Balancing body pH levels is very important to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Acid is a natural by-product of fats breaking down in the body and from specific body processes. Since the body’s optimum pH is 7.4, it will always attempt to balance the body by neutralizing the acid. Imbalances in body pH, however slight, can lead to serious health issues.
How to Test Your pH Levels
Before attempting to balance the pH levels in the body, it’s important to know what your current pH is. pH testing strips, available at health stores, will show current pH levels.
Healthy saliva pH levels range between 6.5 and 7.5. Since the body’s ideal pH is 7.4, it is recommended to keep the body pH slightly alkaline.
Eating More Alkaline Foods to Raise pH Levels in the Body
When the body is not pH balanced, it can mean either the body is too acidic or too alkaline.
Most North Americans prefer certain foods that are acidic in nature. As a result, their bodies are highly acidic.
To increase the alkalinity of your body, eating foods like fruits and vegetables is highly recommended. During this first step of restoring the body’s alkaline Balance, alkaline foods should account for 80 percent of your daily diet.
Common alkaline foods include: vegetable juices, broccoli, garlic, celery, parsley, raisins, dried figs, lemon water and herb teas.
Eat Less Acidic Foods to Lower pH Levels in the Body
Food like carbohydrates, cheeses and meats are often acidic in nature. To first get the body pH balanced, acidic food intake needs to be reduced and only account for 20 percent of the daily diet.
Common acidic foods include: pickled vegetables, pork, veal, beef, canned tuna and sardines, shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, processed cheeses, black tea, coffee and alcohol.
Drink Alkaline Ionized Water on a Daily Basis
Drinking alkaline ionized water daily will help neutralize the acidity that has built up over time in your body and wash acid waste products from cells and tissues.
Alkaline ionized water is produced through “alkaline ionized machines” and known for being also ultra-hydrating and energizing due to electrolysis filtering. If you’re planning to get one of these machines, however, make sure to consult first this water alkalizer comparison guide.
Herb Teas Alkalize the Body and Balance pH Levels
Some herb teas are alkaline in nature and can be useful in raising alkaline levels in the body. Replacing coffee with herb teas will also aid in lowering acidity while increasing alkaline levels in the body. Some herb teas known to be alkaline are: Green Tea, Dandelion Tea, and Ginseng Tea.
Maintain Desired pH Levels in the Body
Once pH is at the desired range, the daily diet can be modified slightly to maintain a proper pH balance. Alkaline foods will be required to account for 60 percent of the diet, while acidic foods can be up to 40 percent. pH should be tested twice a week to make sure pH is still balanced
About the Author:
Helen Lyle West is a dietitian living in the Birmingham,UK. She is passionate about food and nutrition, keen to explore how it affects the health of individuals and population groups. Helen has also had a lifelong interest in Holistic, Alternative, and complementary medicine.
