The pH Factor's Importance to Good Health
Body Fluids Acid and Alkaline Balance Influences Immunity to Disease
Apr 23, 2009
The numerical ratings for pH are from 0 to 14. The midpoint of 7 is considered neutral. Below 7 indicates acidity, while above 7 indicates alkalinity. Too much of either is unhealthy. So just above the midpoint of 7 up to 7.5, slightly alkaline, is considered ideal. Cancer patients usually record a pH of 5 to 5.5,which is very acidic.
What pH Stands For
The term "pH" was invented in 1909 by the Danish chemist Søren Sørensen. It was originally written by Dr Sørensen as PH, and it stands for pondus hydrogenii which means "potential hydrogen". This is a measure of a liquid's or soil's ability or inability to attract hydrogen ions.
It has been used to test soil acidity and alkalinity for agricultural purposes for decades. Soil analysis by pH leans toward more acid readings, anywhere from the 5's to the 6's, depending on the type of soil and its use. The mineral contents of the soil determine those pH readings.
Human Use of the pH Scale
According to Dr Robert O.Young, author of The pH Miracle, ”Your health depends on an alkaline environment, created by eating foods such as tomatoes, avocados and green vegetables...striking the optimum 80/20 balance ...through simple changes in diet can result in weight loss, increased stamina and strength,a stronger immune system and a greater sense of wellbeing.”
Environment here refers to all the bodily fluids. The 80/20 balance relates to the ratio of alkaline foods to acid foods one consumes. Others recommend a 70/30 ratio. Generally speaking, fresh fruits and vegetables are alkaline, processed foods, bleached white flour, sugar, meat, and some dairy products are acid forming.
Key Phrasing for Clarity: Acid or Alkaline Forming
Meat usually tests as alkaline, but it is acid forming when consumed. Conversely, many citrus fruits will test as acid, yet they are alkaline forming when consumed. For example, Dr. Leonard Horowitz recommends drinking water with lime or lemon squeezed into it prior to eating or more often. A Japanese study confirmed his advice and also recommended squeezing lime over food.
Over time is another key phrase. According to Dr. Ben Kim, too many health consumers are looking for the quick fixes that various pH supplements offer. Going alkaline in one's personal environment is best done through dietary means over time. The body contains buffers, which work in different ways to balance the pH.
Over time these buffers have been overloaded with acid forming food and beverage consumption. After time in the other direction, these pH balancing buffers will be supported enough to adjust the pH where it should be.
Alkaline Forming Diet and Monitoring pH
Generally speaking, most fruits and vegetables, some nuts, some dairy, and a few grains are alkalizing. Meats, most dairy, most grains, legumes, sugar and artificial sweeteners, white bleached flour products as well as all processed and fast foods are acid forming. There are more detailed lists available.
It is important to hydrate with plenty of good, pure water as well. Avoid straight tap water. Good water is actually right around 7. Using a reverse osmosis filter in house, or at a health food store, or elsewhere ensures good water consumption.
Monitoring pH values is easily done without expensive equipment or health practitioner office visits with blood samples. Strips, tapes, or sticks with instructions are available at health food stores and online. It is easy to obtain specific pH readings with these inexpensive tools.
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