Why is pH so important when it comes to your health?
The acronym pH stands for potential hydrogen. It’s used to describe the chemical acidity vs alkalinity level of a substance. Levels can range from 0, very acidic, to 14 which is very alkaline. The pH of pure water is a 7. Normal or neutral levels for body fluid pH is about 7.35-7.45.
Some foods are acidifying when introduced to the body, and others are alkalizing. What consumed on a daily basis does not change the pH levels of your blood, but may change the pH of your saliva and urine. Foods can either raise or lower your pH level, and this is based on the mineral content of the food, not the actual pH of the food itself. Lemon juice, has a low pH but has an alkalizing effect on the body when consumed.
To determine if a food is acid or alkaline, it is burned and the ash is mixed with water. If the solution is acid or alkaline then the food is called acid or alkaline. Ash is the mineral content of the food.
Why your pH level matters
Much research suggests that having lower, or acidic pH levels is associated with greater risks of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, cancer and obesity. Higher, or alkaline pH levels are linked to improvements in memory and cognition, reduced pain and lower risk of hypertension and stroke. Therefore, it’s critical to create a healthy alkaline environment that promotes good health and decreases chronic illness and inflammation.
5 Reasons to eat an Alkaline Diet
- It may assist in decreasing Blood Pressure thereby improving cardiovascular health.
- It can ease chronic pain, inflammation and headaches.
- It helps to increase bone density promoting strong bones.
- It may prevent the development of cancer.
- It helps to boost vitamin absorption.
How to Test Your Saliva Ph at Home
- Test at the same time each morning as your body will be more acidic the earlier you measure. Wait 2 hours after eating, drinking or brushing your teeth .
- Fill your mouth with saliva and swallow it. Repeat this step to make sure your spit is clean and place some saliva in a spoon.
- Place a pH strip into non-bubble saliva for about 15 seconds.
- The strip will change colors based on the acidity/alkalinity of your saliva. Match the color of your pH strip to the color chart on the outside of the box to determine your saliva’s pH level. Discard.
How to test your urine Ph at Home
Our bodies engage in different processes to remove acid waste throughout the day depending on activity, stress and diet. Therefore, we suggest recording the test results over a longer period of time, ideally 30 days, due to fluctuations.
- The first urine of the day is usually slightly more acidic than normal. Therefore, test the first & second urine of the day and track both over time to see changes.
- To test, place the pH test strip in the urine stream (mid-stream) until both pads on the test strip are sufficiently covered in liquid, then remove.
- Shake off any excess fluid and wait 15 seconds
- Compare color change to color chart. Discard.
Try and complete the color matching as soon as possible as the colors are not stable and can change further.
Aim for about a 70-30 ratio of alkaline to acid foods. In addition to the foods you eat, know that stress can also affect your pH levels. Practice deep breathing, eat your veggies and drink plenty of water to lighten your acidic load.
For a Chart of Alkaline-Acid Foods to keep on your refrigerator go to: https://greenopedia.com/alkaline-acid-food-chart/
Supplements recommended:
Nutriwest: Total Green Protein Powder
Optimal Health Systems: Optimal Fruit & Veggie Plus
For more information contact:
Dr Iris Rosenfeld
Rosenfeld Wellness Center
23121 Plaza Pointe Drive Suite 150
Laguna Hills, Ca 92653
949-380-7215
