pH Balance in the Body

The term 'pH' stands for potential of Hydrogen. It is basically a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It represents the hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter, and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 indicates that the solution is neutral, whereas a pH that is less than 7 indicates that the solution is acidic.

When the pH is greater than 7, it implies that the solution is basic. The term 'pH balance of the human body' refers to the balance of acidic and alkaline factors in all the fluids and cells in the body.

It is one of the most crucial biochemical concepts in human chemistry, amidst the myriad processes that take place within the body at the cellular level. Literally, countless cells are being generated every second to replace the ones that are lost, and several processes are taking place at the cellular level.

An ideal pH indicates that the body is at its optimal best, and the bodily functions are taking place normally. In a nutshell, the constitution of the body is at its impregnable best, to stave off any threats from disease-causing agents.

A book named New Health Era published in 1933 by William Howard, explains that the degradation of the body caused by a disease starts with an internal process within the body named Autotoxication. Autotoxication simply means self-poisoning due to the accumulation of acid in the body.

The overall condition of the whole body depends on the condition of each cell. The cells being the building blocks, should themselves be healthy, for the tissues and organs to be healthy. Nutrient absorption within any organ is not a stand-alone process, and pH balance is essential for regulating the cell processes.

The pH of the bodily fluids is extremely essential, when it comes to the healthy functioning of the human body. For instance, blood nourishes all the cells, and helps in the removal of acidic waste residues, which in turn determines the pH balance in the body.

Under normal circumstances, the pH of the blood should be in the range of 7.35 to 7.45. Any deviation from this range might be indicative of a health problem.

If the body is not able to neutralize and eliminate acid content efficiently, it will relocate them within the body's extra-cellular fluids and connective tissue cells, thereby compromising cellular integrity.

Thus, pH imbalance of tissues and body fluids can adversely affect your health or body's immunity. Maintaining the pH closer to 7.35 - 7.45 would definitely ensure overall well-being.

Your health lies completely in your hands. According to nutritionists, you should maintain a pH balance of 7.4. For achieving this, 80% of your dietary intake should be alkaline and 20% should be acidic. An acidic pH acts like a magnet for all kinds of illnesses. It damages the brain, the blood cells, and almost all other body parts. The body cannot heal itself, if the pH level isn't slightly alkaline.

To maintain the pH of the body within the normal range, you are expected to provide the adequate amounts of nutrients that are required for healthy metabolism. A healthy diet consisting of lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, should be followed. A high-fiber, low-calorie diet can restore the pH level in the body.

Avoid meat and oily food, and drink plenty of mineral water for the maintenance of a healthy pH in the body. Water is the perfect solvent to neutralize acid residues. The symptoms of an acidic pH in an organ or system include headaches, nausea, fever, skin rashes, brain fog, severe tiredness, gastric bloating, angina pain, and dizziness.

During the breakdown of food, toxic wastes build up, producing more acidic by-products, which are responsible for changes in the optimal pH. The intake of nicotine, drugs, excessive intake of acid-forming foods, acidic beverages, consumption of tea, coffee, carbonated drinks and alcohol alter the delicate balance of pH that maintains metabolic equilibrium.

More the acid residues at the cellular level, the less is the supply of oxygen. This acidic, low oxygen environment provides the ideal conditions for the growth of microzymas (small ferments), & it also stimulates the growth of fungi, molds, parasites, cancer cells, etc. So, maintaining the pH balance at around 7.4 is the answer to all your health problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only. Please consult your physician or nutritionist if abnormal situations in this matter is encountered.