Understanding pH

Very few people understand the importance of balanced pH levels, let alone that pH exists in the body. It is measured from 0 to 14. 7 is neutral. 0 to 7 is acidic, and 7 to 14 is alkaline (or basic). The body’s pH levels vary depending on the organs and functions, but blood pH is the most important. Healthy blood pH has a slim range between 7.35-7.45 and cannot waiver from that range. It is slightly alkaline. The pH levels in the digestive tract range from 1.5-7 depending on the stage of digestion. These acidic levels are needed for digestion, but over-acidity can negatively affect blood pH and other pH levels in the body.

High acid levels in the body have been linked to over 150 degenerative diseases because it affects the cells’ ability to repair and reproduce. Cancer patients have consistently been shown to have higher acid levels than those without. When acid levels are high, alkalizing minerals are needed to neutralize the acid in order to balance pH levels. These minerals include calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. When those and other alkalizing nutrients are not present in the digestive tract (from the foods we eat), the body has to draw those nutrients from our tissues and bones to restore healthy blood pH, which is critical. When the body struggles to maintain healthy blood pH, inflammation may occur and become chronic. Withdrawing from our mineral stores like that is what can lead to loss of bone density (osteoporosis), arthritis, tooth decay, liver and kidney failure, and numerous other diseases. (Too numerous to even list)

Your pH balance or imbalance is strongly influenced by what you eat. The recommendation is to eat a diet that consists of 75% alkaline-forming foods and 25% acid-forming foods in order to maintain a healthy pH. It is vital that we have a nutrient rich diet for healthy day-to-day digestion and pH levels and to maintain a mineral reserve for use where it is needed.

Please read Our pH and Our Food for information and recommendations on balancing pH naturally.