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Foods That Increase pH Balance

May 22, 2011 | By Marni Kyle
Foods That Increase pH Balance
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Fluctuations in pH levels can wreak havoc on the body and result in respiratory issues, cardiovascular damage, kidney failure, hormonal deficiencies and osteoporosis, among other ailments. A high pH level can result in alkalosis; low pH levels can result in acidosis. By choosing the proper foods, however, you can maintain the proper pH balance for your body and keep medical problems at bay.

A Healthy pH Level

An optimal pH level depends on where you get the measurement from. Blood levels should be between 7.36 and 7.42, according to Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy from the Center for New Medicine in Irvine, California. Connealy notes, however, on Natural News.com, that the pH level of urine should be between 4.5 and 6.0. Your saliva pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, reports PreventDisease.com. Blood tests are the most accurate and allow you to consult with your doctor about the optimum level for you; however, saliva and urine over-the-counter test strips allow you to test at home. If you are monitoring your levels at home, test two to three times throughout the day, and take an average of those numbers. Different body functions, such as removing waste, can affect your acidity levels.

Alkaline Foods

According to David Murphy, Director of the International Wellness Institute, 80 percent of your diet should be alkaline foods and 20 percent should be acidic food to maintain a proper pH balance.
When choosing foods to increase the alkalinity within your diet, you will want to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The fruits that offer the highest levels of alkalinity are grapefruit, lemons, limes, mangoes, papaya, and watermelon. To balance you pH with vegetables, eat asparagus, raw spinach, onion, broccoli, green beans or parsley. Almonds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, coconut, and macadamia nuts are also high-alkaline foods.

Acidic Foods

You do need acidity in your system to maintain proper function, which is where that 20 percent comes in. Foods that offer high levels of acid include most dairy products, wheat, pastas, beef, pork and shellfish, so include them in your diet, but do so in moderation. Also, in order to help raise the alkaline level within your body, it's a good idea to avoid processed and refined foods.

Consequences of Acidosis and Alkalosis

Acidosis is more common that alkalosis, according to Murphy, and this can cause health problems, bladder and kidney issues, cardiovascular and immune system weakness and osteoporosis. This happens because if your pH is too acidic, the body borrows vital minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, from vital organs and bones in an effort to neutralize and remove the acid. Alkalosis can be just as taxing on the body, creating confusion, lightheadedness, vomiting, numbness and muscle spasms.

References

Article reviewed by ShellyT Last updated on: May 22, 2011

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