Acidity and alkalinity are measured according to the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale. Water, with a pH of 7.0, is considered neutral – neither acid nor alkaline. Any substance with a pH below 7.0 is acid, while anything with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline.
The ideal pH range of the human body is between 6.0 and 6.8 (the human body is naturally mildly acidic). What’s more, values below 6.3 are considered on the acidic side of the body. On the other hand, values above pH 6.8 are on the alkaline side.
Acid and Alkaline Self-Test
Well, this test determines whether your body fluids are either too acidic or too alkaline. How do you do it? Purchase litmus paper, and apply saliva and (or) urine to the paper. The paper will change color to indicate if your system is overly acidic or alkaline. Red litmus paper turns red in an acid medium. Always perform the test either before eating or at least one hour after eating. If your test indicates that your body is too acidic or alkaline, get an appointment to consult the recommendations below.
1. Acidosis
Acidosis is a condition in which body chemistry becomes imbalanced and overly acidic. Symptoms associated with acidosis include:
- frequent sighing,
- insomnia,
- water retention,
- recessed eyes,
- arthritis,
- migraine headaches,
- abnormally low blood pressure,
- acid or strong perspiration,
- dry hard stools,
- foul-smelling stools accompanied by a burning sensation in the anus,
- alternating constipation and diarrhea,
- difficulty swallowing,
- halitosis,
- a burning sensation in the mouth and/or under the tongue,
- sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits,
- and bumps on the tongue or roof of the mouth.
There are two classifications of acidosis: respiratory and metabolic.
Respiratory acidosis is caused by an interruption of the acid control of the body, resulting in an overabundance of acidic fluids or the depletion of alkali (base). Simply, it occurs if the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide. Respiratory acidosis can be a result of asthma, bronchitis, or obstruction of the airway. It can be either mild or severe.
Metabolic acidosis occurs when chemical changes in the body disturb the body’s acid-base balance, creating an excessive amount of acid in the body fluids. Diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, the use of unusually large amounts of aspirin, and metabolic diseases are some of the conditions that can deplete the body’s alkaline base. Other contributing factors can include liver and adrenal disorders, stomach ulcers, improper diet, malnutrition, obesity, ketosis, anger, stress, fear, anorexia, toxemia, fever, and the consumption of excessive amounts of niacin and vitamin C.
2. Alkalosis
Alkalosis is the inverse of acidosis – it is a condition in which the body is too alkaline. And, it is less common than acidosis and produces overexcitability of the nervous system. The peripheral nerves are affected first. The symptoms may be manifested as a highly nervous condition, including:
- hyperventilation
- and seizures.
Other symptoms can include:
- sore muscles,
- creaking joints,
- bursitis,
- drowsiness,
- protruding eyes,
- hypertension,
- hypothermia,
- seizures,
- edema,
- allergies,
- night cramps,
- asthma,
- chronic indigestion,
- night coughs,
- vomiting,
- too-rapid blood clotting and thick blood,
- menstrual problems,
- hard dry stools,
- prostatitis,
- and thickening of the skin, with burning, itching sensations.
Important to note – alkalosis may cause calcium to build up in the body, that is – bone or heel spurs.
Lastly, alkalosis is often the result of excessive intake of alkaline drugs such as sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of gastritis or, peptic ulcers. It can also result from excessive vomiting, high cholesterol, endocrine imbalance, poor diet, diarrhea, and osteoarthritis.
Contact us for further advice on how to Alkalize, Detox, and Cleanse your body.