Balancing pH

The pH of blood can range from 7.35-7.45, perhaps as high as 7.5. This is considered to be alkaline and is optimal for the health of our cells, bones and teeth. Also the body can eliminate toxins more effectively. A good indication that our blood pH is normal is the pH of our saliva which should also be an alkaline pH (7.0-7.5) depending on the time of day.  Urine pH may be a little lower especially in the morning since acids are eliminated through the urine.  As the pH becomes acidic, minerals can be lost from teeth and bones. Toxins are not eliminated as well, resulting in unhealthy, chronic inflammation.

An acidic balance will decrease the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease the body’s ability to repair damaged cells, decrease its ability to detoxify and increase tumor cell production.

Symptoms associated with low pH include: tooth decay, osteoporosis, muscle and joint pain, muscle weakness, gout, allergies, and infection.

Self help includes:

1.Deep diaphragmatic breathing. Internet search Cleveland Clinic diaphragmatic breathing.

2.Increase water intake to ½ ounce per pound body weight. Add fresh lemon juice for alkalizing minerals.

3.Meals should include an increase of fresh green leafy vegetables such as spinach as well as 10-12 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day.

4.Mental relaxation to decrease the chronic stress response. Refer to the information on stress.

5.Mineral supplementation with magnesium and potassium.

6.Decrease or eliminate intake of refined carbohydrates. Decrease intake of proteins. Both of which increase acidity.

7.Trade Coffee for herbal or green tea.  Green tea is highly alkaline. Try jasmine, Sencha, or matcha or switch to a less acidic coffee like bulletproof.

8.Reduce protein, refined sugar and refined carbohydrates.

9.Chew your food. This one may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that digestion begins in the mouth! Saliva is alkaline-forming, so chewing every mouthful 20 to 40 times is ideal.

10.Sweat (or bathe) it out. The more we sweat, the more toxins we release. The fewer toxins in our systems, the less acidic our bodies are.  Also try soaking in an Epsom salt bath a few times a week. One cup of Epsom salts plus 10 drops of lavender oil equals total alkaline bliss.

11.Move your body. Exercise regularly to actively move acids out of the body. This keeps the lymph system flowing and creates more alkaline blood. Dancing, running, and swimming are great at getting the lymph going.

12.Sleep and de-stress. Stress creates cellular acidity. Always work on bringing yourself back into balance by creating restorative rituals that make you feel good and balance your mind-body connection. Going to bed early and taking a walk after dinner are some ideas.

13.Taking a vitamin supplement 1000-2000mg 3 times a day can also be helpful.