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Achieving alkalinity in the body has recently become a very popular topic, and for very good reasons. If you paid attention in chemistry class, you may remember the difference between an acid and a base or even the definition of pH.
The pH value determines the acidity or alkalinity of a given substance. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values considered acidic and higher values considered alkaline.
A neutral value, i.e. neither acidic nor alkaline, is close to a value of 7 on the scale.
Why is pH really important?
Scientists have already confirmed that an acidic environment is associated with faster cancer development in the body. Studies have also shown that an over-acidified organism is more prone to diseases such as arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
People with an unbalanced pH level also cannot take full advantage of the benefits of a healthy diet.
This eventually leads to exhaustion
Numerous studies have shown that if your pH is acidic, the risk of the following diseases increases:
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular diseases
- obesity
- chronic fatigue
- cancer
In contrast, an alkaline pH is associated with better memory, less pain and a lower risk of high blood pressure and stroke. pH level also affects bone health. Scientists claim that foods with an alkaline chemical composition can even improve bone density.
What causes pH imbalance?
Have you checked how many chemicals you consume? Substances like aspartame, phosphorus, caffeine and many others that you find on food labels, especially in sweet soft drinks, cause over-acidification of the body.
Every day we literally bombard our body with toxins. The clothes we wear, the towels we dry ourselves with, the floors, the dishes and the chemicals we use to clean our homes – we are “soaked to the ears” in them.
However, the biggest culprit is our diet. We stuff ourselves with fast food, refined sugars, animal products and processed foods. The same goes for a sedentary lifestyle.
You may be surprised, but too much exercise, especially cardio, can lead to a drop in pH levels because it contributes to increased stress in the body.
At first our body tries to balance the pH and restore its optimal values. However, this cannot work forever and sooner or later the acidic environment will start to invite various diseases.
Testing pH levels
Special strips (usually available for purchase) can be used for testing; you can test urine or saliva.
Saliva
Before brushing your teeth, collect saliva in your mouth and swallow it. Then repeat once more and spit directly onto the test strip. This procedure will ensure that the saliva sample is clean.
The pH value on the test strip should be between 6.5 and 7.
Urine
For testing it is recommended to use the first morning urine sample, into which you dip the test strip.
The pH value should be between 7.2 and 7.4.
How can you bring pH levels back to normal?
Here are 5 tips that will help you optimize your pH level.
1. Adequate magnesium intake
Most doctors agree that the vast majority of the population suffers from a chronic deficiency of this important mineral. Magnesium is especially important for women because it helps the body process calcium and thus protects against osteoporosis. It is also one of the most important factors affecting the body’s ability to balance pH levels.
It provides the body with immediate energy. In liquid form, often as a supplement fortified with calcium, it is an excellent addition to the diet. Foods rich in magnesium include avocado, almonds, cashews and spinach.
2. Reduce sugar
Besides being one of the most acidic foods we consume, sugar also weakens our immunity and our ability to maintain desired body weight. If you replace white sugar with more alkaline sweeteners like stevia, you will notice immediate changes.
They not only balance pH levels but also stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Adding enzymes to the diet
In an over-acidified organism, digestive enzymes in the small intestine can be damaged. This weakens our body’s ability to process food and extract all the nutrients from it. This can lead to metabolic disorders, weight gain and diabetes.
By reintroducing enzymes, especially bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya), into your diet you will create an ideal environment in the body for alkaline fruits and vegetables. They can work wonders for your body.
4. Drink lemon water
Lemons are the most alkaline fruit that exists (they are acidic, but when reacting with digestive enzymes they become alkaline). Water, on the other hand, is absolutely fundamental for suppressing the side effects of acidic caffeinated, sweet drinks and teas. It also helps clean the kidneys.
If you start the day with a glass of lemon water and drink plenty of it throughout the day, you will provide your body with the proper alkaline environment.
5. Replace meat with vegetables
Most types of meat are beneficial for body balance because meat contains zinc and potassium. These two substances help our body retain the minerals obtained.
However, meat is also acidic and many of us eat more of it than we need. So leave it where it belongs: as a complement to alkaline fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Not all vegetables are alkaline, but most are. For example, pinning a list of acidic and alkaline foods to your fridge will surely help with meal planning and shopping.
Remember that the natural pH value of a food may not have the same effect on your body.
Also don’t forget about stress – try to reduce it! Quality sleep, exercise and relaxation can work wonders for our body and mind.
pH scale
Source: alternativnimagazin.cz
