How does body acidity affect overall health. What are the symptoms of an acidic diet. Can excess acidity lead to premature aging. How does acidosis impact weight gain and diabetes. Why is maintaining pH balance crucial for wellness.

The Fundamentals of Body pH and Its Significance

The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, measures the acidity or alkalinity of substances. For optimal health, the human body must maintain a delicate pH balance. When this balance is disrupted, particularly towards increased acidity, it can have far-reaching consequences on overall health and cellular function.

Is there an ideal pH range for the human body? The blood typically maintains a slightly alkaline pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Other bodily fluids may have different optimal ranges, but generally, a slightly alkaline state is considered beneficial for most physiological processes.

The Role of pH in Cellular Function

Cellular processes are highly sensitive to pH levels. Enzymes, which catalyze crucial biochemical reactions, function optimally within specific pH ranges. When the body becomes too acidic, these enzymes may not work efficiently, leading to a cascade of metabolic disruptions.

• Enzyme activity is pH-dependent
• Protein structure and function can be altered by pH changes
• Cell membrane permeability is affected by pH
• Nutrient absorption and utilization are influenced by pH levels

Recognizing the Signs of Excess Body Acidity

Acidosis, or excessive acidity in the body, can manifest through various symptoms. Identifying these early warning signs is crucial for addressing the issue before it leads to more severe health problems.

Initial Symptoms of Body Tissue Acidity

What are the early indicators of an overly acidic body? Some common initial signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and low energy levels
• Mood disturbances such as anxiety, agitation, or depression
• Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or acne
• Generalized aches and pains
• Digestive problems including diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
• Menstrual cramps or discomfort
• Frequent heartburn
• Increased need for sleep
• Higher susceptibility to dental decay
• Nausea
• Decreased libido

Long-term Consequences of Chronic Acidosis

If left unchecked, prolonged body acidity can lead to more severe health issues. These may include:

1. Osteoporosis
2. Weakened immune system
3. Chronic digestive disorders
4. Arthritis and joint problems
5. Kidney stones and gout
6. Cardiovascular issues
7. Increased susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections
8. Higher cancer risk

The Mechanism of Acidosis and Its Impact on Mineral Balance

How does excess acidity affect the body’s mineral balance? When the body becomes too acidic, it initiates a protective mechanism to neutralize and remove the excess acid. This process involves borrowing minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium from vital organs, bones, and teeth.

Over time, this mineral depletion can lead to severe and prolonged corrosion of body systems. The effects may go undetected for years, silently undermining health until more serious problems manifest in major organs like the liver, heart, or kidneys.

The Body’s Buffering Systems

The body employs several buffering systems to maintain pH balance:

• Bicarbonate buffer system in the blood
• Phosphate buffer system in cells
• Protein buffer system in tissues
• Respiratory system (adjusting CO2 levels)
• Renal system (regulating acid excretion)

The Connection Between Acidity, Weight Gain, and Diabetes

Can an acidic body environment contribute to weight gain and diabetes? Research suggests a strong correlation between excess acidity and metabolic disorders.

Acidosis and Insulin Resistance

An acidic pH may trigger insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. This forces the body to produce excessive amounts of insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The flood of insulin in the bloodstream promotes efficient conversion of calories into fat, leading to weight gain.

How does acidity affect the body’s response to food intake? Some researchers propose that an acidic pH may activate genetic responses associated with famine conditions. This could trigger the body to hoard calories and store them as fat, even in the absence of actual food scarcity.

The Impact on Fat Metabolism

In contrast, a slightly alkaline pH supports normal fat-burning metabolic activities. This balance allows the body to utilize fat for energy rather than storing it excessively. Maintaining a healthy pH through diet may help prevent yo-yo dieting effects and reduce the likelihood of rebounding weight gain.

Acidosis and Its Effects on Pancreatic Beta Cells

The pancreatic beta cells, responsible for insulin production, are particularly sensitive to pH changes. How does acidosis affect these crucial cells?

• Disrupts cellular communication between beta cells
• Triggers an overactive immune response
• Increases cellular stress
• Impairs beta cell function and survival

These effects can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other symptoms of insulin resistance, including hypertension and high cholesterol.

The Role of Acidity in Free Radical Damage and Premature Aging

How does acidosis contribute to accelerated aging? Excess acidity in the body can lead to partial lipid breakdown and destructive oxidative cascades. This process accelerates free radical damage to cell walls and intracellular membrane structures, resulting in the destruction of healthy cells.

Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage

Acidosis creates an environment conducive to oxidative stress, a state of imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This imbalance can lead to:

• DNA damage
• Protein oxidation
• Lipid peroxidation
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Accelerated telomere shortening

These processes collectively contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases.

Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Body pH

Given the potential health risks associated with excess acidity, what steps can be taken to maintain a healthy pH balance?

Dietary Approaches to Alkalinity

A diet rich in alkaline-forming foods can help counteract acidity. Some beneficial choices include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Plant-based proteins (legumes, nuts, seeds)
• Herbs and spices
• Alkaline water

Conversely, limiting acid-forming foods such as processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive animal proteins can help maintain pH balance.

Lifestyle Factors for pH Balance

Beyond diet, several lifestyle factors can influence body pH:

1. Regular exercise to promote proper circulation and oxygenation
2. Stress management techniques (meditation, yoga, deep breathing)
3. Adequate hydration
4. Proper sleep hygiene
5. Reducing exposure to environmental toxins

The Importance of pH Testing and Monitoring

How can one assess their body’s pH levels? Several methods are available for pH testing:

• Urine pH strips
• Saliva pH testing
• Blood pH testing (performed by healthcare professionals)

Regular monitoring can help identify trends and guide dietary and lifestyle adjustments to maintain optimal pH balance.

Interpreting pH Test Results

What do pH test results indicate? While blood pH is tightly regulated and should remain between 7.35 and 7.45, urine and saliva pH can provide insights into overall body acidity. Generally, a slightly alkaline urine pH (between 7.0 and 7.5) is considered optimal for most people.

It’s important to note that pH can fluctuate throughout the day based on factors such as food intake, hydration status, and physical activity. Therefore, multiple measurements over time provide a more accurate picture of overall pH balance.

The Role of Supplements in pH Management

Can supplements help maintain pH balance? While a balanced diet should be the primary approach to managing body pH, certain supplements may offer additional support:

• Alkalizing mineral complexes (calcium, magnesium, potassium)
• Green superfood powders
• Probiotics to support gut health and pH balance
• Digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, as individual needs may vary based on overall health status and existing conditions.

Potential Risks of Over-Alkalizing

While maintaining a slightly alkaline state is generally beneficial, is it possible to become too alkaline? Yes, excessive alkalinity (alkalosis) can also have negative health effects. Symptoms of alkalosis may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hand tremors
• Muscle twitching
• Confusion or lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities

The goal should be to achieve and maintain a balanced pH rather than pushing for extreme alkalinity.

The Interplay Between Acidity and Chronic Diseases

How does chronic acidosis contribute to the development of various diseases? Prolonged acidosis can create an environment conducive to the progression of several chronic conditions:

Cardiovascular Disease

Acidosis may contribute to cardiovascular disease through several mechanisms:

• Increased inflammation in blood vessels
• Altered cholesterol metabolism
• Impaired endothelial function
• Increased oxidative stress on heart tissue

Osteoporosis and Bone Health

The body’s attempt to buffer excess acid by drawing minerals from bones can lead to decreased bone density over time. This process may accelerate the development of osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures.

Cancer Development and Progression

While the relationship between pH and cancer is complex, some research suggests that an acidic environment may promote cancer cell growth and metastasis. Maintaining a balanced pH could potentially play a role in cancer prevention and management strategies.

The Future of pH-Focused Health Research

As our understanding of the role of pH in health and disease continues to evolve, what areas of research show promise for the future?

• Personalized pH management strategies based on genetic factors
• Development of more accurate and convenient pH monitoring technologies
• Investigation of pH-targeted therapies for chronic diseases
• Exploration of the gut microbiome’s role in maintaining pH balance
• Studies on the long-term effects of dietary interventions on body pH

These areas of research may lead to more refined approaches to maintaining optimal health through pH balance, potentially revolutionizing preventive medicine and disease management strategies.

Integrating pH Management into Holistic Health Practices

How can pH management be incorporated into broader holistic health approaches? Consider the following strategies:

1. Educating healthcare providers on the importance of pH balance
2. Incorporating pH testing into routine health screenings
3. Developing personalized nutrition plans that consider individual pH tendencies
4. Exploring the synergies between pH management and other wellness practices (e.g., mindfulness, detoxification)
5. Creating public health initiatives to raise awareness about the impact of diet and lifestyle on body pH

By integrating pH management into a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, individuals may be better equipped to prevent chronic diseases and optimize their overall well-being.

