What is pH balance and why is it important?
The acronym pH stands for potential of hydrogen (i.e. the hydrogen ion concentration) and is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity in the tissues and fluids of the body. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 being perfectly neutral. According to experts, a slightly more alkaline environment, a measurement of 7.35, is the healthiest for the human body. An imbalance between the acidity and alkalinity, and high acidity in particular, in the body provides an environment for pathogens to develop, and over time can lead to organ and tissue damage, compromising the function of almost every major system in the body. In contrast - disease, “wear and tear” and long-term chronic illnesses are less likely to develop when the body’s pH is balanced over the long term.
Our complex and amazing bodies will work to keep the pH in balance despite what we throw at it (most commonly the food and liquids we consume). For example, our kidneys work to filter fluids and purify our blood. When the body is too acidic, it will compensate by pulling alkaline minerals from the bones, for example – the result is depletion in bone density and the possibility of kidney stones. In addition, acidity influences weight maintenance, as the body will shield itself from the internal acid environment by storing the acid in fat cells. Acidity also affects the way our blood cells flow – it strips away the negative charge from red blood cells. This charge keeps the blood cells separate and more easily able to flow through even the narrowest of capillaries. Clumping of red blood cells affects their ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients effectively to the body’s cells.
Achieving homeostasis
Paying attention to what you consume, managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercising can go a long way to rebalancing the pH in the body. A simple litmus test, which you can find at Clicks Pharmacies, can tell you what your pH is. From there, you can chat to the pharmacist about supplementation that can help, including probiotics, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D3. GNC has a number of pH balancing products too. In addition, be aware of acid-causing foods and try to reduce your intake of these, and drink plenty of water.
Acid-causing substances include:
- Alcohol
- Animal meat
- Artificial sweeteners
- Diet drinks
- Food colouring and preservatives
- Low-fibre and processed foods
Foods that are converted to alkaline by the body:
- Lemons
- Pineapples
- Watermelon
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Berries
- Bananas
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