How to Manage Your Acidic Body: Maintain Optimal pH
The human body is a marvel of design and function. Somehow our body will develop hydrochloric acid in the stomach at a pH of 2, then nearby in the arteries maintain a pH of 7.35, which is a 5000% change in pH. pH refers to “potential hydrogen” ions. Water is one hydrogen and one hydroxyl group, which neutralize each other to make rain water the perfect neutral pH of 7.
In today’s fast-paced world, managing your body’s acidity levels is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Achieving and maintaining an optimal pH balance is key to supporting various bodily functions and preventing the onset of acidity-related issues.
From dietary adjustments to lifestyle modifications, there are numerous strategies you can implement to effectively manage your acidic body and promote optimal health. We’ll explore practical tips and insights on how to maintain optimal pH levels and effectively manage acidity within the body.
Learn the secrets of maintaining a balanced pH and enhancing your overall wellness. pH affects the cell membrane voltage, which affects the amount of oxygen that your cells can absorb, which may invite infections and cancer into a disturbed pH.
Manage Your Acidic Body
Diet’s Role in Managing Your Acidic Body
Diet plays a significant role in the development of acidity in the human body. Consuming acidic foods and beverages can contribute to an imbalance in pH levels, leading to increased acidity. The alkaline diet is one of many trendy diets that claims to improve your health, help you lose weight and even fight cancer.
Stress Triggers Cortisol and Adrenaline
Chronic stress can trigger the release of hormones that increase acidity levels in the body. Stress can play a significant role in exacerbating symptoms and contributing to the development of acidity-related conditions. When the body experiences stress, it triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid. This increase in stomach acid levels can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.
Furthermore, chronic stress can disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system, which controls various bodily functions, including digestion. This imbalance may impair the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux and heartburn.
Health Conditions May Alter Gut Sensitivity
Certain health conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers, can cause acidity. Stress-induced changes in gut motility and sensitivity may worsen symptoms in individuals with these conditions, making it more challenging to manage acidity.
Medication and Their Affects on pH
Medications can play a significant role in the development and management of acidity in the human body. While certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and treat underlying conditions, others may exacerbate acidity or interfere with the body’s natural mechanisms for maintaining pH balance. Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, may exacerbate acidity.
Understand Symptoms and Manage an Acidic Body
Symptoms of acidity can vary in intensity and presentation, affecting different parts of the body. Here’s an expanded list of common symptoms associated with acidity:
Heartburn
A burning sensation that rises from the stomach to the chest or throat, often occurring after meals or when lying down. It may worsen when bending over or lying down.
Indigestion
Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, typically occurring after eating or drinking. It may be accompanied by bloating, a feeling of fullness, and nausea.
Acid Reflux
A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, along with a sensation of food or liquid rising up from the stomach.
Sour Stomach
A feeling of discomfort or fullness in the stomach, often accompanied by belching, gas, or abdominal bloating. It may also manifest as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, and may be sign of an acidic body.
Dental Issues
Chronic exposure to acidic pH levels can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to dental problems such as cavities, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and increased risk of tooth decay. For instance, chewing beets that are prepared with vinegar requires rinsing the mouth afterwards to avoid the destruction of the tooth enamel from the acid of vinegar.
Sore Throat
Irritation or inflammation of the throat, characterized by pain, discomfort, or a scratchy sensation. This symptom may be exacerbated by acid reflux or regurgitation of stomach contents into the throat.
Chest Pain
In some cases, acidity-related symptoms may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, leading to chest pain or discomfort. It’s essential to seek medical attention if chest pain is severe or persistent.
Respiratory Symptoms
Acid reflux may trigger respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, particularly when lying down or after eating.
Voice Changes
Chronic acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness, voice changes, or a persistent sore throat.
Difficulty Swallowing
Acid reflux or esophageal inflammation may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of food sticking in the throat
It’s important to note that these symptoms may vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Individuals experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of acidity should seek medical evaluation and treatment to identify and address the underlying cause.
Manage Your Acidic Body
Dietary Modifications
Incorporate alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes into your diet to help balance acidity levels.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintain proper hydration levels in the body, an important consideration to manage your acidic body.
Stress Management
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to reduce stress and promote overall well-being, often overlooked
Medication
Over-the-counter antacids and prescription medications may help alleviate symptoms of acidity. However, consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication regimen.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce acidity and improve overall health. Use a pillow wedge at night to avoid stomach acid being discharged into the esophagus. Exercise generates lactic acid as a by product of sugar metabolism. Excess lactic acid can lower immune functions via pH.
Manage Your Acidic Body: Be Proactive
Acidity in the human body can have detrimental effects on health if left unmanaged. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for acidity, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain optimal pH levels and promote overall well-being. Remember to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
pH balance is extremely important and some say it is essential.
As a Clinical Nutritionist and with over 47 years in the nutrition field, I can say that pH balance is a top priority. Since most people are too acidic, teaching them how to return to a slightly alkaline state is a major piece of the healing puzzle.
Watch this video discussing the importance of pH in your body.