The Effect of Body Acidity on Health

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, strongly acidic to strongly alkaline. The human body has its own pH, and when those levels are not optimal, it can have a dramatic impact on every system and overall cellular function.

Excess body acidity is thought to be the first step towards premature aging, the interference with eyesight and memory, the beginning stages of wrinkling, age spots, dysfunctioning hormone systems, and a host of age-related phenomena. Medical studies are confirming that body acidity is implicated in almost all diseases.

The Link Between Acidity and Aging

As we age, we become more acidic. The body of most aged individuals is very acidic, loaded with toxic wastes in the bloodstream, cells, and lymphatic system. These acidic wastes come from many sources. If you were to keep your skin, muscles, organs and glands alkaline like they were when you were a baby, you would dramatically slow down the aging process.

Initial signs of body tissue acidity include:

• Feeling weak, tired and having low energy
• Experiencing agitation, anxiety, panic attacks and depression
• Having skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and hives
• Suffering generalized aches and pain
• Experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
• Suffering from cramping before or during periods
• Experiencing heartburn
• Needing more sleep
• Having increased dental decay
• Feeling nauseous
• Suffering from loss of libido

Signs of long-term body acidity are far more serious and include:

• Osteoporosis
• Weak immune system
• Chronic digestive problems
• Arthritis, joint, and ligament problems
• Kidney stones, kidney diseases, and gout
• Heart and circulation problems
• Fungal and bacterial infections
• Cancers
• Acidosis

Excess acidity is a condition that weakens all body systems. Excess acidity forces the body to borrow minerals, including calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium from vital organs, bones, and teeth to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. As a result, the body can suffer severe and prolonged corrosion due to high acidity, a condition that may go undetected for years. Acidosis leads to serious problems with major organs such as the liver, heart, or kidneys. In this article, we will be looking into some of the reasons as to why we should avoid acidosis.

An Acidic Body Leads to Weight Gain and Diabetes

An acidic pH may result in weight-related problems, such as diabetes and obesity. When our body is too acidic, we suffer from a condition known as insulin resistance. This insulin resistance forces excessive insulin to be produced in order to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. As a result, the body is flooded with so much insulin that it diligently converts every calorie into fat.

It is very likely that an acid pH from an imbalanced diet produces a condition which stimulates the predetermined genetic response to starvation and famine. Thereafter, the body will have to increasingly hoard every calorie consumed and store it as fat.

Some people reckon that an acid pH immediately signals the powerful genetic response to an impending famine, directly interpreting with the all-important and very sensitive Insulin-Glucagon Axis. When this happens, it makes the body produce more insulin than usual, and in turn, produce more fats and store them.

On the other hand, a healthy and slightly alkaline pH will yield normal fat-burning metabolic activities, making no demands on the body to produce extra insulin and make fats. As such, this allows fat to be burned and naturally lost. A healthy pH diet is also less likely to have any yo-yo effects or cause diet rebounding with additional weight gain.

We should try to maintain a healthy slightly alkaline pH so as to allow fats to be burnt normally for energy, rather than hoarded and stored under our body’s mistaken biochemical belief of an impending famine.

Acidosis Disrupts Insulin-Producing Pancreatic Beta Cells

The beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for making insulin, the endocrine hormone that controls blood glucose levels. These beta cells are especially sensitive to pH and cannot survive if the body is too acidic. 

When this occurs, beta cells will lose phase with one another. Their cellular communication will be thwarted, and the body’s immune system will start to over-respond. Stress within the cells will increase, making it more difficult for them to perform adequately and survive. The result is increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes, as well as other dangerous symptoms of insulin resistance, including higher risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Body Acidity Accelerates Free Radical Damage and Premature Aging

Acidosis leads to partial lipid breakdown and destructive oxidative cascades, accelerating free radical damage of cell walls and intracellular membrane structures. In the process, many healthy cells are destroyed.

Acidosis is the first step towards premature aging and accelerated oxidative cascades of cell wall destruction. Signs of acidosis may include wrinkling, age spots, and failing hormonal systems, interfering with eyesight, memory, and a host of other age-related phenomena. Long-term high acidity in the body also interferes with proper detoxification, and unwanted wastes not properly eliminated from the body actually poison the cells.

Acidosis Disrupts Lipid and Fatty Acid Metabolism

Healthy levels of fatty acids such as omega-3s are crucial to fighting inflammation and maintaining a healthy heart, brain, and circulatory system. Acidosis generally disrupts lipid and fatty acid absorption. This disruption may cause neurological problems, as well as problems with hormonal balance within the endocrine system.

