Feeling in ill health is so frustrating and debilitating that it is easy to understand why some people grasp at straws in their search for a miracle cure. One of the more popular theories of optimal health involves eating a diet formulated to change the ph – the balance between acid and alkaline – in your body. This can supposedly be done with diet and by taking herbals supplements. Unfortunately, as with so many “miracles,” there’s little fact behind the theory.
Herb Facts
Herbs have been used medicinally for thousands of years, in every culture. Some – such as milk thistle – have been proven by modern science to have beneficial effects. Animal trials indicate that milk thistle can help to reverse the effects of alcohol damage to the liver. It is also used as an antidote to treat deathcap mushroom -- Amanita phalloides – poisoning.
The Acid/Alkaline Myth
Certain practitioners of and adherents to complementary and alternative medicines, holistic healing and naturopathic medicine say that a pH imbalance – specifically an acidic system – is the root cause of disease and inflammation. By eating certain kinds of foods, you can supposedly reduce the amount of acid in your system. What you eat definitely has an impact on your body, but it only changes the pH of your urine and saliva – diet has no effect on your body’s core pH.
pH Facts
Your lungs and kidneys keep your body’s pH between 7.35 and 7.45 when you are healthy. Your lungs regulate carbon dioxide. If you have too much hydrogen in your blood, your pH falls below 7.35 when you are in a state of acidosis. You can cause this by hyperventilating. If you are in a state of alkinosis, you don’t have enough hydrogen in your blood and your pH will rise above 7.45. Your kidneys regulate this by controlling your blood levels of bicarbonate.
Acid and Alkaline Herbs
There is no real proof that changing the pH level of your urine and saliva has any effect on your overall health. But if you are interested in experimenting, herbs that supposedly promote a higher alkaline balance include alfalfa grass, barley grass, basil, cilantro, dandelion, kamut grass, sorrel, stevia, straw grass and wheat grass. Ginseng will supposedly raise your acid levels.
Warning
Just because something is natural does not mean that it’s perfectly safe. Many herbs interact negatively with medicines, and some have side effects or can cause allergic reactions. Do your research before taking any herb, and consult your doctor before mixing herbs and medications.
