research that taking supplements will reduce any of the acidic effects. For some, taking calcium and magnesium supplements has had a positive effect. Others take vitamin C or potassium to achieve the right effect. If you are interested in the effects of certain foods or supplements, you can continue to test your pH levels as you experiment.