An acidic environment also causes LDL-cholesterol to be laid down at an accelerated rate in the heart, inappropriately lining and clogging up the vascular network. In other words, an acid pH initiates electrostatic potential, damaging arterial walls, which in turn initiates a PDGF-dependent immune response, causing cholesterol oxidation and the formation of plaque with heavy metals.

High Acidity Corrodes Arteries, Veins, and Heart Tissues

Like acid eating into marble, acidosis erodes and eats into cell wall membranes of the heart, arteries, and veins. During this process of erosion, our heart structures and interconnective tissues are weakened.

All living tissues are sensitive to their chemical environment. The muscle cells of the heart are no different. The entire cardiovascular system is directly affected by blood plasma pH and works as one large working system of tubular muscles to carry blood and nutrients to all living tissue in the body. The pumping of the heart drives blood through the arteries, veins, and capillary beds and helps to regulate blood pressure and the flow of blood circulation.

The heart is normal when the pH of blood plasma is slightly alkaline, having a pH of 7.35 to 7.41. When the heart plasma rises to an acidic pH of more than 7.35, it gradually erodes away the smooth muscle tissues of the inner walls of the arteries and veins, as well as the heart itself. This process will start to weaken the structural composition of the heart and arterial and venous walls, causing lesions and microscopic tearing throughout its framework.

At the same time, an acid pH destabilizes free ionic balances within circulation, increasing the populations of positively charged particles (cations, an ion with a positive charge of electricity: H, Ca) which directly interfere with the muscle contractility (contraction and relaxation) of the heart and arteries.

Acid pH changes of blood are now thought to result in the following:

1. Development of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
2. Aneurysm (widening and ballooning of artery walls)
3. Arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms of the heart including tachycardia)
4. Myocardial infarction (heart attacks)
5. Strokes (a cardiovascular accident)

The structural weakening of the cardiovascularity also creates irregularities of blood pressure, which further exacerbate the above problems.

Acidosis Alters Energy Metabolism and Energy Reserves

When your body has an acidic pH, it will prevent efficient cellular and body metabolism. In turn, this can cause issues with electrolyte balance, energy, and recovery. Long-term, this same type of acidosis can also weaken bones and muscle tissue and lead to osteoporosis. The mechanism by which this occurs is complex, but there is value in understanding it.

As previously explained, acidosis results in chemical ionic disturbances, interfering with cellular communications and functions. Acidosis reduces positive calcium binding of plasma proteins, therefore reducing the effectiveness of this intracellular signal. 

When cells are not communicating properly, it can disrupt crucial functions, including the beating of our hearts, the way our cells use energy, and how well our bodies support healthy tissue. Acidosis can lead to a reduction of cardiac contractility, or the ability of the heart to pump efficiently and rhythmically.

Like our bodies, our cells also have a pump that drives activity and life, though on a microscopic scale! Positive calcium and hydrogen regulate the activities of intracellular proteins and are driven out of the cells by the “Sodium-Potassium Pump” (Na-K pump). 

This pump provides a strong incentive for sodium to be driven into cells. It also regulates the amount of both sodium and potassium in the body stores and uses as much as 25 percent of our caloric input daily. Sodium and potassium are important electrolytes that help regulate our most essential systems, including brain and muscular activity. When they are out of balance, it has a detrimental effect on our ability to create and use energy.

In addition to the immediate issues posed by irregular cardiac or mental performance, there are also long-term repercussions. In acidic solutions, fewer positive sodium ions are available, therefore slowing down the processing and induction of nutritional items going into the cells. As a result, with free positive calcium populations and channels being disrupted, calcium may become inordinately leached from the bone masses. This causes osteoporosis. 

In a nutshell, an acidic pH drains us of energy and disallows stored energy reserves to be used. It can also cause the degradation of  bone and muscle.

High Acidity Slows the Delivery of Oxygen to Cells

Acidosis reduces oxygen in the blood. As all living tissues, especially the heart and brain, need oxygen to function, a lack of it will lead to eventual death. Having an acidic pH will reduce the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the cells, and they will eventually die.

Scientists estimate between 60 and 84 billion cells die each day in the human body, and one of the body’s primary functions is to repair and regenerate cells to maintain regular function. The increased cell death caused by acidosis poses a real threat to longevity and can increase the likelihood of numerous serious conditions and disease processes.

