by
Maria Teresa De Donato, PhD, RND, CNC, CMH, CHom
pH (power of hydrogen) is the
standard measure through which we may determine the level of acidity and alkalinity
of an aqueous solution. It is generally
applied to analyze soil and water conditions, though it is also fundamental as for establishing the state of our health. pH
levels run from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 considered neutral, less than 7 acidic, and greater than 7 as basic or alkaline.
We can summarize this by stating that the closer pH gets to 1, the more
acidic the state; the closer to 14, the more basic/alkaline. Furthermore, since acid and basic/alkaline
are two extremes just like hot and cold water, by mixing them we can equate
their extreme effects just like by mixing hot and cold water we would balance
its temperature.
Aquatic organisms have proven to
need a pH between 6.5 and 8 in order to stay in balance. When this range is not met "organisms
become physically stressed" to the point that they may even die, this showing
that pH balance is not only a matter of health but of survival as well. All this information apply also to the human
body and, consequently, to our health. (1)
According to Dr. Ted Morter Jr.
in order to stay healthy, the human body needs to reach and maintain a
"slightly alkaline" level, that is around pH 7.4. When the pH alkaline level is not respected
and acidity takes over, the body -- which always work towards homeostasis, a
state of internal equilibrium -- will do its best to counteract and neutralize
its level of acidity. Both urine pH and blood
pH levels are a good means to check our state of health although "blood pH
must always be between 7.35 and 7.45
or life ends abruptly within a matter of hours." (2)
The level or acidity and
alkalinity in our body is strictly related to the kind of foods we eat and
which impact our body at a cellular level.
As Dr. Hazel Parcells, naturopathic physician, stated before dying at
the age of 106, acidity is the very root of "all decays and
diseases". That said, being "chronically tired and sleepy" is a
clear indication of an acidic state which leads also to premature aging. To the contrary, a more alkaline state slows
down the aging process and gives a person "more energy and drive".
(3)
Generally speaking our food can be
classified as
1) a) high acid and b)medium acid
2) neutral
3) a) medium alkaline and b) high alkaline.
To the first group belong: Edam, eggs,
mayonnaise, fish, shellfish, bacon, beef, chicken, liver, lamb and veil, which
are all high acid, and Brazil nuts, walnuts, Cheddar cheese, Stilton cheese,
herrings, mackerel, rye, oats, wheat, rice, plums, cranberries and olives,
which are all medium acid; to the second butter, margarine, coffee, tea, sugar and syrup
are all neutral; and to the third almonds, coconut, milk, beans, cabbage, celery, lentils,
lettuce, mushrooms, onions, root vegetables, tomatoes, apricots, apples,
bananas, berries, cherries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, melons. oranges,
peaches, raspberries, tangerines and prunes are all medium alkaline while
avocado, beets, carrots, potatoes, spinach, died fruit, rhubarb are all high
alkaline (4)
The secret to keeping our body in a
slightly alkaline state consists in balancing the food we eat and in taking
into account the residual, also called "ashes", that is left after
our foods are metabolized, and which can negatively affect our optimum state by
altering the body's acidity and alkalinity. (NOTE: Please be aware that the
body acidity has nothing to do with the acidity of the foods, that is, with
those ingredients which have a sour taste)
A good way not to incur in an
acidic state is to avoid excessive consumption of proteins for once our
digestive system is overwhelmed by an excess of acid derived from proteins, our
health becomes seriously compromised to the point of jeopardizing our own
survival. A strong smell of ammonia in the
urine could be an indication that the body has been losing alkalizing minerals
in order to counterbalance its excess of acidity. In the latter case, in fact, the kidneys
start producing ammonia which by having a pH around 9.25 is considered a very
powerful alkali able to help the organism to restore its pH balance. (2)
In conclusion, no matter what
your circumstances are, what your constitutional type is, and what your
personal and family medical history is, you can at any given time start to make
a u-turn by changing your lifestyle and eating habits and begin to walk the
path to optimum health.
Disclaimer: The above material is for educational purpose only and
it is not intended as medical advice.
For more information about how I can assist you through a traditional
naturopathic approach and coaching, please contact me at info@dedoholistic.com
Thank you.
References
1) University
of Rhode Island
-
College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS); - Department of
Natural Resources Service (NRS); - Coastal Institute in Kingston ,
RI July 1st, 2014 from http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/ww/Publications/pH&alkalinity.pdf
2) Day, P. (2007). Health Wars. Acid and Alkali Ashes (pp. 204-206). Kent ,
UK : Credence
Publications.
3) Trivieri, L., Anderson, J. W.
(2002). Alternative Medicine - The Definitive Guide. Holistic Self-Care. Diet and Nutrition. (p. 35). Berkeley ,
CA
4) Holford, P. (2004). The New
Optimum Nutrition Bible. Part 9. Food Fact File. Balancing acid and alkaline foods. (pp. 521, 522). New
York , NY
To know more about my holistic health practice and my coaching activity, please feel free to visit also the following sites:
To know more about my holistic health practice and my coaching activity, please feel free to visit also the following sites:
