PH - How does it affect you?
Too much acidity in the human body can lead to a variety of health problems. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," acidity and alkalinity are measured by the pH scale. PH literally stands for potential of hydrogen. Water is neutral with a pH of 7.0. Anything below 7.0 is acidic, and anything above 7.0 is alkaline. According to the text, "the ideal pH range for the human body is between 6.0 and 6.8." PH test strips can be purchased so the pH levels can be tested at home.
A poor pH balance in the body can cause many health problems and a general feeling of ill health.
Acidosis is a level of high acidity in the body. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," symptoms include insomnia, headaches, frequent sighing, water retention, low blood pressure, foul-smelling stools, difficulty swallowing, sensitivity to vinegar and acidic fruits and bumps on the tongue.
According to Care2.com, other symptoms include fatigue, lack of energy, low body temperature, depression, frequent infections, teary eyes, sensitive teeth, gastritis, dry skin, brittle nails, hives and leg cramps.
If one's body is too acidic eat more alkaline foods to help balance it out. Alkaline forming foods include avocados, figs, honey, corn, raisins, molasses, coconut, fresh fruits and vegetables and soy products.
According to "Personal Nutrition" by Marie A. Boyle and Sara Long, "the acid-base balance of the blood is one of the most accurately controlled conditions in the body." They say too much alkalinity in the body can cause alkalosis, which can cause coma or even death.
If the body is too alkaline, it can be brought back into balance by eating foods that are more acidic. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," acidic foods include asparagus, coffee, alcohol, meat, eggs, legumes, oatmeal, sauerkraut, tea and vinegar.