Symptoms and Diseases Associated With Acidosis

What then happens when the body is too acidic? An acidic balance will:

• Decrease the body’s ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients
• Decrease energy production in the cells
• Decrease the body’s ability to repair damaged cells
• Decrease the body’s ability to detoxify heavy metals
• Enable tumor cells to thrive
• Make the body more susceptible to fatigue and illness

Some people who have high acidity levels tend to exhibit symptoms such as: 

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Extroverted behavior
• Fatigue in the early morning
• Headaches
• Hyperactivity
• Hyper sexuality
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restless legs
• Shortness of breath
• Strong appetite
• High blood pressure
• Warm, dry hands and feet

How Does the Body Become Acidic?

Acidosis typically develops as a result of multiple environmental and lifestyle factors. Most of the time, the body becomes acidic due to:

• A diet rich in acids
• Emotional stress
• Toxic overload
• Immune reactions
• Any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients

When this happens, the body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals such as calcium. As a result, calcium is removed from the bones, causing osteoporosis. Acidosis, which is an extended time in the acid pH state, can result in rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, lupus, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and most cancers.

Two main factors leading to cancer are an acidic pH and a lack of oxygen. As such, are we able to manipulate these two factors so as to prevent and control cancer? Everyone knows that cancer needs an acidic and low oxygen environment to survive and flourish. Research has proven that terminal cancer patients have an acidity level of 1,000 times more than normal healthy people. The vast majority of terminal cancer patients have a very acidic pH.

Why is this so? The reason is simple. Without oxygen, glucose undergoing fermentation becomes lactic acid. This causes the pH of the cell to drop to 7.0. In more advanced cancer cases, the pH level falls further to 6.5. Sometimes, the level can even fall to 6.0 and 5.7 or lower. The basic truth is that our bodies simply cannot fight diseases if our pH is not properly balanced.

The Long-Term Effects of Living with Excess Acid

Now that we understand the process by which excess acid affects the body, it’s important to learn the signs, symptoms, and effect of acidosis in each of the body’s primary systems. 

Structural System

The calcium stored in bones is released when serum and soft tissue calcium is decreased, binding and neutralizing excess acid in the tissues. This initial calcium depletion in the muscle can cause muscle cramps. 

As calcium is pulled from the bones to neutralize more acid, the bone stores of calcium become depleted causing osteoporosis, weakened and collapsed vertebrae and, often, poor posture and back pain. The calcium mobilized from the bones gets deposited as calcium-acid salts in the joints, leading to degenerative arthritis.

Nervous System

When brain cells are too acidic, they don’t function correctly. This results in the inability to produce the appropriate chemicals (neurotransmitters) to communicate with adjacent brain cells. 

This can result in insomnia, anxiety, depression, neuroses, psychoses, and impairment of memory. Since the brain is supposed to communicate through the spinal cord and other nerves to every cell in the body (heart cells, intestinal cells, muscle cells, glandular cells, etc.), every body system can dysfunction if the nervous system is not functioning optimally due to acidic imbalance.

Circulatory System

During conditions of excessive acidity, bacteria, fungi, and/or viruses can attach themselves to the inner wall of arteries. This then attracts white blood cells, clotting proteins, clotting cells, etc. to the area. This may cause a plaque to form in the artery, thus narrowing the artery and restricting the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the tissues supplied by that artery. 

If the coronary artery is involved, a heart attack can occur. If excess acidity is present, calcium, which was mobilized out of the bone to buffer the acid, can deposit in the arterial plaque, thus converting the plaque from soft to hard. The plaque makes the arteries stiff, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Digestive System

When the pH is too acidic, the cells lining the stomach and small intestine, along with the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing and releasing digestive enzymes, don’t function correctly. This results in indigestion, gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping.  

If a sufficient amount of nutrients is not being absorbed by the body from food, the entire body can experience malnutrition. Undigested foods may also ferment in the intestines causing toxicity. The resulting nutrient deficiencies, bowel disorders, and leaky gut can cause a host of additional health problems.

Intestinal System

Excessive acidity causes the cells of the colon to dysfunction, which can result in diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or diverticulitis. A disturbed acid balance in the colon can also cause unfriendly microbes to grow and thrive, which can result in SIFO/SIBO, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s), or hemorrhoids.

Immune System

Immune cells that are too acidic do not produce antibodies or cytokines (chemical messengers to regulate other immune cells), and they have impaired phagocytosis (the ability to engulf and destroy microbes). As a result, the affected individual becomes susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal microbes, as well as cancer.

Respiratory System

The binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in the lungs operates in a fairly narrow pH range. If the pH is too acidic, microbes in the airways can grow much more easily, invade human cells, cause bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, etc., and in doing so, can result in cough, bronchial spasms (asthma), and increased susceptibility to allergens (hay fever).

