THE PH SYSTEM AND YOUR HEALTH

    The term "pH" refers to the potential hydrogen within a substance. A normal, healthy measurement for the human body is about 7.4 on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. The closer to 0 the body's pH reading, the more acidic it is, while a reading leaning towards 14 reflects a more alkaline state. A pH of 7 is neutral; therefore, the optimal reading is slightly alkaline. Having excess or deficient levels acidity can affect every system within the body, as well as its physical structures. Restoring the pH balance in the body sometimes requires the body to draw from a stored base supply of carbonates and phosphates (usually in the bones), which can negatively affect the proper functioning of these systems and structures. Acidosis, the presence of excess acid in the body's fluids, is a major factor in stroke, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. An underlying common thread is the inflammation that may accompany unbalanced pH levels.

    Some experts believe that the common symptoms of muscle pain, breathing difficulty, and constant fatigue are the first signs of excess acidity. Symptoms of unbalanced pH levels will depend on the source. The importance of restoring the pH level to an acceptable level can be seen in the affects of the acidity and alkaline in the body and certain medical conditions. 

                  6 Stages of Acidity: 

1. Sensitivity- Low energy, acne, body odor

2. Irritation- IBS, constipation, diarrhea

3. Mucus Formation- Acid binding 

4. Inflammation- Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

5. Induration- Hardening of the arteries

6. Degeneration- Cancer, Osteoporosis, and MS

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~Circulatory System:

Inflammation is an underlying factor in heart disease. A surplus of acid can add to cardiovascular issues as the tissues become inflamed and fats are then used to protect the lining of the arteries. These conditions can lead to heart failure as the blood is unable to flow easily to and from the heart. 

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~Digestive System: 

For proper functioning of the digestive tract, it is important to replace the excess acid in the standard Western diet with an alkaline-based diet (rich in fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts). Insufficient alkaline levels can cause nausea, bloating, and gastric reflux as the pancreas fails to send signals to the other organs resulting in inflammation. 

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~Immune System:

Maintaining a balanced pH level could serve to direct pathogens away from the immune system. High levels of acid may lead the microorganisms to settle in hidden areas. Modern medical treatments such as drugs, surgery, and chemical radiation can hinder the body's natural healing response. 

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~Integumentary System:

This system is comprised of the skin, nails, hair, and exocrine glands. Acidosis affects the conditioning of the skin's tissues by prompting a buildup of acid deposits. The resulting inflammation impairs the skin's ability to block infections and invading pathogens. This can lead to pimples, rashes, wounds, sores, and lesions. 

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~Muscular System: 

Energy is required for the proper development and functioning of the muscular system. The body breaks down oxygen and glucose metabolically to generate this energy. Acidosis can disrupt the metabolic processes that nourish cells, leaving the muscles to perform poorly. 

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~Nervous System:

The nervous system also depends on constant energy for physical, mental, and emotional strength. The high levels of acidity may hinder this process. 

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~Reproductive System: 

While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between infertility, sexual dysfunction, and acidosis, preliminary studies suggest that excess acidity is linked to decreased arousal, sexual enjoyment, and fertility. 

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~Respiratory System:

As noted, oxygen supply to the cells may be hindered by excess acidity. A buildup of toxic waste and mucus in the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system could potentially lead to asthma, bronchitis, and recurrent colds. 

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~Urinary System: 

Encompassing the kidneys, the ureter, the urethra, and the bladder, the urinary system can facilitate the loss of alkaline minerals in the presence of high-acid levels. The system will draw alkaline from the bones, tissues, and organs, and transfer it into the bloodstream to compensate, which can lead to excruciating kidney stones.

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~Skeletal System:

Acidosis may cause inflammation to settle into the joints, leading to arthritis symptoms of stiffness and pain. A large buildup of uric acid deposits within the joint cells results in painful crystals in commonly used joints such as the wrists, knees, and feet. 

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~For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), high-acid diets might increase the risk of kidney failure. Results of a study indicate that patients with CKD can greatly benefit by improving their diet to include more fruits and vegetables and by eating less meat and processed foods. The research team found that high levels of acid in the diets of patients with CKD was closely linked to developing kidney failure at a rate three times faster than those consuming a low-acid diet. 

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~Sarcopenia:

An unbalanced pH level can exacerbate the loss of muscle mass that naturally occurs over time. Weak muscles can lead to bone fractures from falls and reduced mobility. The effects of the extra acid are particularly evident in conditions such as sepsis, renal failure, ketosis, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetic ketosis, and trauma to the muscle. 

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~Growth Hormones:

With age, the natural production of growth hormones slows and negatively affects cell regeneration. High levels of acidity can rapidly impair hormone production. The growth hormones are vital to the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and cognitive behavior. 

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~Pain:

The inflammation that leads to pain may be triggered by the consumption of foods in high acidity. Processed, high-fat, and junk foods appear to be the most damaging. The alkaline content in healthy foods could potentially adjust the pH balance to a more stable state detoxifying the body.

~Chemotherapy: 

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy require the pH level to be balanced for full effectiveness. Depending on the agents used, a more acidic or a more alkaline-based agent is a main component of the treatment. 

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*When you eat a highly acidic diet (one in which meat and processed foods heavily outweigh fruits and vegetables), it becomes harder for your body to repair damaged cells and absorb nutrients. Your body becomes more susceptible to disease and illness. These problems are exacerbated in people with chronic kidney disease because they lead to a buildup of waste in your blood. 

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