An acidic body is a ticking time bomb to death. Doctors and nutritionists the world over concur that having too much acid in the body provides the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of sicknesses and potentially deadly diseases, including ulcers, acid reflux and cancer. While we may have heard about acidic and alkaline foods, do we really know the difference and how much of each is essential to maintain good health? Keeping the acid/alkaline balance in the body in check can assist in treating and preventing a host of illnesses.
Acidity and alkalinity are measured in pH (potential of hydrogen). The pH scale goes from zero to 14, with zero the most acidic, and 14, the most alkaline. Experts say at a pH slightly above 7.4, cancer cells become dormant, and at pH 8.5 those cells will die while healthy cells will live. Below or above this range means symptoms and disease. What you consume will impact on your body's pH level, so, balance is key.
But, how do we keep this healthy balance? Nowadays, acid producing processed foods, like white flour and sugar, and acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks, have become palate pleasers.
Doctors concur that this results in a smorgasbord of diseases that flourish in the acid medium. So consuming more alkaline foods is essential. Now that we've got the complicated facts covered, here's what else you should know.
The dangers of Acidic pH
An acidic balance will decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells and make tumour cells thrive.
Experts warn that a blood pH of 6.9, which is only slightly acidic, can induce coma and death.
Local general practitioner, Doctor Vishnu Jeelal, advised that an acidic based diet also makes persons more prone to developing kidney stones. "One should be more concerned about eating balanced nutrition that leads to long-term good health. We need to consume nutrient dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables," he added. Fitness instructor, Peter Griffith, who specialises in organic nutrition agrees. He stresses the importance of eating the right foods and leading an active lifestyle to remain healthy. "Alkaline foods are generally fruits and vegetables, anything other than that will be variations of acidity. If you're getting sick it means that you are in the acid range. "The body will try to use alkaline minerals and if the diet does not contain enough to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells occurs," he explained. "One's eating should change to the alkaline range which should include organic nutrition." Griffith believes that when it comes to diet, going back to the "old days" is necessary. "About 30 and 40 years ago, our forefathers used to eat more alkaline foods like fruits and vegetables. Today, people are moving towards acidic foods and we're seeing the disastrous effects."
Misconceptions
Doctors note that foods are classified as acid-forming or alkalising depending on the effects they have on the body. An acid-forming food contributes hydrogen ions to the body, making it more acidic, whereas, alkalising food removes hydrogen ions from the body, making it more alkaline. "Remember, acid is something that burns...It's the same with your body. Acid in itself is not bad because it helps to break down the food we eat. The level of acidity in the body depends on our lifestyle and diet." But, don't let the common misconceptions about acidic and alkaline foods confuse you. One popular misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it has an acid-forming effect on the body. According to Griffith, very often, an acidic-tasting food is actually alkalising. Citric fruits is a good example. Many think they are acidic, but the truth is they are alkalising because the minerals they leave behind after digestion help remove hydrogen ions, decreasing the body's acidity. Overall, experts explain that acidity and alkalinity are opposites and one is not intrinsically better than the other. What's important, like everything else, is balance.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an unbalanced pH include: Heartburn, bloating, belching, and feeling full after eating small amounts of food, insomnia, water retention, migraines, constipation with diarrhoea, fatigue, a burning sensation on the tongue and in the mouth, chest and just under the chest and halitosis.