We use too many drugs, which are acid-forming; and we use artificial chemical sweeteners like NutraSweet, Equal, or aspartame, which are extremely acid forming (not to mention the neurotoxin characteristics!). One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle. Stress and physical activity (insufficient or excessive amounts) also cause acidification.
Research shows that when food is metabolized and broken down, it leaves certain chemical and metallic residues, a noncombustible “ash” which, combined with our body fluids, yields either acid or alkaline potentials of pH. Certain foods are “acid-forming” in nature, whereas others are known to be “alkalineforming.”
Note that a food’s acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very acidic; however the end-products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so lemons are alkaline-forming in the body. Likewise, meat will test alkaline before digestion but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acid forming.
The body becomes imbalanced and overly acidic primarily as a result of five things:
1. An acidic, low-oxygen environment in the body which is a result of eating diets that are heavy in sugars, dairy, meats, refined grains, fast foods and processed foods. These foods are all lacking in essential micro-nutrients; they leave behind an acidic ash following digestion.
2. A lack of the proper building blocks for the cell membranes that don’t allow for the transfer of oxygen and nutrients into the cells. Cell membranes are made up of lipids (fats), and the body will use whatever form of fats that you are consuming, even if they are toxic and will clog the cells. Eat healthy fats, such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil and butter.
3. A lack of permeability of the cell membrane will cause a build-up of cellular toxicity which further damages the respiratory mechanisms within cells; not allowing the cell to breathe and remove waste, forcing the cell to switch over to the fermentation process of energy production in order to survive.
4. Poor blood and lymph flow due to the lack of movement and exercise.
5. Extended indulgence in toxic emotions.
Which Foods Are Acid-Forming And Which Ones Are Alkaline-Forming?
Researchers find that most people are at least slightly acidic; their pH is low. Most of us habitually consume a diet high in meat, high in carbohydrate, high in fat and very little, if not completely inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. That means that most of us will experience a continual acid pH and the older we are, the more “acid” we tend to become.
How Do I Know If I Have Acid pH?
pH measures the balance between positively and negatively charged ions in the body fluids, i.e. blood, urine and saliva. A low pH number indicates that your body fluid is on the acidic side. A high pH number indicates you have alkalinity. This delicate balance is an important indicator of overall health.
Blood pH should be slightly alkaline (7.35 – 7.45). Below or above this range means symptoms and disease. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. A pH below 7.0 is acidic. A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.
Urine pH levels can indicate how well your body is assimilating minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. These are called the “acid buffers” because they are used by the body to control acid levels. When acid levels begin to increase, the body becomes less capable of excreting acid. It must either store the acid in body tissues, or buffer it-that is, borrow minerals from organs, bones, etc., in order to neutralize the increase in acidity. Urinary pH should fluctuate between 6.0-6.4 in the morning and 6.4-7.0 in the evening.
Test Strips can determine your urinary pH. When urinary pH is continuously between 6.4 and 7.0 (depending upon the time of day), you’re functioning in a healthy range.
Saliva pH – The results of saliva testing can indicate the activity of digestive enzymes in your body, especially the activity of the liver and the stomach. This reveals the flow of enzymes running through your body and shows their effect on all the body systems and your tissues. Some people will have acidic pH readings from both urine and saliva-this is referred to as “double acid.” Salivary pH should stay between 6.4 and 6.8.