pH
– Get Yours Balanced for Better Health!
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Zip
and Zest – Get Yours Back Naturally!
Acid vs. Alkaline
The balance of acid versus alkaline in our bodies is crucial
to good health. Our bodies need a pH that is neutral to very slightly
acid. However, most of the foods we eat tend to make our bodies
very acid. If our pH gets too acid, then our bodies have to work
to restore balance.
Our body manages
the acid load by excreting it through normal channels of elimination,
and by buffering the acid with minerals borrowed from our bones.
When the body accumulates so much acid that the normal methods no
longer work, our body then stores the acid waste in our tissues,
joints, muscles and arteries.
Some of the
symptoms of an overly acid pH include joint pains, low energy, muscular
pain, osteoporosis, hormone imbalance, sinusitis, flu, colds, allergies,
kidney and bladder weakness, and digestive problems such as indigestion,
acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea.
Foods that
are acid forming include meat, dairy, sugar, refined wheat, coffee,
sodas, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
Foods that
offset the acid or alkaline foods are fruits (raw) and non-starchy
vegetables. Oddly enough, lemon and lime juice are alkaline forming
meaning that even though they are mild acids, they metabolize
as alkaline and help balance an acid pH. Most good quality nutritional
supplements are alkaline too this includes minerals, herbs,
enzymes and probiotics.
To neutralize
the effect of the acid forming foods, we need to eat with plenty
of alkalizing foods mainly fruits and non-starchy vegetables.
You can also help balance your body by taking appropriate herbs
and enzymes. One of my favorite alkalizing supplements is coral
calcium. Alkaline water is another great tool for managing pH.
Every health
condition I know is worsened by an over acid pH. And conversely,
every health condition is helped by a balanced pH.
pH can be
measured with pH tape or strips that are available at most health
food stores. The best way to measure your acidity / alkalinity is
to test your urine first thing in the morning. Ideal range for urine
pH is 6.4 to 7.0.
There are
many tricks and tips for managing pH here are some basic
ones:
Eat 2 servings
of alkalizing foods for every 1 serving of acid forming foods. If
you are following this article, doing the math in your head, thinking
that you would have to eat 15-20 servings of fruits and vegetables
for balance; you might want to consider cutting back on some of
the acid forming foods in your diet in addition to adding some fruits
and vegetables. If balancing your diet does not get you in the range
consider adding some coral calcium. If that does not work, consider
a whole-body cleanse. If you need more help, work with a nutritionally
oriented practitioner to get your body in balance.
June 26, 2013
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2013 Margaret
Durst
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