Part one: Balancing PH Levels And its Effects to Our Body
Brief Outline
Foods are considered to be alkaline or acid based on the effect they have on our body after it has processed. In order for our body to function well and our pH level be neutralized, we have to make sure that a balanced amount of acid foods and alkaline foods are retained. With the constant environment change-pollution, unhealthy foods (chemically induced), widespread diseases and etc. our body is more likely to be exposed of we may not be aware that our body’s healthy cells could be damaged.
Traditionally, we have been raised by our ancestors to eat fresh fruits and vegetables contrary to the modern western diet which is far from living a healthy diet.
Some signs of an acidic state also known as acidosis are weight gain, premature aging, diabetes, heart problems and a lot more of health problem.
Knowing and Understanding pH
PH is short for the word-potential hydrogen. It indicates the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. To be able to tell whether a pH value is high or low a scale of 0-14 is used as a basis. Values from 0-6.9 is considered to be low and is also explained to be of the acidic side while values from 7.1-14 is said to be high and is explained to be on the alkaline side. Naturally, 7 being in the middle is said to be neutral which is ideal. All of our body fluids have certain pH levels. Our blood for instance, is more on the alkaline side with a value of 7.35-7.45. Our saliva having a pH level of 6.4 to 6.8 is more on the acid side. And the ideal value for our urine is 5.8 to 6.8 still on the acid side of a pH reading. Studies from around the world show that people more inclined on the alkaline side is healthier, while people inclined to the acid side are more prone to sickness and other serious health problems.
Body’s Defense Mechanism
Our excretory organs functions as the body’s “basin” for undesired and unwanted liquid and solid matter. As this “basin” fills up, we remove all excreted matter from of our body through urine or feces. But sometimes there are those that are left that can harm our body.
Our kidneys are responsible for eliminating solid or strong acids from the bloodstream. Our kidneys discharge hydrogen ions when acid levels (mainly sulphuric and uric acid) increase, the kidneys function is to thin out acids and then remove it from the bloodstream. The deposit then goes into our urine for excretion. However, if the body is overwhelmed by a backlog of acids and the alkalis present are inadequate, our body will deplete certain minerals, such as potassium and calcium from organs and bones.
Weak or volatile acids are removed through the lungs. Carbon dioxide plus water produce carbonic acid which is banished in the course of respiration. Upsurge in breathing at rest shows an excessively acidic body. The skin’s sweat glands may also help in expelling acids in small amounts. Subsequently, a putrid body stench may be a sign of an excessive acidic condition.
The Cons
Our body has reached its maximum when we feel tired and weak. Similarly, our excretory organs experience the same way. Alkaline present in our system are used to neutralize acids entering our body, and when these are exhausted acids are then stored in our body fats. Obesity happens when our body constantly store acids in fat cells thus affecting the body’s normal metabolism.
We become more and more exposed to tiredness, disease and disorders as we experience weight gain, acidic pains and stress. Our body’s inactivity may make us want to induce caffeine, sugar, soft drinks, alcohol and medications just to be active again. As we become dependent on these stimulants we are again prone to being acidic.
The Pros
In order for our body to function well, we have to be more conscious on maintaining our pH level balanced. Otherwise we cannot properly absorb essential vitamins and minerals that our body needs. An alkaline diet based body is also being advised to all to be free of unwanted diseases like cancer. For instances that our body’s pH level is low, additional supplements could be taken to restore our health and body functions, and when our body normalizes these supplements can be stopped.
For the “Part Two” of this article, we will see exactly what comprises an alkaline diet.
Emma Deangela shares with you about using natural alkaline foods and organic for dieting. You can potentially lose fats and stay healthy if you follow her advice closely. If you happen to not know about alkaline foods, she has some of the alkaline foods list explained here.