What you need to know about pH
To understand the importance of the pH in our body, let’s start with some basic knowledge. Potential hydrogen (pH) is a measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ion in the body. In other words, pH is the acid/alkaline balance. The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14. In this scale a pH less than 7 is considered acidic, 7 is considered neutral and above seven is basic/alkaline.
Our body has different pH levels throughout. While human blood stays in a slightly alkaline pH range, 7.35 to 7.45, the pH in our digestive tract varies greatly (See picture below).
To stay healthy, our blood needs to be slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.3 and 7.45. If our pH is not balanced, the assimilation of nutrients will be decreased, causing a low energy production which will lower the ability of the body to repair damaged cells.
The most common form of pH imbalance is excess acidity, which can be caused by a poor diet, lack of exercise, over exercise and chronic stress. When our body becomes acidic, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium may decrease.
An acid pH has been linked with chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, chronic fatigue, slow metabolism, weight gain and slow digestion, among others.
If you are curious about the pH in your body you can use litmus paper to test your body fluids, saliva and urine. You can purchase the litmus paper strips online, from your local pharmacy or health food store.
To test your saliva: try it first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth fill your mouth with saliva and swallow, repeat; then spit on the strip. Repeat this process later on the day 2 hours after eating. Track your results.
For Urine: collect a sample in a glass container first thing in the morning and dip the strip in the container. The first pee of the day will be slightly more acidic. Repeat later on the day.
Match your strips to the associated color on the package to determine your body pH. Keep in mind that this type of tests may not be 100% accurate, but they do give you a general idea. It’s normal if the pH in your saliva stays between 7 and 7.4 all day; and the pH in your urine fluctuates between 6 and 7.
If after tracking your saliva and urine over the course of a week you find out that your pH is acidic you can:
Increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially the dark leafy kind).
Add fresh lemon or lime to foods and drinks.
Choose root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, onions and leeks.
Watch your red meat intake. Choose fish and lamb over beef and chicken.
Stay away from processed foods, sugar, flour, coffee, tea and alcohol.
Eat slow, breathing in between bites.
Detox your body once or twice a year. (Coming soon at Vitalia Nutrition!)
As you can see, balancing the pH in our body is a great step towards a good health. It is still subject of speculation that alkaline foods may restore your blood’s pH, nevertheless, when it comes down to it, it really doesn’t hurt to try. A thing I know for sure, is that an alkaline based diet puts emphasis on eating lots of fruits, vegetables and plant based foods keeping us away from those ones that are harmful for our health, like processed foods.
If you are concerned about your well-being or your diet so far, do not hesitate in contacting me. I will be very happy to help you!
Cheers to good health!