Urinary System

The urinary system helps to eliminate toxic waste products from the body. Women have bacteria and/or fungi in their bladders because of their shorter urethra, which connects the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body. These microbes can grow rapidly if the urine’s pH is not in the proper range. In excessive acidic conditions, calcium, which is mobilized from the bone to buffer the acid, can form calcium crystals and stones in the kidney’s collection system.

Endocrine and Glandular System

All of the endocrine glands produce hormones through enzymatic action. If the pH is too acidic, the glandular cells cannot produce and release sufficient hormones for the body’s needs. This results in mood swings, blood sugar imbalances, fatigue, reproductive difficulties, and more.

Weight Loss

When the pH is too acidic, the metabolic enzymes inside the cells do not work efficiently, which impairs the proper breakdown of fats. High acidity also causes insulin resistance, which in turn can cause fat gain and impair the body’s ability to burn fat correctly.

One final note: The body’s biochemistry is important, but it is just one of many tools to help the clinician understand the whole body. A pH result on its own is not a diagnostic tool and is not a medical diagnosis of any disease. Your holistic health provider should offer an in-depth consultation that looks at every aspect of your lifestyle and history, as well perform additional testing to understand your complete body chemistry and any chronic issues.

If you are concerned by signs of body acidity and want to better understand your own health, please call us at 734-222-8210 or schedule a free consultation now.

References:

1) Physiology of the Sodium-Potassium pump: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537088/ 

2) Modes of Cell Death: https://cellandbioscience.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13578-018-0206-6# 

3) The Cell Death Pathways: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10103/ 

4) How and Why Are Cancers Acidic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352839/ 

5) Tumor Acidity: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2022.979154/full# 

6) Metabolic Acidosis: https://www.healthline.com/health/acidosis 

7) Acidosis Causes and Treatment: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001181.htm#

The List of Symptoms of Being Too Acidic I Acidity 101

Being too acidic is not suitable for your body. This condition may conceive various symptoms which cause you to suffer from them. You may think you have harmful diseases, and you have a weak immune system, etc. But probably the main reason for all of these is just too acidic. Therefore, you need to check the list of symptoms of being too acidic and may jump into the alkaline diet.

Here is the list of symptoms of being too acidic:

Having Unhealthy Skin
Having unhealthy skin is just one of the symptoms of being too acidic. If your nails are thin and you complain that they break easily, the cosmetics can’t help you. Plus, you may have dry skin, and your lips’ corners may crack. Again the cosmetics can’t solve this. Also, being too acidic cause hair fall, too.

Having Unhealthy Mouth and Teeth
Being too acidic can cause not only sensitive teeth but also losing your teeth. So, you may usually have tooth pain and sensitive gums.

Having Digestive Problems
Lots of people suffer from digestive problems. Being too acidic make digestion harder. So that cause acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis. You may have one of them with high probability.

Being Joyless and Depressed
If you feel like you’re in a depression and if the drugs are useless, try to think about acidic foods. Acidic foods cause having low energy and joyless. Also, you may feel much nervous.

Being Too Acidic Affects Your Whole Body
If you usually consume acidic foods, you may often have headaches, leg cramps, and conjunctivitis because this condition affects not only your metabolism but your eye health too. Having a low body temperature is one of the symptoms, also. If you get infections quickly or if you have a tendency for it, that is because of being too acidic.

How to avoid being too acidic?
The path to an alkaline lifestyle is not a very difficult one. Basically, by keeping the ratio of acidic food at around 30% and alkaline diet at approximately 70% will do the trick. Have a look at a few tips we provide for our guests at The LifeCo.

1. Go green
Vegetables, some fruits, seeds, nuts, and roots are naturally alkalizing. Increasing the amount of these in your diet will automatically reduce your consumption of acidic foods like meat or grains. Avocados, beetroot, spinach, kale (if you have access to it it is at the top of the nutrition/calorie chart), cucumber are going to boost your alkalinity. Download free TheLifeCo green salad program guide.

2. Consume acidic foods mindfully
It is challenging to cut out these naturally addictive foods such as any meat, eggs, processed sugars, flour, and dairy products. However, it is considerably easier to reduce their amount in your daily diet to less than 30%.

3. Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol may cause different issues in our lives. However, it inevitably causes dietary problems due to very high sugar content. An occasional glass of wine or a few beers enjoying a sports game is acceptable for social benefit. However, alcohol should be consumed responsibly. Otherwise, it makes the body acidic very quickly.

