The Importance of Proper PH Balance!

"Paying attention to acid-alkaline balance (or pH Balance) is one of the most crucial ways you can affect your health status.  It impacts immunity, digestion, bone strength, symptoms of joint disease, hormones, and the function of essential internal organs."

          Susan Lark, M.D., co-author of The Chemistry of Success: Six Secrets of Peak Performance.

                  Source: "pH power: maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance to curtail colds and keep inflammation

                  in check" by Molly Spile, November 2005.

What is PH?

PH is short for potential hydrogen which is the standard scientific measure for levels of acidity or alkalinity in organic material. You may be most familiar with references to PH balance in relation to (i) the pH balance of soil in agriculture necessary for a healthy crop or (ii) the pH balance of aquarium water necessary for the health of fish. However, proper pH balance is also vital for humans! The pH balance of our bodily fluids is considered a measurement of our general state of health!  

How Does pH Balance Relate to Us?

"One of my discoveries is that there is only one sickness, and that is the over-acidification of the blood and tissues caused by an inverted way of eating and living."

          Robert Young, Ph.D. "Overacidity and Overgrowth of Yeast, Fungus and Moulds" Volume 20 Issue 5,  5/97

Without proper soil pH crop growth will slow as plants can no longer process essential minerals and nutrients appropriately.  Often these plants will eventually weaken and die as they succumb to funguses and disease. For fish, improper water pH levels can lead to direct physical damage to the skin, gills and eyes. Additionally, fish have to maintain proper internal pH levels as even small fluctuations of blood pH can prove fatal. 

Simply put, the same applies to humans! If our pH levels are not properly balanced we can no longer process essential minerals and nutrients appropriately. In order to function properly, our cells need to be slightly alkaline. Additionally, viruses, bacteria, and diseases tend to thrive in a more acidic environment but struggle to survive in an alkaline environment, therefore increasing our alkalinity will help to combat these conditions. Unfortunately, our diets tends to be more acidic leading to poor body function and unnecessary susceptibility to disease. An improper pH balance can not only severely impact your quality of life, but it can also shorten your life! 

How is pH Measured?

PH levels range from 0.0 to 14.0 with a pH of 7.0 considered neutral (this is the pH of distilled water). A measurement above 7.0 is considered alkaline or basic while a measurement below 7.0 considered acidic. A pH level above 7.0 (alkaline) also indicates an oxygen-rich environment, while pH levels below 7.0 (acidic) indicate an oxygen deprived environment.

We Need Alkaline pH Levels to Live a Healthy Life!

Healthy human body fluids typically register in a very narrow pH range. The pH of blood and tissues should be approximately 7.3 (slightly alkaline) while that of saliva and urine should be 6.8 to 7.0 (neutral).  Readings below this range indicate excess acidity. Acid and alkaline conditions are intended to balance each other out, however, given today's environment our body tissues typically become too acidic setting the stage for disease. Acidosis is not in and of itself a specific disease, it's a general condition of the blood and the root of many different diseases and illnesses. If our blood pH drops much below a reading of 6.8, our body cells may cease to function, change in structure, not regenerate, or die. Our ability to absorb essential nutrients or detoxify eliminating negative substances is greatly diminished. Additionally, research has shown that the body can't heal itself unless its pH level is slightly alkaline. Many if not most health problems indicate an overly acidic environment! (Source: Consumer Health Organization of Canada)What Causes Acidic pH?

Unfortunately, in today's environment of high stress, less sleep, greater exposure to toxins, and eating on the run, most people are operating in an unhealthy acidic environment internally. Many doctors believe this to be a major contributing factor to increased illness and disease.  When your body is too acidic, it will try to balance this state by utilizing existing alkaline minerals.  However, if your diet doesn't contain sufficient balancing alkaline minerals, it will either build a more acidic environment or pull nutrients from other important areas such as pulling calcium from your bones leading to diseases such as osteoporosis.

          Source: "pH power: maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance to curtail colds and keep inflammation in

             check" by Molly Spile, 11/05, citing a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Alkaline Foods to Add to Your Diet!

A good rule of thumb is that your diet should consist of only 20-25% acid forming foods and liquids and 75-80% of alkaline forming foods and liquids daily.  For those with a serious disease, diets should be closer to 100% alkaline with at least a 5:1 ratio (Source). Review our "Alkaline vs. Acidic Food List" to help you incorporate needed changes in your diet!

Test your pH at Home!  Coming Soon!

We carry a simple and economical pH self-test strip! This allows you to quickly and easily determine your pH level in the privacy of your own home! Our pH Test Strips consist of litmus paper which can test the pH level of both urine and saliva giving you more complete results! Once you know your pH level you can begin to incorporate changes into your life to properly balance your pH!  (pH Test Strips - How to use and buy)

Note: The website www.naturalhealthcarestore.com does not provide medical advise.  The site simply provides research data for informational purposes.  The content included in this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medical conditions. Statements included in this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products carried by the Natural Healthcare Store are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.