High levels of acid in your body lead to an acidic environment which can cause a number of health problems. On the other hand, alkalinity is the whole capacity of the body fluids to neutralize the acid, and these fluids include blood, saliva, urine and so on. In order to preserve our overall health we need to keep the levels of acids within a specific range.
The body’s acidity and alkalinity is measured by a pH scale that goes from 0 to 14. If your body fluids have higher pH levels it means they have more oxygen and are more alkaline. If your body fluids are lower in pH, it means they have less oxygen and more acids. Neutral levels are considered around pH value 7.
Optimal pH levels of the body fluids are:
- Saliva pH = 7.0-7.5
- Blood pH = 7.35-7.45
- Urine pH = 4.6-8.0
If your pH levels are lower your body is acidic and this can have serious consequences for your health. The majority of people are unaware of the dangers of acidity so they rarely check their pH levels.
Here is a list of symptoms that indicate body acidity and ways to regulate the alkaline balance as well:
- Weight Gain
Whenever the body is not alkalized, the waste product gets trapped inside the organism, which leads to forming excess waste. Furthermore, this produces body acidity, and the organs responsible for flushing toxins (kidneys, colon, skin, and lymph system) are overworked and cannot remove the built up acid from the organism.
So, this acidity gets attached to the fat cells and sticks around by making you gain weight even more.
- Weak Bones
Despite the effort of the body to remain alkalized, if there is too much acidity, important minerals are wasted from the organs and tissues to keep the organism active. This ultimately leads to brittle bone structure. One of those minerals withdrawn from the bones is calcium.
Ultimately, this leads to osteopenia or osteoporosis, and if you have it- then you are probably suffering from body acidity.
- Dental Problems
Since teeth are actually a bone structure, the same as with the other bones occurs. When your body is acidic, the calcium gets withdrawn from them and the teeth suffer from this mineral’s deficiency.
In 2015, the International Journal of Chemical Engineering and Applications has announced a study showing that low pH levels in mouth might lead to demineralization of the tooth enamel.
This makes the teeth more subjected to mouth bacteria from sweet foods and drinks. Finally this results in cavities and production of lactic acid in the mouth.
This is actually what makes the teeth sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Another symptom that may occur is bleeding gums.
- Fatigue
Body acidity makes the body much more prone to viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The worst thing is that these microorganisms develop in acidic conditions. Usually they build up inside the gums, digestive tract, and other tissues and organs.
This creates weak immunity and exhausts the body. Due to exhaustion, the body makes up for lost energy and loses important nutrients. On larger scale, this harms the enzymes and hormones and causes body irregularities, such as fatigue.
- Skin Problems
Acidity in the organism results in toxins build up, which harms the skin immensely.
Also, this impairs the blood flow and the skin cannot get rid of toxins through sweating, as it normally does. Diseases that occur from this condition are rashes, acne, eczema, and allergies.
- Mucus Buildup
Mucus inside the body is useful for eliminating toxins through the nose. When the organism is acidic, the nasal passage cannot throw out the mucus, which remains trapped inside the body.
If this happens, medical assistance is required; otherwise, the lungs get overflown with mucus and the breathing process is interrupted. This can result in coughing, sinus issues, wheezing, chest pain, and respiratory problems.
- Muscle Pain
High levels of body acidity results in constricted muscles, which means that the oxygen cannot be transferred through the blood vessels properly. Thus, the muscles lack oxygen as well and this leads to pain and soreness. You may also experience fatigue, a clear sign of elevated body acidity.
- Sleeplessness
Whenever you are dealing with tiredness and exhaustion as well as insomnia, this indicates low pH levels. Due to lack of calcium in the body, it feels exhausted at all times, leading to significant tiredness.
Deal With The Problem
There are a couple of things you can do to prevent body acidity.
Hydration: make sure you drink plenty of healthy fluids to avoid acidity. This encourages the digestive tract and prevents illnesses.
Warm Lemon Water: Lemon may be acidic in flavor, but acts to alkalize the body. This may be the best cure for regulating the pH levels in your body.
Green Leafy Vegetables: if you increase your consumption cucumber, kale, spinach, broccoli, arugula, green peppers, collards, chard, zucchini, lettuce, artichokes, green asparagus and celery, you will fix any acidity problems instantly. By juicing these veggies you will get maximum health benefits.
Stop Consuming Highly Acidic Products: make sure to always avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, processed junk foods, processed meats, and artificial and processed sugars since they increase the body acidity.
Calcium and Magnesium: to keep your bones strong and you muscles operative, increase your intake of calcium and magnesium. This is going to also keep your teeth, heart, and nervous system in check. Aside from this, the two minerals will enable the body to remain alkalized.
For best calcium sources, consume more dark, leafy green veggies, seafood (salmon and mackerel), dry fruits, and grain cereals. Calcium and magnesium supplements can be also beneficial, and can be prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid GMO Foods: no GMO foods should be on your menu-ever. They contain high levels of toxins and chemicals which make the body even more acidic.
Source: healthyfoodstar.com