4. Drinking alkaline water
First of all, we have to admit that most of us do not drink enough water. Everyone has to drink 8 to 10 large glasses of water every day, preferably alkaline water. Tap water or bottled water has a pH of up to 7, whereas alkaline water has an average pH of 9. This helps at balancing the alkaline-acid levels in the body.

5. Choose drinks carefully
Caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee and energy drinks usually urges you to consume more sugar. Choosing natural, alkalizing drinks such as herbal teas (peppermint, yerba mate etc..), lemon water and green powder supplements such as green vibrance can help cleanse the digestive system, optimize metabolism and eradicates excess acid.

6. Exercise (Even if mildly)
You don’t need to exercise hours long consistently everyday. 20-30 Minutes four five times a week is more important than you think. Exercise makes the body alkaline as well as it enables sweat to leave the body. Sweat is acidic so the alkalinity of the body will be increased. Extra support in oxygenation is a huge plus as well.

7. Balance your life
It is proven time after time that stress does more harm than many other more obvious factors. Finding ways to get rid of stress such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, mild phsical exercises reduce acid levels significantly.

Disease prevention and other benefits of an alkaline diet

Many people diagnosed with severe reflux try to deal with it with medication, medication that they have to take for the rest of their life. If you are wondering if a more natural solution is possible, then a simple alkaline – acid balance in your diet will do the deal. We have had thousands of guests, who succesfully managed this by adopting an alkaline lifestyle. These guests are off medication and can easily manage their reflux on their own.

Assisting weight loss is not the only perk of such a diet. Your energy will definetely increase and risk of kidney problems, type 2 diabetes and chronic diseases (esspecially for the ones due to lactic-acid build up such as severe cramps, rheamateud arthiritis, etc..) will be reduced.

Take it slow
If you decide to try an alkaline lifestyle, you need to get the knowledge and be in a healing environment such as TheLifeCo centers. Symptom management is necessary but never sufficient. TheLifeCo professionals will teach you how to live an alkaline lifestyle and you will get the first hand experience onsite by attending one of our retreats.

Alkaline diet: the secret of youth Victoria Beckham and Gisele Bündchen

Beauty

Author

Leah Ghazaryan

September 28, 2019

The alkaline diet has been hailed as the latest and most enduring Hollywood star fad. It does not cause as many complaints as the Atkins and Dukan diets at the time. We understand what its essence is, together with Nastya Nova, the founder of the FoodyFit project.

Nastya Nova
Founder of the FoodyFit project

The alkaline (also called aclaline) diet is far from a new nutritional system. But as is often the case with diets, it gained popularity thanks to celebrities. Victoria Beckham claims that this is her way of staying resourceful, juggling four roles at the same time – mother, wife, influencer and businesswoman. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her footballer husband Tom Brady say there is no better way to stay slim and light. And Jennifer Aniston says that this is the main secret of youth.

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Background

“The alkaline diet was first talked about in the 1950s, when it was found that in the process of digestion of food, some foods form acid, and some form alkali,” says Nastya Nova from FoodyFit. – Later, the American microbiologist and nutritionist Robert Young proved that excess acid in the body leads to the accelerated reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, the accumulation of toxins and toxins and, accordingly, diseases, poor health and chronic fatigue syndrome. The benefits of an alkaline diet have become obvious: alkali neutralizes acid and accelerates the elimination of toxic substances from the body, helping to cleanse all systems, including mucous membranes. However, in the 20th century, only doctors used this nutrition system. The alkaline diet has recently received a rebirth in the wake of the healthy lifestyle hobby.

What it’s all about

Adherents of the alkaline diet prefer to call it a healthy diet, as opposed to other diets that are more likely to lead to weight loss. Although, following all the principles of this type of nutrition, it becomes much easier to lose weight. “The main goal of an alkaline diet is to shift the body’s pH balance to the alkaline side,” comments Nastya Nova. – To do this, you need to minimize the consumption of acidic foods and increase the amount of alkaline. The basis of such nutrition should be vegetables and fruits that should be eaten raw.

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This limitation is due to the fact that some foods change their nature from alkaline to acidic when fried. When cooking, you can not use milk fats, which should be replaced with oils of vegetable origin, preferably the first extraction. “The last meal should be no later than 19:00-20:00. On an alkaline diet, you can only drink water and herbal teas. Grains and fish with seafood should be included in the diet no more than three times a week,” Nova says. The “no” alkaline diet includes: white flour, animal milk, alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, white rice, chocolate, meat and most fish and seafood, some types of nuts and fruits with a high glycemic index. In general, the ideal of an alkaline diet is as follows: at least 80% of the diet should be alkaline foods and a maximum of 20% acidic. This ratio will help you achieve a healthy pH balance of 7.2-7.4.

