Does pH really matter?

I know what you’re thinking, “it’s about time he posted another article!”  I was thinking the same thing.  Figured I would post one on a topic most of us don’t think of very often…the importance of our pH.  Our what?

We are probably all familiar with acids or acidity.  Generally we think of corrosive substances and this is generally true even in biology.  So what’s the opposite of acidity and what does it do?  Substances that are on the other end of the spectrum are alkaline or have alkalinity.  I will get into their role in just a minute.  First we have to understand what pH means.

The direct interpretation of pH means potential hydrogen.  The general and more easily understood definition is the acid/alkaline balance in our body.  A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral and a pH under that is acidic and over 7.0 is alkaline.  When we our pH is under 7.0 or acidic, we are in an unhealthy state where we absorb toxins at a greater rate, reduce immune function, promote growth of harmful bacteria, increase cellular damage (aging) and disrupt our ability to absorb nutrients especially minerals.  Some of the causes for this acidic pH balance can be our diet such has sugar and processed foods, dehydration and/or the quality of water we drink, little or no exercise, exposure to toxicity, pollution, and stress.  A healthy pH is about 7.2-7.4.  Most people are around 6.0 or less.

Foods that are high in sugar and grains, particularly processed, are highly acidic.  Not only do they make us more acidic but they also eat away at the enamel on our teeth.  It is this logic that led Westin A. Price, a dentist in the early 1900’s, on a journey that ultimately led him to write the book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.  In the book, which I can’t say enough about, he theorizes that it is the introduction of the western diet which is high in sugar, refined flour and processed foods that caused a rapid rise in tooth decay, obesity and disease.  He traveled around the world and looked at thousands of people and found the same thing:  that those who adopted the traditional western diet had poor dental health, higher rate of birth defects, behavioral disorders and disease.   I’m rambling about the book, but the point is if something is eating away at our teeth, chances are it is increasing our risk of other diseases as well.

Another important reason we want to keep our pH balanced, or more alkaline than acidic, is because gut flora thrives whereas an imbalance creates a more favorable condition for harmful bacterial growth, yeast and other harmful organisms. Remember…healthy gut, healthy brain and healthy everything else.

An imbalance in the body's pH levels can affect all major body systems - especially the digestive (liver, gall bladder), intestinal (colon and small intestine), circulatory and immune systems in particular, which each depend upon pH balance to function well.  Acidic waste products are part of our metabolic processes.  When or pH is in balance we are able to rid our body of these waste products more easily.  Additionally, when we are in balance we are able to rid the body of other stored or accumulated toxins and heavy metals such as mercury.  Also, the more acidic we become, the harder it is for oxygen to be present and biological terrain becomes more anaerobic.  Without adequate oxygenation, unfriendly bacteria, viruses, molds and fungus can flourish.  

When we are more acidic, the body will do what it needs to restore a pH balance.  It often does this by leeching or borrowing alkaline minerals like calcium, potassium or magnesium from organs and bones to buffer the acid…this is a bad thing.  It weakens organs and bones and over time can lead to osteoporosis…not to mention, weaken our immune system. Several studies have linked consuming diets high in refined grains and sugars to osteoporosis, which makes sense since they are so acidic.

Acidity causes inflammation.  Inflammation causes pain.  Pain causes stress.  Stress causes acidity.  In fact, EVERY disease in the body actually turns the body even more acidic.  Stress, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, high protein diets, excessive exercise and medication are some things that increase the acidity levels within our bodies. 

I mentioned a few benefits of being more alkaline so here are a few more:

• Can improve weight loss
• Reduce joint inflammation and symptoms of arthritis
• Reduced gastric/intestinal problems
• Increased energy levels
• Improve sleep patterns
• Improve appearance of skin and ability to heal
• Stronger hair, bones and teeth
• Improved liver function 

A few simple things we can do are avoid acidic foods particularly those foods that are high in sugar, refined flour/wheat or that have been processed and to reduce our stress levels.  To improve our alkalinity we can simply eat more veggies such as green leafy veggies and fruit…most fruit…and drink mineral water instead of tap.  The idea is to do a little of both.

Here are some alkaline foods… Lemons, watermelon, lentils, blackberries, raspberry, pineapple, strawberries, limes, grapefruit, mangoes, asparagus, onions, vegetable juices (excluding tomato), broccoli, kale, spinach, chard, garlic, grapes, berries, apples, pears, almonds, radishes, yams, endives, beetroots, celery, lettuce, organic carrots, ginger, cantaloupe melon, bean sprouts, cashews, chestnuts, millet, quinoa, goats milk, apple cider vinegar, bananas, oranges, fresh ginger root, watermelon, avocados, mandarin oranges, tangerines, horse-radish root, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, kiwi fruit, oats, wild rice, natural olives, green leafy vegetables, sea vegetables, sea salt, and natural still mineral water...whew!

As far as supplements go here are a few that are of interest and not very expensive:

• Magnesium
• Liquid chlorophyll
• Bentonite clay (yes, to mix in water and drink)
• Kelp

That about wraps it up.  So here are some big things to remember:

• Avoid acidic foods
• Reduce stress
• Eat more alkaline foods
• Low pH is acidic and high pH is alkaline
• We are healthier when we are slightly more alkaline
• Balanced pH allows us to remove toxins and improve our overall health

Not very complicated here.  As with anything, this is just another piece of the puzzle of improved health, appearance and longevity.  For those who want to read more on types of foods, I included a few links below.  Until next time, be sure to pick up something heavy and get some sprints in.

List of acidic and alkaline foods….http://www

.ctds.info/acidic-foods.html

Another link with a detailed list of acidic and alkaline foods… http://www.detoxdivas.com/Detoxdivas/Alkalize.html

Keep your eyes open, I should have some videos soon from some past lectures on many of the topics on this blog!