Alkaline vs Acid: Which One is the True Good Guy for Your Health?

When it comes to health and nutrition, the terms alkaline and acid often come up in debates about what’s best for the body. You might have heard claims that alkaline foods can prevent diseases or that acidic foods are harmful. Are alkaline substances really the good guys, or do acids play an important role too? This post will look at the roles of alkaline and acid, how they affect your body, and what you should consider for your health.

Fresh alkaline and acidic foods displayed side by side

Understanding Alkaline and Acid Basics

To start, it helps to understand what alkaline and acid mean in simple terms. These terms describe the pH level of a substance, which measures how acidic or basic it is on a scale from 0 to 14. In a kinesiology session we can test saliva and urine to determine your status. give guidelines on certain foods that would balance your PH and treat your symptoms through balancing the body and organs.

• Acidic substances have a pH below 7. The lower the number, the stronger the acid.

• Alkaline (or basic) substances have a pH above 7. The higher the number, the stronger the base.

• A pH of 7 is neutral, like pure water.

  
  

In the context of health, people often talk about the pH of foods and how they affect the body's internal environment. But it’s important to note that the body tightly regulates its pH, especially in the blood, keeping it slightly alkaline around 7.35 to 7.45.

How the Body Manages pH

Your body has several systems to maintain pH balance, a process called homeostasis. This balance is crucial because even small changes in blood pH can disrupt normal functions.

• The lungs help by controlling carbon dioxide levels, which affect acidity.

• The kidneys filter blood and remove excess acids or bases through urine.

• Buffers in the blood neutralise acids and bases quickly.

  
  

Your body adjusts to try and keep everything stable.

The Role of Acidic Substances in the Body

Acids are not villains. In fact, acids play vital roles in digestion and metabolism.

• Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) breaks down food and kills harmful bacteria. We are often short on this and need additional support through supplementation.

• Citric acid in fruits supports energy production in cells, however may not be suitable for everyone.

• Lactic acid is produced during exercise and helps muscles function.

  
  

Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and yogurt provide important nutrients and antioxidants. They support digestion and overall health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Benefits of Alkaline Foods

Alkaline foods are often praised for their health benefits. These include:

• Fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale, cucumbers, and avocados tend to be alkaline-forming.

• They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

• Eating more alkaline foods often means consuming fewer processed and sugary items.

  
  

Some studies suggest that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, which are mostly alkaline, may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and osteoporosis. This benefit likely comes from the nutrients and antioxidants rather than the pH effect alone.

Symptoms of imbalance

Alkalosis

• hypothyroidism

• low stomach acid

• allergies

• wheezing

• diarrhoea

• fatigue

• sluggish and slow

• burned out and tired

Acidosis

• agitation

• feel nervousness and/or anxiety

• feel fast and racy body and mind

• feel physically tired but mentally wired

Stress

Stress plays a role in altering the body's PH - stress often causes shallow breathing - failing to blow off carbon dioxide and allowing it to build up in your body.

Practical Tips for Everyday Eating

Here are some simple ways to include both alkaline and acidic foods healthily:

• Start your day with a smoothie made from alkaline greens like spinach and acidic fruits like berries.

• Use lemon juice as a salad dressing to add flavor and vitamin C.

• Snack on nuts and seeds, which are generally neutral or slightly alkaline.

• Avoid excessive consumption of processed meats and sugary drinks, which can promote acidity and inflammation.

IN TRUTH IT IS BAD FOR THE BLOOD TO BE OVER ALKALINE AND BAD TO BE OVER ACIDIC - WE NEED BALANCE.

If you would like to explore this area, please get in touch Jill@healthharmony.uk