Maintaining a balanced pH is necessary for everything from beautiful rose bushes to a healthy fish tank or a properly balanced pool. We tend to forget a balanced body pH is important as well – perhaps most important. The table above is a list of common foods with their pH qualities listed, from most alkaline at the top to most acidic at the bottom.
The body works to constantly maintain an ideal blood pH of 7.4. This balance is regulated by the continual cell osmosis of 5 major electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and bicarbonate. The kidneys work to maintain an electrolyte balance, and lungs remove acidic carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with alkalizing oxygen.
Balancing the body pH is a challenge because every cell produces waste that is acidic. This is where the pancreas and liver come into play, neutralizing acids with their high alkaline juices. Dehydration and waste overload can threaten these organs, as they maintain a pH between 7.8 – 8.8 and are susceptible to damage from acidity.
The most important contributor to body pH is diet. For example, a diet high in meats, dairy and processed foods creates an acidic environment, whereas a diet consisting of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables would be more alkaline.
What are the benefits of a properly balanced pH? The body’s metabolic functions will occur more efficiently and effectively. When the body is too acidic or too alkaline, it spends most of its energy trying to get back to the ideal pH. An acidic environment also causes stress to the liver, making proper cleansing of toxins difficult.
In a balanced pH, you have more energy, as your body is operating at maximum efficiency. Your immune system is stronger, able to fight off sicknesses and disease. Your body metabolizes food and burns calories optimally, helping to lose weight. Complications of the kidneys, liver and pancreas are usually due to issues of acidosis, (highly acidic blood). Studies have shown that cancer cells thrive in acidic environments, and they may actually be stunted or reversed by simple alkaline treatments.
Harsh chemicals and environmental toxins may also contribute to an acidic body pH.
These are all factors to consider in working toward the goal of improving and aiding the body’s metabolic processes through holistic methods and natural remedies.