Short Description: This article explores the concept of acid-alkaline balance in the body and its significance for overall health. It discusses the pH scale, which measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and explains the roles of the lungs and kidneys in maintaining blood pH homeostasis. The importance of pH balance within cells is also highlighted. The article further delves into the impact of food on the body's acid-alkaline balance, categorizing foods as acid-forming or alkaline-forming based on their mineral content. Individual responses to certain foods are noted, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and addressing audience questions regarding specific food items and vaccination.
Introduction:
Maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance is crucial for various aspects of our health, just like testing the alkaline levels in a swimming pool or soil is important for their well-being. We will explore the acid-alkaline scale, the role of lungs and kidneys in balancing blood pH, the significance of pH in the cells, and the impact of food on the body's acid-alkaline balance.
Acid-Alkaline Scale:
The acid-alkaline scale, often referred to as the pH scale, measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. Acids release hydrogen ions, while alkaline substances release hydroxyl ions. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Acidic substances have a pH below 7, while alkaline substances have a pH above 7. For example, the pH of water should ideally be neutral (7), but it may become slightly acidic when it contains fluoride or chlorine.
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Blood pH and Homeostasis:
Blood pH plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. The normal range for blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations from this range can have severe consequences. If blood pH rises above 8, a person can go into a coma and die from alkalosis. Conversely, if blood pH drops to 7.22, a person can go into a coma and die from acidosis. However, we need not worry about maintaining blood pH because our body has two organs that constantly regulate it: the lungs and the kidneys.
Lungs: During high-intensity exercises like running or cycling, our muscles demand more oxygen. To meet this demand, our lungs begin to breathe deeper. This increased respiration allows us to take in more oxygen while eliminating carbon dioxide, which accumulates and creates an acidic environment in the blood. By breathing deeply, we exhale carbon dioxide, helping to balance the blood pH.
Kidneys: The kidneys play a fascinating role in maintaining the body's acid-alkaline balance. They contain numerous filtering units called nephrons, with approximately one million nephrons in each kidney. These nephrons filter the blood, removing waste and excess substances. The filtrate then travels through tubules, where important processes such as pH monitoring occur. If the blood becomes too acidic, the kidneys eliminate the excess acid into the tubules for excretion. On the other hand, if the blood becomes too alkaline, the kidneys retrieve acid from the tubules and return it to the blood. This constant monitoring and adjustment by the kidneys help maintain the proper pH of the blood.
pH in Cells and its Significance:
While blood pH remains relatively stable, the pH within our cells can vary. Ideally, the pH of cells should be around 6.5, slightly acidic. This acidity is necessary for optimal cellular function. Sulfuric acid, the most acidic substance, moves rapidly, while calcium, the most alkaline mineral, moves very slowly. This difference in speed of movement highlights the importance of maintaining a slightly acidic pH within the cells. The body relies on a delicate balance, and the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining it.
Impact of Food on pH Balance:
The food we consume can significantly affect the body's acid-alkaline balance. Certain foods can be either acid-forming or alkaline-forming based on their mineral content. Here are some examples:
Acid-Forming Foods: These foods contribute to acidity in the body. Examples include processed foods, refined sugars, meat, dairy products, and grains like wheat.
Alkaline-Forming Foods: These foods have an alkalizing effect on the body. They are rich in alkaline minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Examples include lemons (although acidic in taste, they have an alkalizing effect once digested), dark green leafy vegetables, spirulina, wheatgrass, green smoothies, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth.
It is important to note that individual responses to certain foods may vary. Some people may experience acidifying effects from foods like nightshade vegetables (tomato, capsicum, eggplant, and potato) due to inflammation, while others may not. Listening to one's body and observing how it responds to different foods can help determine the optimal dietary choices.
The Importance of Diet and its Impact on Health
This section will delve into the topic of diet and its effects on our health. Barbara emphasizes the changes in our food consumption patterns over the years and how they have led to various health issues. Gluten intolerance, compromised gastrointestinal tracts, and early introduction of solid foods to infants are identified as contributing factors. The discussion also highlights the importance of maintaining an alkaline-acid balance in our diet and the benefits of consuming more alkaline-forming foods. The article concludes by addressing some questions from the audience regarding specific food items and their impact on health.
Changes in Wheat and Gluten Intolerance:
Barbara mentions that in the 1990s, the composition of wheat underwent significant hybridization, resulting in the proliferation of gluten intolerance. This increase in gluten intolerance can be attributed to the changes in the wheat itself. Additionally, Barbara mentions that our gastrointestinal tracts are not functioning optimally due to factors such as constant eating throughout the day and the use of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural gut flora.
Early Introduction of Solid Foods:
Barbara discusses the conventional practice of introducing solid foods to babies at an early age, even before the baby's molars have emerged. The molars play a crucial role in releasing the enzyme called tylenol, which breaks down starches. Without the presence of molars, babies lack the necessary enzymes to digest starchy foods effectively. This practice of feeding solid foods to infants at a young age is relatively recent, and historically, babies were exclusively fed milk until they developed their molars.
Alkaline and Acidic Foods:
Barbara explains the importance of maintaining a balance between alkaline and acid-forming foods in our diet. Acid-forming foods include refined sugar, meat, alcohol, caffeine, and certain grains, legumes, and nuts. These foods tend to produce acidic waste products in the body. On the other hand, alkaline-forming foods such as fruits, vegetables, certain grains, legumes, and nuts have an alkalizing effect on the body. It is recommended to have a diet that consists of 70-80% alkaline-forming foods and 20-30% acid-forming foods to maintain a pH level of 6.5.
Alkaline Water and Cultured Foods:
The audience poses questions regarding the consumption of alkaline water and cultured foods such as kombucha. Barbara suggests that while alkaline water can be beneficial, changing the diet to include more alkaline-forming foods has a more significant impact on health. Regarding cultured foods, Barbara advises caution, as some fermented foods can turn acidic if left to ferment for too long, potentially producing alcohol. Sauerkraut and miso are recommended as safer options for cultured foods.
Vaccinations and Medications:
The topic of vaccinations arises, and Barbara expresses skepticism about the necessity and safety of vaccines. Barbara suggests that the human body is designed to heal itself and does not require injections of toxins. Concerns about the potential risks of vaccinations, such as autism, epilepsy, and cot death, are mentioned. Barbara encourages individuals to research the contents of vaccines and ask healthcare professionals to sign waivers acknowledging the potential risks.