Acid/Alkaline Balance
The significance of maintaining an acid-alkaline equilibrium in the body is emphasized by numerous nutritional and dietary approaches. To better understand this topic, let's explore some fundamental ideas associated with balancing the body's minerals through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.
What Does Acid and Alkaline Mean?
The pH of a system refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions present in that system, which can also be referred to as acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH greater than 7 is alkaline, and a pH less than 7 is acidic. It is worth noting that the term "alkaline" can be misleading because the higher the pH, the lower the concentration of hydrogen ions.
Maintaining a proper pH balance is essential because many enzyme systems rely on the correct level of acidity to function effectively. For example, the digestive enzyme pepsin found in the stomach requires a pH of less than 5 to break down food. Similarly, numerous enzymes have optimum pH levels for optimal functioning. Any imbalance in the pH can lead to enzymes becoming partially or entirely ineffective, which can lead to various health problems.
Fortunately, the pH of cells in the body remains relatively stable due to buffering systems that continuously regulate and compensate for changes in pH. Buffering systems work to reduce or "buffer" changes in pH to keep it within a healthy range.
The kidneys and lungs play a critical role in regulating the pH of extracellular fluids. The kidneys excrete H+ ions while retaining chloride ions, or vice versa, to buffer the pH. The lungs, on the other hand, excrete carbon dioxide, which is acidic. Kidney or lung problems can lead to a pH imbalance in the body.
The ideal pH of extracellular fluid is slightly alkaline, around 7.4, with variations of only half a point being considered normal. Larger variations in pH can lead to severe health issues. It is important to note that the body is never truly acidic; it may simply become more acidic than is ideal.
Oxidation Types and pH
An imbalance in oxidation rate can lead to excessive acidity or alkalinity in the body. A faster oxidation rate generally results in a more acidic internal environment because it produces more metabolic end-products, which are often acids. Lactic acid is the most important of these end-products.
Fast oxidizers are more likely to be acidic due to low levels of calcium, which is used as a buffering agent and helps convert lactic acid to calcium lactate. With lower tissue calcium levels, fast oxidizers convert lactic acid more slowly, resulting in a more acidic environment. Those with a low sodium/potassium ratio and glucose intolerance may also experience over-acidity due to their inability to burn glucose in the normal way, instead burning fat and protein, which produces acid. Consuming grains and sugar can also lead to acid production in these individuals.
In contrast, slow oxidizers produce less lactic acid, and their tissue calcium levels are higher, resulting in excessively alkaline urine or saliva. While slight deviations from the normal range are not important, significant variations in pH can impair digestion and other bodily functions.
The over-alkaline state of many slow oxidizers can make it difficult for them to produce adequate hydrochloric acid to digest protein in the stomach. In contrast, fast oxidizers are more likely to experience excessive stomach acidity.
Diet and pH Balance
The pH balance of the body is affected by various factors including diet. The type of food consumed can play a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body.
The following are some general guidelines that can help maintain the pH balance:
Protein, particularly animal protein, has an acidic effect on the body. This is because it is high in phosphorus which binds with calcium, leading to an increase in lactic acid levels. Cooked grain also has an acidic reaction in the body. Protein also tends to increase the oxidation rate which results in the production of more metabolic end-products that are acidic in nature.
Sugars, especially refined sugars, have an acidic effect on the body. This is because they interfere with calcium metabolism and the burning of sugar produces acidic metabolic end-products.
Fruits, vegetables, and salt, on the other hand, generally have an alkaline effect on the body. The determining factor is whether the mineral ash produced after digestion is alkaline or acidic. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are alkaline ash minerals that are abundant in fruits and vegetables, while phosphorus and sulphur are acid ash minerals that are higher in proteins, meats, and grains.
It is important to note that the pH of the fruit or vegetable does not determine its effect on the body. Even acidic fruits such as lemons have an alkalizing effect once they are digested. Additionally, raw foods tend to have a more alkaline reaction in the body compared to cooked foods.
Maintaining a healthy pH balance is crucial for the proper functioning of enzyme systems in the body. Consuming a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain the acid-base balance in the body.
Breathing and pH
Breathing is an important factor that can affect the body's pH balance. Shallow breathing or breathing only from the chest can cause an increase in carbon dioxide retention in the body, leading to a more acidic environment. This is because carbon dioxide combines with water in the body to form carbonic acid, which can lower the pH.
On the other hand, hyperventilation can cause respiratory alkalosis, which occurs when there is too little carbon dioxide in the body. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in the fingers and toes, and muscle twitching.
Cigarette smoking, while not a healthy habit, can temporarily help people breathe more deeply and thus increase oxygen intake. However, it also introduces harmful chemicals into the body and can lead to a host of health problems.
Overall, the body's pH balance is affected by a variety of factors, including diet, oxidation type, and breathing habits. Mineral Balancing can help to correct imbalances and bring the pH back to a normal level.