Acid-base Balance - The Key to Optimal Health

Acid- base balance is often the missing key to optimal health.

The human body requires nutrients from the foods we eat for energy to do, to be, to think, move around, digest, eliminate and heal; all organs and muscles need a constant supply of energy in order to function properly; the main source of energy comes from the cellular metabolism of foods; oxygen intake is another significant factor involved in energy production. If sufficient oxygen is available, 18 times more energy can be obtained from the same food intake.

As the body metabolizes food, metabolic waste products are eliminated via the intestines, kidneys, skin and lungs. Many of these waste products are acidic and need to be neutralized prior excretion; increased acidity uses up the oxygen stores, leading to decreased energy in the long run.

If the body produces acidic metabolic waste products at a rate higher than can be neutralized or excreted this will then result in a hyperacidity of the body in the long term. If the acid-base balance is disturbed, the optimal functioning of the body will be impaired. Thus, the body resorts to mechanisms to counteract this imbalance. The body primarily deposits all acids in connective tissue to then release and excrete them as soon as sufficient basic mineral salts are available again in the blood. In case of extensive lack of alkaline mineral salts and continuous hyperacidity the body resorts to using its own minerals, e.g. calcium from the bones, which then can result in osteoporosis.

Hyperacidity does not occur suddenly.  This is a slow process – sometimes lasting years. Nutritional habits in industrial nations containing over 25% acid in foods (meat, fish, cheese, sausage, etc.) are very common. This results in an increase of hyperacidity as well as a lack of minerals in the organism.

Meat consumption is too high.  And conversely, this means: Fruit and vegetable consumption is too low (fruit and vegetables are considered to be alkalinizing foods.) Many people do not observe the recommendation of the Canada Food Guide to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A vicious circle then commences: Alkaline mineral salts are required to neutralize acids; if mineral salts are missing, the organism will become hyperacidic.

While exploring the root causes of hyperacidity, nutrition and breathing, as well as excretion should be considered. A lack of exercise in fresh air prevents optimal oxygen supply; insufficient fluid intake prevents optimal excretion from the kidneys or via the skin (sweating). An intestinal malfunction or an imbalance in intestinal flora may also influence the acid-base balance.

Putrefaction could also have an acidifying impact on the organism. Individuals having gastro-intestinal problems with food intake as result of serious diseases, cellular metabolism, impaired breathing or excretion should consult a health practitioner with regard to hyperacidity. Intestinal malfunction or intestinal flora imbalance may also require one to consult a nutritional/naturopathic practitioner to discuss further procedures in detail. The regeneration of intestinal flora and correction of digestive malfunctions can be achieved with a better acid-base balance. Elimination of psychological stress, inflammatory processes and allopathic drugs all have a positive impact on the acid-base balance. 

Why do we get acidic?  Some of the causes are:  highly acidifying foods (e.g. meat, fish, cheese, sausage…), too much stress, inflammatory processes (arthritis, sprains/strains, etc.), allopathic drugs insufficient alkalinizing food (e.g. fruits, vegetables) , insufficient exercise, insufficient fresh air.

 For optimal health, avoid hyperacidity in any way you can:

Sufficient fluid is required

Ensure sufficient fluid intake. However, exercise caution: so-called neutral fluids such as water or herbal tea should be preferred rather than coffee, black tea, high-sugar drinks or alcohol.

Exercise

Engage in regular exercise. A walk in the park or a short bicycle ride optimizes oxygen intake as well as promoting the release of carbonic acid in the form of carbon dioxide.

Avoid stress

Avoid stress as much as possible, or learn to respond differently to common stressors. Try to control your negative reactions, meditate, think positively and smile more often.

Nutritional supplementation

Supplement your nutrition when required with natural products that restore alkalinity.