Alkalising: Why is your pH balance so important?

The term "pH balance" may sound familiar, but what does it really signify and why is it significant? It may come as a surprise, but maintaining a proper pH balance is essential for nearly all bodily functions, such as the immune system, digestive, muscle and joint health.

Diet is typically the primary culprit for pH imbalances, but other factors such as alcohol abuse, stress, antibiotics, and excessive or inadequate exercise may also contribute. In this article, we will look at why balancing your pH is so important for your health and how you can implement dietary and supplemental struggles to do so.

What defines a pH balance?

pH balance is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration in your body on a scale of 1 to 14, where 7 is neutral. If your pH is below 7, you are acidic, and if it's above 7, you are alkaline. The ideal blood pH for humans is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.30-7.45, and deviations from this range can have negative effects on various bodily functions[I].

What is the role of electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential charged particles that regulate fluid balance, support muscle function, and generate electrical impulses in your body. Acidic blood can cause the depletion of electrolyte minerals from other body parts, leading to bone and joint problems, making it crucial to maintain a healthy intake of electrolytes to combat acidity and maintain proper balance.

Why do you need to alkalise if your pH becomes too acidic?

The human body possesses buffer systems that work tirelessly to maintain the ideal pH balance. However, due to modern-day lifestyles, these systems often struggle to cope with the demand of neutralising excess acids. As a result, our blood can become overly acidic, leading to the accumulation of acid in our body tissues over time - this state is known as ‘hyperacidity’.

Why is diet so important for alkalising and pH balance?

Certain foods like sugar, grains, dairy products, processed foods, and fresh meats are highly acidic and overconsumption can upset the stomach's pH balance, leading to acid reflux. Additionally, the body's overall pH balance can be affected by the metabolism of these foods[ii].

Alkalising and diet:

A diet high in acidic foods can lower your pH balance

Refined sugars, processed foods, and alcohol are particularly acidic

Some healthy foods, like beef, nuts, fish, eggs, oats, and plums, are also slightly acidic when broken down

Citrus fruits like limes and lemons have an alkalising effect

Fresh vegetables like mushrooms, sauerkraut, and cabbage have low acid levels

Herbs, potatoes, carrots, figs, pears, melons, unsweetened yogurt, lentils, and potassium-rich bananas are good options for maintaining a healthy pH balance

Healthy fats like avocados and certain seeds should also be part of your diet

Green tea is a refreshing, antioxidant-rich beverage that can help maintain a healthy pH balance

Supplemental suggestions:

Probiotic/prebiotics

Introducing more friendly bacteria into your gut through probiotics can establish a balance that prevents the proliferation of unfriendly bacteria and reduces pH levels. Probiotics with lactobacillus are especially beneficial as they can survive in highly acidic environments and produce lactic acid, which aids glucose metabolism[iii]. Yourgut Restore or A Vogel Molkosan

Spirulina: Spirulina contains chlorophyll, which is a natural alkalising agent that helps to balance the pH levels in the body. Additionally, spirulina is high in minerals like potassium and magnesium, which also have alkalising effects. Incorporating spirulina into your diet may help to promote a more alkaline environment in your body, which can have numerous health benefits[iv].

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is another natural food that is believed to have alkalizing properties. Alkalizing refers to the ability to increase the pH level of the body, making it less acidic and more alkaline. Wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll, which is a natural alkalizing agent that can help to balance the pH levels in the body. Additionally, wheatgrass is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are also known to have alkalizing effects. Consuming wheatgrass may help to promote a more alkaline environment in the body, which can have various health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and reduced inflammation[v]. Kiki Health Organic Wheatgrass

Barleygrass

Barleygrass is high in chlorophyll, which is a natural alkalizing agent that helps to balance the pH levels in the body. Additionally, barleygrass is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are also known to have alkalizing effects. Incorporating barleygrass into your diet may help to promote a more alkaline environment in the body, which can have numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and reduced inflammation[vi]. Viridian Soul Food Organic Greens, containing barleygrass, wheatgrass, spirulina.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a type of freshwater algae that is believed to have alkalizing properties. Alkalizing refers to the ability to increase the pH level of the body, making it less acidic and more alkaline. Chlorella contains a high concentration of chlorophyll, which is a natural alkalizing agent that helps to balance the pH levels in the body. Additionally, chlorella is a rich source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are also known to have alkalizing effects. Consuming chlorella may help to promote a more alkaline environment in the body, which can have various health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation[vii]. Dr. Schulze's Superfood, containing spirulina, wheatgrass, barleygrass and chlorella.

Therapy Organics The Ultimate Reset

Developed by our Nutritional Therapy team, the program leverages the remarkable power of plant medicine to promote the elimination of accumulated toxins and supply essential health-boosting nutrients. We employ a range of plant-based supplements and superfoods that activate a five-point plan to help you feel great. The program includes: ‘A Gut Cleanse & Reset’, ‘Detoxification of Elimination Pathways’, ‘Alkalization of the Body’, ‘Anti-inflammatory activation’ and a ‘Nutrient boost’. Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C Liquid

Lifestyle suggestions:

Rest and relaxation: Yes, R and R is super important for your health, especially for your pH balance. Stress can cause an acidic impact on your body, triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals and hormones as part of the innate 'fight or flight' response. When combined with an already excessively acidic environment, these factors can lead to various symptoms, such as elevated heart rate and headaches. So make sure you make some ‘you time’ into your routine.

For Further Information On Alkalising Read Our Blog: Banish The Blues - Bring In The Greens