Acid-Base Balance

pH regulation is possibly one of the most under-estimated and misunderstood issues in our bodies, yet it is fundamental to every aspect of our health.
Our ancient ancestors ate a predominately alkaline diet of mineral-rich matter. Today however since the Agricultural Revolution our acid intake has increased 3 fold containing high amounts of acid forming animal protein, sugar and grains, with low levels of alkalising vegetables which can disrupt our body’s acid –alkaline balance.

A brief recap on pH. This is a measurement used to measure the acidity and alkalinity of a substance. 1 being the most acid, 7 being neutral and 14 being the most alkaline. You may be familiar with this if you have a pool and regularly test it so you can balance the pH to your preferred level by adding more chlorine or salt.

The body has a very specific pH that it needs the blood to be 7.35-7.45 and even a slight change to this can cause physiological imbalances. To maintain this specific level it uses the lungs and the kidney as a way of moving acid out of the body via carbon dioxide and ammonium. The body naturally produces acid as a by-product from cellular energy production. However as our acid load has increased dramatically this has added much strain to the kidneys and musculoskeletal system.

Why is This?

Because to maintain the blood pH the body will reabsorb alkalising minerals like Calcium and Magnesium from the muscles and bones which it needs to bind to the acid particles (ions) and removes them from the body through the urine via the kidneys. This mild level of acidity can go on for years unnoticed all the while robbing the body of essential minerals leading to osteoporosis, aching painful muscles and a number of other impaired processes in the body.

This can be also known as “Chronic Mild Metabolic Acidosis”, not a life threatening condition but has serious long term effects of bone loss, detoxification problems, loss of muscle mass and fatigue.

As we age our kidneys gradually lose function and our ability to cope with an excessive acid load is not as efficient.  When we become chronically acidic, it is termed Latent Acidosis, usually associated with chronic kidney impairment.

Sign and symptoms of “Chronic Mild Metabolic Acidosis”

  • For the most part this is a silent condition that you can have for years- decades and signs are only present in the severe stages.
  • These conditions have been associated with “Chronic Mild Metabolic Acidosis”
  • Chronic Kidney stones
  • Kidney stones
  • Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
  • Sarcopenia ( muscle wasting)
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin resistance
  • High blood pressure
  • Heightened stress response

pH balance influences

  • Enzyme function and energy production
  • Musculoskeletal and connective tissue
  • Detoxification and liver health
  • Metabolic Markers
  • Pain regulation
  • Stress response

Where is our high acid load coming from?

  • The “Standard Australian Diet”- high in protein and grains, low in alkalising vegetables.
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Ongoing inflammation
  • Ageing

Evan though this is a silent condition there are a number of diagnostic measures that when analysed together can give vital information on your body’s acid- alkaline balance.

From here through lifestyle, dietary and alkalising minerals you can make immediate changes to your bodies pH levels with major long-term health benefits.

Your pH balance could be your underlying cause of many of your health conditions, find out today if this is an issue for you.

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Make an Appointment with Coolum Naturopathic today.
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