acidosis is said to occur when arterial pH falls below 7.35, while its counterpart (alkalosis) occurs at a pH over 7.45. Arterial blood gas analysis and other tests are required to separate the main causes.
The term pH stands for Potential Hydrogen, which is the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance or solution. The pH range is 0 to 14. Human blood pH is ideally 7.35. Higher numbers indicate alkalinity; lower numbers indicate acidity.
The body simply cannot tolerate extended acid imbalances. In the early stages of an imbalance, symptoms may include such things as skin eruptions, headaches, allergies, colds and flu, and sinus problems. As things get further out of kilter, weakened systems start to give way. If tissue pH deviates too far to the acid side, oxygen levels decrease and cells die.
On the other side of the coin, it is virtually impossible for a health disorder or disease to sustain itself when your pH is in the neutral zone (7.0-7.4). At this level, the body has a strong immunity to diseases.
On the other side of the coin, it is virtually impossible for a health disorder or disease to sustain itself when your pH is in the neutral zone (7.0-7.4). At this level, the body has a strong immunity to diseases.
acidic blood blocks vitamin absorption, creates toxic buildup in clogged cells, slows organ function, prevents proper digestion, creates excess gas and bloating, causes unhealthy weight gain, and speeds the aging process.
When pH is lower than 7.0, aging is accelerated because natural acid salts build up in the walls of your cells, causing them to stiffen and dry up. By the same token, aging is slowed when acid waste is removed from the body.
When pH is lower than 7.0, aging is accelerated because natural acid salts build up in the walls of your cells, causing them to stiffen and dry up. By the same token, aging is slowed when acid waste is removed from the body.
High acid also allows LDL-cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) to build up faster in your arteries, damaging artery walls and creating plaque buildup.
High acidity enters your body when you eat processed foods, pre-packaged foods, sugary foods, pastas, dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.), alcoholic beverages, drugs, table salt. Meats also promote acidity.
Stress plays a significant role in creating excess acid. This is why Type A personalities - who tend to live in a perpetual state of tension and rigidity - are prone to develop acidic conditions. If you don't get enough sleep or exercise or face life-changing events - loss of a job, divorce, moving to a new city, etc. - your body probably has more acid than it can handle.
High acidity enters your body when you eat processed foods, pre-packaged foods, sugary foods, pastas, dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.), alcoholic beverages, drugs, table salt. Meats also promote acidity.
Stress plays a significant role in creating excess acid. This is why Type A personalities - who tend to live in a perpetual state of tension and rigidity - are prone to develop acidic conditions. If you don't get enough sleep or exercise or face life-changing events - loss of a job, divorce, moving to a new city, etc. - your body probably has more acid than it can handle.
Restoring the balance
Moderate changes in your diet can help restore your pH balance. For starters, try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, almonds, and yogurt. And go lighter on cheeses, soft drinks, alcohol, processed foods, and sweeteners (use raw honey instead). Roughly 75 percent of your diet should consist of alkaline-producing foods.
If these dietary changes seem too oppressive, you might consider taking alkaline supplements. One recent study looked at whether supplementation with alkaline minerals would influence symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain. Researchers gave 82 such patients 30 grams of a lactose-based alkaline mineral supplement (Basica) daily over a period of four weeks in addition to their medication.
Pain symptoms were measured using the Arbus Low Back Pain Rating Scale. Average pain scores significantly dropped by 49 percent, total blood buffering capacity was significantly improved, and blood pH increased. The conclusion: an unbalanced pH level may contribute to the symptoms of low back pain.
To lower your stress level, which will help put your pH reading in the normal range, you may want to try deep-breathing exercises and eating alkaline foods or what ever type of relaxation technique works for you. Moderate exercise - even walking 10 minutes a day - can also go a long way toward reducing stress and restoring balance, the key to good health.
If these dietary changes seem too oppressive, you might consider taking alkaline supplements. One recent study looked at whether supplementation with alkaline minerals would influence symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain. Researchers gave 82 such patients 30 grams of a lactose-based alkaline mineral supplement (Basica) daily over a period of four weeks in addition to their medication.
Pain symptoms were measured using the Arbus Low Back Pain Rating Scale. Average pain scores significantly dropped by 49 percent, total blood buffering capacity was significantly improved, and blood pH increased. The conclusion: an unbalanced pH level may contribute to the symptoms of low back pain.
To lower your stress level, which will help put your pH reading in the normal range, you may want to try deep-breathing exercises and eating alkaline foods or what ever type of relaxation technique works for you. Moderate exercise - even walking 10 minutes a day - can also go a long way toward reducing stress and restoring balance, the key to good health.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Acidosis
To rebalance and raise the blood pH, it is beneficial to eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (with the exception of plums, prunes, and cranberries which remain as acid in the body). Carrot juice is beneficial to re-establish balance. Deep breathing may be included in the treatment program. Smokers should stop smoking as soon as possible. Not smoking can prevent the development of many severe lung diseases that can lead to respiratory acidosis.
Purchasing litmus paper and applying saliva to the paper will indicate whether your body fluids are to acidic or too alkaline. Litmus paper will change color to indicate pH levels of body fluids. Red litmus paper turns blue in alkaline and blue litmus paper turns red in an acid. These tests should be performed before eating or one hour after eating.
Beneficial Supplements
Alkalizers assist in raising blood and body fluid pH levels. These may be formulated supplements or individual nutrients.
Sulfur acts as a buffer to maintain proper pH levels.
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps convert food to energy.
Kelp (Seaweed) is high in alkaline and other healthy nutrients.
Coral Calcium contains natural mineral alkalizers.
Ionized Oxygen supports cell oxygen levels and increases energy and stamina while reducing acidity levels.
Coenzyme A supports the immune system and detoxifies the body of many dangerous substances.
Elder Bark, Hops and Willow reduce stress.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy addresses deep seated disharmonies from the perspective of the person, not just their symptoms, so giving a remedy for hyperacidity will rarely cover the underlying cause. The following remedies have been known to aid acid excesses and should be used only for ACUTE problems: Consult a Homeopath for additional remedies. 1. Robinia: everything turns to acid; burning sensation with regurgitation of acids with severe sharp pains and vomiting.
2. Natrum Phosphoricum: belching after food; sour vomiting; very sensitive individual with a delicate/refined nature.
3. Hydrastis: strong affinity to mucus membranes; indigestion; belches sour fluids; pulsating symptoms.
4. Iris Versicolor: burning sensations along entire alimentary canal; vomits sour or bloody vile; nausea; profuse saliva.
5. Nux Vomica: indigestion; heartburn all symptoms relate to overdoing or excess (alcohol/food/drugs/etc.); sensitive to pressure in stomach; liver remedy with anger, irritability and impatience; type A.
6. Sulphuric Acid: fatigue; nervous but keeps going; irritability at minor things; sour vomiting and belching; vomits mucus, not food; nausea and chilliness.
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