The Importance of pH Balance

By: Rebecca Gerard, R.D., L.D.

Several health authorities have stated that when the pH of urine and saliva is between 6.4 and 6.5, the human bodily functions are working at optimum.

So what is pH and why is it important to properly balance it? pH literally stands for the potential of hydrogen or from an energy standpoint, it is the measurement of electrical resistance between negative or alkaline forming and positive or acid forming ions. It is important to maintain a proper pH balance in the body’s tissues and blood otherwise discomfort and/or disease may occur. There exists a pH scale: 0.5 is extreme acid, 4.0 is neutral, and 7.5 is extremely alkaline.

It is optimal to eat 80% of your diet from alkaline forming foods and 20% of your diet from acid forming foods. By doing this, it could aid in attaining superior health. Also, since fat lives in an acidic environment, by incorporating more alkaline forming foods in the diet you may lose body fat. Generally a diet high in most fruits and vegetables, grains like amaranth, millet, quinoa, granola, sprouted seeds and grains, Ezekiel bread, almonds, olive oil, sucanat (natural sugar), honey, herbal root teas like ginger, and most herbs are alkaline forming. Most animal products and processed foods are acid forming. Try avoiding a diet high in animal foods, alcohol, soda, coffee and sugar.
                           
You can buy pH strips at your local health food store and test your urine and saliva before eating and drinking in the am and before bed if you have not eaten and drunk anything for several hours. Again optimal is between 6.4 and 6.5.

Food is not the only thing that affects pH of the body. Our emotions, environment, chemicals like smoking, taking medications, etc all impact the pH. Opt for healthy environments and foods. 
 

Rebecca Gerard is a registered dietician
and can be reached at 407.230.0830
or visit her  website at www.yourperfectfit.org.