Acid-Alkaline Balance

pH – the balance of acid and alkaline

The Textbook of Medical Physiology by Arthur C. Guyton, M.D., probably the most recognized authority on human physiology states: "...the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration (acid/alkaline balance) is one of the most important aspects of homeostasis." Homeostasis in human health is the process of cells, tissues and organs seeking equilibrium or a state of balance. Health and well being arise from this balance and equilibrium. The pH of body fluid is a measure of acid or alkalinity, and a marker of the presence or absence of this homeostasis.

 All chemical processes have an ideal pH at which they are most efficient. The body functions best with an internal chemistry that is slightly alkaline (pH above 7.0). The pH of the blood must be kept at between 7.35 and 7.45. Since death can occur if the blood pH drops below 7.0, the body will rob alkalizing minerals to accomplish this at any cost.
The cells of a healthy body are alkaline. In disease states, the cell pH drops below 7.0. The more acid the cells become, the sicker we are and feel. Our bodies produce acid as a by-product of normal metabolism. This is the result of using alkaline to remain alive. Since our bodies do not manufacture alkaline, we must supply the alkaline from an outside source to keep us from becoming acid.

Food is the means of replenishing the alkaline to the body. The main determining factor of alkaline is the organic minerals. Foods are of two types, acid or alkaline. This refers to the ash value of a food and not the food itself. “Ash value” is the type of residue that remains after the food is digested and processed. If there is an acid residue, the body must neutralize this acid to keep the blood from getting acid. The acid is neutralized with alkaline. If alkaline is not provided in the diet, it must be “robbed” from the body’s own mineral reserves in the cells. This, of course, causes the cells to become acid, and thus diseased. Our bodies are alkaline. In order to maintain health, the majority of our diet must consist of alkaline-ash foods.

We can remain healthy by consuming a diet that is 70-80% alkaline and 20-30% acid. If we become too alkaline by eating a majority of alkaline foods, we will lose our appetite and automatically want to fast, during which time the normal acid metabolic by-products will return the body' s pH back to normal. Some healthy foods do have an acid-ash reaction. This is nature's way of keeping a balance. It is almost impossible to become too alkaline by eating a balanced, whole-foods diet. Acid-ash whole foods still contain valuable nutrients that can be utilized by the body. Such is not the case with refined, processed acid-ash foods such as those made from enriched flour and sugar. The diet should consist of 70-80% ALKALINE FOODS & 20-30% ACID FOODS. The average American diet consists of 20-30% alkaline foods. Since most Americans are eating the reverse of the optimal acid-alkaline balance, it is little wonder that dis-ease is rampant.

Researchers have recently discovered that our very thoughts and emotions have the ability to make us more acid or alkaline! Gratitude, joy, contentment and joy can alkalize the body. Anger and resentment are acid-forming emotions.
You can check your pH by testing your urine with litmus paper. A healthy range goes from slightly acid (not under 6.5) first thing in the morning to alkaline (7.5) in the late morning, afternoon and evening. Test first morning urine and then again 2-3 hours after meals. Adjust your diet and your thoughts until your body fluids test in the alkaline range. If you are unable to maintain alkalinity with diet alone, you can use a supplement known as Buffer pH.