The pH scale measures how much Hydrogen (H) is released from a substance when dissolved in water. Coffee, sodas, lemon juice and stomach secretions are acidic while baking soda, milk and intestinal juices are alkaline. Most fruits, apple cider vinegar, honey and whole grains contain weak acids while most vegetables (except tomatoes and eggplants), dried (unsulfured) fruit, dates, bananas, almonds and Brazil nuts are truly alkalizing.
As humans, a normal pH for all tissues and fluids of the body (except the stomach) is slightly alkaline. However, a urine pH below 7 means acids are being excreted as the kidneys work to support the strict pH range of the blood (~7.35-7.45) in efforts to maintain proper body pH balance. When acids accumulate faster than the body can excrete them, possibly due to numerous contributors such as acid forming foods, stress, improper levels of exercise, coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol,they may settle into the tissues as acid deposits. This protective measure maintains proper blood pH but potentially at the expense of tissues, organs and pH-specific enzymes. Further, such deposits have been known to aggravate and contribute to “modern diseases” inherent to a Western diet, such as joint pain, fatigue, kidney stones, etc.
To help support a healthy acid-alkaline balance an individual can ingest alkalizing foods such as big beds of mixed greens and protein in far greater proportion to mildly acidifying foods. We can also avoid strongly acidic foods such as animal protein, like red meat, and fatty fish and hard/aged cheeses. These practices may encourage the release of stored acids, yet full release may take years if accumulation is heavy. Meanwhile, tissues may remain in stress while symptoms of acidification do not significantly improve.
Fortunately, alkalizing supplements, like pH-Basic can help provide the body with enzymes, minerals, and alkalizing agents to help accelerate de-acidification. According to Christopher Vasey, ND, who considers supplements necessary for those with years of accumulated acids and inability to properly metabolize them, “alkaline supplements…provide relief to the patient experiencing the painful symptoms or harmful disorders caused by excess acids in the body.” For more info check out his book, The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health; Restore Your Health by Creating pH Balance in Your Diet.
Orlando Santos joined Enzymedica’s Customer Care Team recently, so we asked him to share a little bit about himself. Orlando has relocated from Miami, FL and previously worked with his father in the family business, “Ladies Paradise Shoes.” He later went into business for himself as owner/manager of Experts Cleaning. His experience in working with customers and building clientele, has helped him establish durable relationships with them and experience running day-to-day operations.
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