What is acid-alkaline?
Alkaline-acid refers to the internal chemistry of your body's tissues and fluids measured through pH. Health requires acid-alkaline balance. The pH refers to the potential for hydrogen. Alkaline means less hydrogen ions. Acid means more hydrogen ions.
Are most people more acidic or alkaline?
Acidity has been increasingly common in Western culture in the last several decades. Most people experiencing health problems and chronic diseases such as cancer are overly acidic. The primary influence on acidity and alkalinity is our diet. The typical Western diet, and especially the Standard American Diet, is acidogenic providing an ongoing acidifying effect in the body. For the vast majority, an alkaline diet is considered a healing diet.
What are alkaline forming and acid forming foods?
Alkaline forming foods in an alkaline diet include many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy oils. An alkaline diet is rich is green vegetables, including some raw foods. Liquid foods with vegetables through juicing helps create an alkaline environment in the body.
Acid forming foods in an acidic diet include most meats, processed carbohydrates, dairy products, and white flour and refined grain products.
Learn more in Charts of Alkaline and Acid Foods.
What else supports acidity versus alkalinity?
Acidity is also cultivated through lack of sleep, stress physically and mentally, autonomic nervous system imbalance with too much sympathetic (busy and intensive) activity without parasympathetic (rest and relaxation) activity, unhealthy thoughts, dysfunctional relationships, unhealthy habits, obesity, lack of exercise, toxic environment in your home and community, and other factors.
What are some of the potential consequences of acid-alkaline imbalance?
- Impairs cellular function
- Diminishes immunity
- Contributes to fatigue and inflammation
- Creates problems with enzyme function, osteoporosis and other problems related to mineral loss, and premature aging and accelerated aging muscle loss
What are some of the ways in which the body eliminates acid buildup and supports an alkaline pH?
- An alkaline diet
- Detoxification
- Strong organ function—the kidneys, lungs, and skin are primary organs that work to eliminate acid buildup
- The kidneys eliminate solid acids through urination.
- The lungs eliminate gas formed acids through breathing.
- The skin eliminates acids through sweat glands.
How is pH measured?
pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A score of 7 is neutral. Below 7 is acidic. Above 7 is alkaline. The optimal pH is slightly alkaline between 7.35 and 7.45. The differences in numbers appear minor. However, the difference between acidity and alkalinity is extreme in your chemistry and what is required to move the pH.
How is pH tested?
pH can be tested through saliva, urine, or blood. pH test reliability is generally viewed in that order with saliva as the least reliable and blood as the most reliable. Litmus strips available at some pharmacies measure pH on saliva. Ignore the first morning urination since that is acidic as a result of the metabolic process of overnight repair in your body. Start checking your pH in the morning with your second urination. Test urine pH several times daily over several days to one week for a snapshot into the chemistry of your body. Also have your pH tested through blood analysis.
For More Information
- The Acid Alkaline Food Guide by Dr. Susan Brown & Larry Trivieri, Jr.
- Sick and Tired? Reclaim Your Internal Terrain by Robert O. Young, PhD, Dsc, & Shelley Redford Young, LMT
- The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health by Robert O. Young, PhD, Dsc, & Shelley Redford Young, LMT
- The Ultimate pH Solution by Michelle Schoffro Cook
- The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimal Health by Christopher Vasey
Our most popular resources about the body and cancer
 Nutrition and Cancer Top Tips
You are what you eat! Some foods kill cancer cells and others promote cancer cell growth. Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods in the midst of cancer is essential.
 Inflammation and Cancer
Turn down the heat and extinguish the fire. Inflammation is associated with cancer. Empower yourself with this must know information to reduce cancer risk, improve quality of life, and in some cases cancer survival.
 Antioxidants and Cancer
Foods and supplements with antioxidants provide important health benefits, including against cancer. Also learn about potential risks and benefits when combining antioxidants with radiation and chemotherapy.
 Conventional Cancer Treatments
Read information about conventional cancer treatments. Learn about the benefits of using conventional cancer treatments in an integrative model. Explore our resources for quality cancer care.
|