ACID-ALKALINE BALANCE IN OUR BODY
Our body is 75% alkaline and 25% acid. It is ALKALINE by nature, but ACID generating by function. The body generates in excess of 40 liters of fluids. Please refer to the diagram for an overview of our body fluids.
The fluids should register 7.0 to 8.0 on the pH scale, EXCEPT for the stomach. Wide pH ranges occur in fluids, suggesting the body’s response to acidity from food, stress, and thoughts.
pH means the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution or fluid. It ranges from 0.00 – 14.00. The NEUTRAL number is 7.00. The bigger the number, the more alkaline, and conversely, the smaller the number, the more acidic.
The right pH enables the body cells to function at optimal levels. pH indicates your present and FUTURE state of health. A person may be very fit, trim and strong at the moment. However, if he registers highly acidic body environment e.g. 5.5 to 6.0, his health will crash over time.
Weak acid like carbonic acid is generated by cellular metabolism and exercise. This can be eliminated by our lungs. On the other hand, acids generated by foods and thoughts, such as phosphoric and sulfuric acids, can only be eliminated via kidney and bowels after they are NEUTRALIZED by alkalizing elements (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium). If not, these strong acids will BURN delicate body tissue. Example, painful or burning urination means that your body acid is MORE THAN the alkaline reserve can handle.
There are 3 categories of acidic foods: meat, dairy, grains/cereals. They are first neutralized or BUFFERED before being excreted by kidneys and bowels. Alkaline foods are mainly fruits and vegetables, which should be taken 75%, and leave 25% for the former 3 categories. This will ensure enough alkalizing agents in the body reserve: sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Heard of professional athletes who died during strenuous sports? When the body reaches maximum tolerable limits of dietary acid build-up, any more ADDITION (like strenuous exercise) will result in the “straw that breaks the camel’s back” – DISASTER. Therefore, do not try extensive exercises after a heavy meal.
Fitness and strength is NOT the same as health and wellness. The former is short term, but WELLNESS is long haul health.
Here is how we do the body pH test using the SALIVA.
1. Arm yourself with pH paper strips that register 5.5 to 8.0
2. Put saliva into spoon
3. Dip the pH test paper into it
4. Compare color on the chart and get the reading
5. Check reading before meals and 4 minutes after you eat
Note: A healthy morning saliva should register 6.2 to 6.8 to ensure that you have enough alkaline reserve.
INTERPRETATION OF pH VALUES
| (Before meal) | (After meal) | (Indication) |
| 6.8 | 8.0 & Above | Excellent |
| 6.2 | Higher | Good |
| 5.5 | Higher | Okay |
| 5.5-5.8 | No Change | Bad – very acidic |
| Any Number | Lower | Unsolved Emotional Issue/s |
Saliva pH around 6.0 in spite of a predominantly vegetable and fruit (alkaline food) diet, indicates that THOUGHTS & FEELINGS are highly involved. These are powerful acid generators – very TOXIC indeed.
We shall talk about URINE pH test in due course. Friends/readers who suspect they have very acidic body condition can post your question to us via our e-mail [[email protected]] or Q&A section, to express their concerns. REMEMBER: Fitness is NOT Wellness. Quality health for life is a MARATHON.
(Adapted from: Dr. M. Ted Morter’s book, titled “HEALTH & WELLNESS”)