Is Your Acid vs Alkaline Balance Important?

Our blood sits at a pH of 7.4. This means it leans, ever so slightly, alkaline. If something were to happen in our body and this somehow changed, even by a small amount, like lower to 6.8 or even higher to 8.0… we would die. Fortunately, our body is pretty adamant about keeping our blood pH at 7.4, maintaining the acid vs alkaline balance.

How Your Body Keeps Things Neutral

If our blood begins to decrease to a more acidic state, our body buffers this acidity with alkaline minerals from our body. These are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Since you can only get these minerals from your food, it is vital that you eat the foods that contain them. They are primarily found in fruits and vegetables.

These alkaline minerals neutralize body wastes, like acid waste from cell metabolism. If you continually have excess acidity in your blood it can deplete your body’s alkaline mineral stores. This makes it harder to make enzymes (which are absolutely important). Minerals are needed for enzyme production and for carrying electrical currents in the body. A shortage of enzymes can be a reason behind allergies.

When A Diet Is Acid-Forming

A diet lacking fruits and veggies that has excess meat, fat, and refined products will push the body to an acidic state. This can use up the body’s stored minerals in order to neutralize the acids. A highly acidic diet will also cause cell activity to slow down, causing fatigue. Eventually, this can exhaust the body systems and lead to degenerative changes in tissues, organs, and body structures.

To Conclude

It’s generally a good idea to know what foods are acid-forming and which are alkaline-forming. If you eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, minimal animal protein/dairy, your body will have the balance it need to function effectively. Essentially, to maintain the acid vs alkaline balance, eat lots fruits and vegetables. Lots.

Sources

Carolee Bateson-Koch. Allergies: Disease in Disguise.
Tennessee: Books Alive, 1994. Print.

Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered any type of medical advice. The information provided in this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition or disease, and should not be substituted for professional care. If you suspect or have a medical condition, consult an appropriate health care provider.