The human body is in constant flux, with multiple biochemical reactions occurring simultaneously to maintain homeostasis - the body's equilibrium for health and wellness. Part of this intricate balance is maintaining the pH level in the blood at a steady 7.35 to 7.45. This is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.0 considered neutral.
The body’s ability to support this balance depends on how we treat it on a daily basis. On the blood or biochemical level, this includes maintaining a proper pH. Our health starts at the cellular level, and by the time you notice an issue on the outside of the body, it has been through multiple systems of checks and balances before coming to our awareness. Neglecting our body's pH can leave it out of balance, leading to such issues as chronic inflammation, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and compromised organ systems at the worst.
The foremost factor in a well maintained bodily pH is a balanced diet prominently featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes. We can add to that smaller amounts of nuts, seeds, whole grains, and some lean meats or other proteins. Fruits and vegetables are more alkaline in nature, especially considering that acids are the by-product of fats being broken down. However, we still need fat in the body for important functions - especially the essential fatty acids found in salmon, flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, olive oil, eggs, whole grains, and dark, leafy vegetables (such as broccoli and spinach).
The foods that cause the most acidity are meat and cheese, with some carbohydrates contributing (sugar and white flour especially). Reducing these acidifying foods and increasing healthy alkaline-promoting options can improve our pH balance while increasing the availability of vitamins and minerals that might otherwise be leached out of our bodies.
Another source for improving alkalinity of the body is drinking alkaline water. Some brands of water, such as Fiji, provide the pH of their water (Fiji is labeled as 7.7 pH). You may be lucky enough to have certain establishments nearby which sell alkaline water. Here in Texas, we have "Water Tree," which offers two tiers of alkalinity, 9.5 pH and 10.5 pH, sold by the gallon. Many people do not realize that some bottled water may have a pH less than 7, and therefore considered more acidic, because of the processes necessary to sanitize the water. Since ground water can be easily contaminated, this includes "fresh" spring water. Consider getting a testing kit to know where on the pH scale your filtered or bottled water sits.
Please note that drinking alkaline water is not a cure-all for poor eating and lack of exercise. Focusing on a healthy diet and making sure to get 30 minutes of moderate activity daily is a must, especially if you have a sedentary job and lifestyle. That being said, drinking water is a benefit all on its own. A study surveying over 18,000 U.S. adults showed that increasing water consumption alone decreased their sugar, salt, fat and cholesterol consumption, as well as decreased overall caloric intake. So, while you might not always be able to drink alkaline water, make sure you drink the standard 8 glasses per day, seeing as how it can go a long way towards balancing our health. Simple steps towards this goal can be ordering water with meals, and carry water along with you everywhere - especially if, like here in Southeast Texas, you live in a sweltering subtropical climate. If one of your goals is to lose weight, then replacing juice, milk, sweet tea and soda with water can go a long way in decreasing those calories. Remember, if you feel thirsty, then you are already dehydrated at the cellular level. Prioritize water, and your health, vitality, and general well-being will improve.
https://news.illinois.edu/blog/view/6367/333584
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