pH
We have read about pH in chemistry that is a measure of the acidity and alkalinity of a liquid. This scale measures from 1-14; where 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic or alkaline.
pH and Human Body
Like every liquid, blood, and the entire liquid media in the human body also have a measure of pH, and all of the cells, organs and bodily fluids work best when at a certain level of pH. The body’s biochemical reactions are extremely sensitive to pH levels.
The optimal range of pH varies in different bodily fluids. The pH of blood ranges from 7.3 to 7.35; for saliva, it ranges from 6.5 to 7.5; the pH of urine ranges between 6.0-6.5 in the morning and 6.5 to 7.0 for the rest of the day, and the pH for the colon ranges from 4.5 to 5.0.
Why test pH levels in your body?
Our body’s biochemical reactions that carry out vital functions of the body depend on the pH of these body fluids. For instance, catabolic enzyme pepsin needs an acidic medium to break down the food whereas intestinal enzymes need an alkaline medium to function efficiently.
Among all the body fluids, the pH of blood is most important to be concerned about because the slightest change in pH can potentially change the shape of hemoglobin which binds itself with oxygen to deliver it to our body tissues. Now you may think of the adverse effects of its imbalance.
So it is very important to keep the pH of your bodily fluids in check so that all the biochemical reactions and physiological functions go smoothly and efficiently.
How is the pH maintained by our Body?
Our respiratory reactions of dissociation of gases, regulation of extracellular fluid in the renal system, and other buffer systems that maintain the ionic concentration in our body, are the three mechanisms that control the pH of our bodily fluids.
Abnormalities caused by pH imbalance in the body
Acidosis and Alkalosis are the two abnormalities caused by the abnormalities in Acid-Base balance.
Here, Acidosis suggests low pH compared to its optimal level or too high acidic content in the fluid. It is dangerous if persists as it has the ability to weaken the bones and the organs or worse it can lead to osteoporosis. It can have an overall severe effect on the body systems including the digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system, and immune system.
Whereas, Alkalosis suggests high pH compared to its optimal value or high content of base in the fluids. Alkalosis also has effected the same as acidosis but managing alkalosis is a far difficult, complicated, and lengthier process when compared to acidosis.
Causes of pH Imbalance
Stress and Anxiety
They stimulate and increase the production of acidic toxins in the body, ultimately lowering the pH levels.
Unbalanced or Poor Diet
Lack of adequate content of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and other necessary food components can conveniently lead to acid-base imbalance.
Dysfunctional elimination of toxins
Renal control, liver, colon, lungs, or skin malfunction in the elimination of the toxins can be the cause of abnormal pH of bodily fluids.
Abnormal gaseous exchange
Insufficient oxygenation or abnormal respiratory function in gaseous exchange can hamper the pH in the blood.
How can we maintain the pH balance of our body by Dietary Restriction?
Divide the acidic-basic proportion in your diet:
Follow the 80-20 Rule
20% Acidic Food
Acidic diet urges the body to get minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium from the vital organs, tissues, and bones to neutralize the acids. These acids might be taken out from a hydrated body, yet most times they are put away in fat cells, to conceal them from the body. Our bodies are savvy. It realizes these poisons will slaughter it! Other acidic fixings like food colorings and food added substances cause the body to produce cholesterol to hide the harmful acids from the body.
The content of acidic food is advised to be restricted to 20% of your diet is because it can possibly cause cardiovascular damage, obesity, reduction of oxygen, acceleration of free radical damage, joint pain, muscle ache, slow digestion, low energy, fungal overgrowth, and chronic fatigue.
80 % Alkaline Food
This is the High-grade fuel for your body! The alkaline nature diet offers a huge swath of medical advantages. Fundamental amino acid chains, chemicals, minerals, nutrients, and phytonutrients all plentiful in basic food items enhance and advance a sound intestinal environment and a solid colon.
The content of alkaline food advised to be the major part of your diet is because it has about no side effects.
Diet according to the Day
Breakfast – Give yourself an alkaline treat or boost up in your mornings.
Lunch – The best time for acidic food intake is between 11:00 AM-2:00 PM.
Dinner – Alkaline food again is your best friend.
PDF: Glycemix Index Chart
