Following a balanced, healthy diet will make sure that your body doesn't stray too far toward acid or alkaline. An unbalanced pH level can lead to health issues such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, fatigue, obesity and premature aging, according to EverydayDiet.org. It can also cause problems with your nervous and cardiovascular systems and your muscles.
About pH Balance
PH, or "power of hydrogen" is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower numbers meaning a higher acidity, while higher numbers mean higher alkalinity, according to EverydayDiet.org. A pH of 7 is considered neutral; the human body maintains a blood pH of about 7.4 to function properly, according to Merck.com. Our pH levels can be changed by what we eat and drink.
Acidity
A typical Western diet, which tends to be high in meats, dairy products and saturated fats, creates an acidic environment in the body, according to EverydayDiet.org. Almost all meats and dairy products; most fruits, vegetables and hydrogenated oils; white bread and pasta; soda; and junk food are all common sources of acidity in the diet, according to EnergiseforLife.com. Most people tend to be more acidic than alkaline, according to EverydayDiet.org.
Alkalinity
People who are too acidic should stick to an alkalizing diet, according to EverydayDiet.org. Vegetables; most seeds; a handful of fruits including lemons, limes and tomatoes; flaxseed, hemp and olive oil; and sprouts are all good alkaline foods, according to EnergiseForLife.com.
How to Determine Your pH Level
You can determine your body's pH level with pH test strips, which are available at most pharmacies and health food stores. The strips will react to saliva or urine, depending on which type you purchase, and will indicate if your body is acid or alkaline.
Concerns
Maintaining the right balance between acidity and alkalinity can help keep your body functioning correctly and keep you healthy. Even a minor imbalance can severely affect your organs, according to Merck.com. A deviation from the normal pH range can lead to anything from cancer to allergies to heart disease. You should test your pH levels regularly to determine if you're in a safe range.
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