Nuances

The transition to an alkaline diet should be smooth. In diseases, the diet should be sparing. It makes no sense to resort to it from case to case, a systematic approach is important here. “When switching to such a diet, you need to understand that alkaline foods cannot be an instant antidote to acid ones. That is, if you, conditionally, treat yourself to three slices of pizza for lunch, it makes no sense to drink them with a huge carafe of water with lemon, ”explains Nastya Nova. – Increasing the amount of alkaline foods in the diet is not the main goal of this diet. The main thing is to minimize acidic foods and achieve a normal pH level. The whole benefit lies in the fact that parasites, fungi and bacteria do not develop in an alkaline environment. Let us recall at least how our parents washed vegetables and fruits with soda in order to remove bacterial plaque from them and, among other things, to remove all the larvae.

Contraindications

When switching to a new power system, there are always a few “buts”. “Diet alone isn’t enough to switch to an alkaline diet,” says Nova. “Science has established that the stress hormone cortisol also oxidizes the body. Therefore, nutritionists and integrative medicine doctors are increasingly talking about emotional balance. This is important because stress can drastically change how the body works. Because of it, the stomach can stop accepting raw foods. If there are microcracks and ulcers in the stomach and intestines, raw fruits can turn out to be heavy foods, and smoothies and fresh juices can lead to pain and pain. Therefore, in most cases, without a check-up of the body, it is not worth switching to such a diet. And in any case, you must first of all focus on your own feelings. Sometimes the first contraindication to a diet can be the usual bloating. Advice from the series “be patient and the stomach will get used to” can be a disservice.”

Is there acidification of the body and what you need to know about the alkaline diet

In theory, it works like this: people measure the acidity level of their body (urine pH) and, based on the result, choose a diet – refuse products that “acidify” the body. There is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such a diet, but it is possible to achieve weight loss because people refuse processed foods and alcohol. Debunking the myths about acidification of the body.

WHY PEOPLE WANT TO REDUCE ACID IN THE BODY: DIET

A fairly popular diet involves the rejection of foods that “acidify” our body. They allegedly cause a decrease in pH (hydrogen index), resulting in an acidic environment that is harmful to us. This, according to adherents of the theory of acidification, contributes to weight gain, damages bones and negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to adhere to an alkaline diet. It involves reducing the consumption of “acidic” foods – meat, eggs, wheat and other grains, sugar, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods in favor of “alkaline”, that is, those that reduce the level of acidity in the body.

HOW ACIDITY IS MEASURED AND WHY IT IS INEFFICIENT

Proponents of the acidity theory believe that it is possible to measure the acidity of the whole body by measuring the pH of the urine. If it is elevated, the products mentioned above are blamed and advised to refuse them. Should we focus on pH when choosing a diet? Definitely – no.

This indicator reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions, that is, protons in a certain solution, so we can talk about the pH of water, blood or saliva, but not the whole organism. There is no single indicator of body acidity.

Test systems that measure urine pH cannot provide information about the pH level of the body. Food and drink affect the acidity or alkalinity of urine, but this is the only liquid that is affected. The excretion of acid in the urine is one of the main ways of regulating the pH balance in the body.

Blood acidity is one of the most stable indicators, it ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. The constant acidity of the blood is supported by a number of systems – the kidneys, lungs, biochemical buffer systems of the blood.

Even chronic diseases do not affect the acidity of the blood. This indicator can change slightly only in the case of pathological conditions, such as acidosis, due to metabolism, kidney dysfunction or excessive muscle strain and loss of ions. Subsequently, the pH of the blood returns to normal. But this is not due to nutrition – no products can change this.

The environment in the stomach will always be acidic, in the duodenum – alkaline. It does not depend on certain products.

TRUTH AND MYTHS ABOUT ACIDIDATION OF THE BODY

One of the popular myths is that acidification of the body is bad for us because it causes osteoporosis. Allegedly, to neutralize excess acid, the body “pulls” calcium from the bones. Studies have not confirmed this link, and the effectiveness of an alkaline diet for bone health has not been proven.

Some adherents of this diet consider it an effective way to prevent cancer. Their argument is that cancer cells live in an acidic environment, and therefore, alkaline foods in this case can be a “medicine”.