5 Things you Need to Know About Maintaining Alkalinity in the Body

1. Balancing your pH

The balance between acid and alkaline is key to maintaining a healthy inner environment. pH is the way we talk about levels of acidity and alkalinity, where a below 7 score indicates acidity and above 7 indicates alkalinity. The amount of free hydrogen determines pH. If the pH is balanced correctly, acids will be neutralized and appropriate buffers will activate to resist changes in the pH balance. These buffers are made up of bicarbonates, albumin, globulin and hemoglobin and are there to maintain balanced digestive secretions. A pH of 7.4 is ideal for optimum body function.

2. An Acidic Environment is the Perfect Home for Unwanted Organisms

One of the symptoms of acidosis is when oxygen and calcium are lacking, preventing the body from defense against invading organisms. When the body is high in acid, it becomes a host for bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and mold. Colds, flus and mucus love these conditions. A properly alkalized body contains high oxygen levels, which destroy diseases and unwanted organisms. People with more alkaline systems absorb up to 20 times more oxygen than those with high acidosis. You can test your pH levels by using test strips bought in any pharmacy.

3. An Alkaline pH Helps Maintain Bone Mass and Reduces Body Fat

As we age, bone mass depletes, causing osteoporosis. When the diet is too acidic, our bodies cannot keep up with the calcium buffering needed for health and we begin to pull calcium from our bones and teeth. With adequate calcium intake, our alkaline level goes up and acid levels go down. Acid is also stored in fat cells. When the body is overly acidic, it creates first creates fat to protect itself from acid that could potentially seep into the organs causing problems such as ulcers.

4. Alkalinity Helps Fight the Aging Process

With an appropriate alkaline balance we maintain an appropriate level of healthy nutrients in the body that are fundamental in slowing down the aging process. Some of these nutrients include calcium, magnesium and phosphorus which function as cellular pumps necessary for keeping the inner environment healthy, along with the B vitamins which oxidize carbohydrates and fats.

5. Maintaining Alkalinity Through Diet and Exercise

We can easily balance our pH by choosing a diet that is high in alkaline and low in acid-forming foods. Include foods such as spinach, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, raisins, bananas, apricots, citrus fruits, almonds, carrots, celery, tomatoes and millet. Limit intake of carbonated drinks, animal protein, poultry, eggs, seafood, cereal grains, margarine, butter, cheese, pastas, peanuts, chocolate, coffee and tea. Smoking, too much alcohol and not enough rest can also contribute to acid conditions. Balanced exercise maintains alkalinity, however if the body becomes stressed with over-exertion, it will create lactic acid, so be sure your exercise regimen is appropriate.

Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011

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