It is clear that 7 days of eating alkaline, plant based foods and juices, plenty of ionised water with a pH level of above 8, meditations, breathing exercises, daily Body SDS trainings, Body SDS treatments, workshops on nutrition and the body, plenty of rest, wonderful walks, a dip in the pool, the infrared sauna, jumping on the trampoline, inhalation of oxygen rich natural remedies and a go on the vibration trainer makes a difference. It is all these elements combined which gives the boost that the participants find fruitful for months ahead – even for the rest of their lives!
One of the ways in which we track what goes on in the body is by measuring the pH levels of the urine and saliva every morning. Hence I will take you a little deeper into the acid/alkaline balance in our bodies.
Back to Basics(k)
Most have experienced having sore muscles after a tough workout. This build-up of acid goes away after a couple of days when the body has recovered. When the body is physically, mentally and emtionally challenged over a longer period of time these alkaline reserves will become tired, tense and lack energy.
The body is designed to function neutrally to a weak alkaline pH level. When we use our bodies, acidic waste products build up and in the best case they are neutralised and released. All liquids in the body contains both acid and alkaline and many organs take part in the sensitive regulation of the two.
Disturbances of Balance (k)
Many different factors have an effect on pH levels, but most commonly it is a large consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Through mass production of foods many alkaline and mineral connections which usually neutralise the acidity are lost. Too little exercise, too many worries, work, stress, alcohol, tobacco, sleep deprivation, superficial breathing, environmental poisons and medicine all lead to acidity building up in the body.
It is therefore a clever choice to stop, take a break and release the waste products and acidity from the body. If we just continue without rehabilitating we start to wear down our reserves. We will start getting tired, nervous, feel a sense of discomfort in the body, joint and muscles ache, low tolerance, a lack of tightness in the skin and tissue, cellulite and stress
The pH levels affect all functions of the body such as enzymes, which change structure and function when in an acidic environment. This results in issues of cell reproduction and the digestion of food becomes less good. The distribution of oxygen to the tissue and cells is lessend and hence starts fermenting and becoming rotten in the small areas – yet with influential consequences. We simply age more quickly.
Some scientists believe that a chronically acidic environment in the body can awaken and maintain a range of illnesses related to metabolism such as fibromyalgia, rheumatic illnesses, migraines, arthritis and kidney stones. too high levels of acidity locally in the body can cause rashes, digestive illnesses, cardiac illnesses, diabetes and cancer.
The Buffer system of the body
The body does what it can to maintain balance. Substances which absorb and release the excess acid are called buffers. They are primarily responsible for changes in the pH levels being restored immediately, as the pH level of the blood must remain constant. The most important buffer is bicarbonate. It is an alkaline substance which connects to an acid ion(H+). Thereby causing a constant creation of carbonic acid in the cells which separate into carbon dioxide and water. For each acid molecule a corresponding alkaline molecule is attached This creates a natural salt which doesn’t harm the body and can be released without issues. The release of acid happens primarily through the blood and lungs, where carbon dioxide is released. Connective tissue and the lymphatic system also drain acid from the body. The excess is released through the skin; however the main pH regulator are the kidneys. Therefore drinking plenty of water is essential for its function.
Unsaturated oils also work as buffers, so a supplement of omega 3, 6 and 9 can help neutralise excess acidity in the body.
If the ‘buffer’ capacity isn’t sufficient it may be necessary to use the reserves. The biggest storage of alkaline minerals is in our bones which are approx 1,15 kg. calcium. At times it may be necessary to use the alkaline reserves of the bone. It is however not a store as such and we shouldn’t use it to neutralise acidity because we risk the bones becoming weaker and risk of osteoporosis.
Sugar makes us acidic
A thorough check of pH level through a live blood analysis and lab analysis of urine and blood reveals possible acidity excess. If we eat large quantities of sugar and sweet fruit, the blood sugar will rise, draining the body and causing acid production.
When exercising, training or other forms of activity it is therefore important to drink energy drinks which are based on alkaline minerals and strengthening herbs instead of sugar. Fill up on alkaline vegetables and fruit, alkaline liquids and unsaturated fats which all boost the buffer system. A good night’s sleep and harmony in life also help make us feel better – both physically and emotionally. Get energy through alkaline food and drinks. Once you are aware of your pH balance you can mobilise a buffer capacity and strengthen your health
NOTE:
It is a mistake to think that foods which taste acidic are acid producing. Bitter fruits such as lemons contain many alkaline minerals and have an alkaline influence on the body. On the contrary oranges and mandarins, which are also in the citrus family of fruit, are acid producing due to their high sugar content. If you wish to track your pH levels, buy a roll of litmus paper and test your urine and saliva every morning. The ideal values are between 7-7,5. If the pH level is lower sch as 5-6 it means that the body needs to release some acid and we are using our alkaline reserves.
I hope that this has given an insight into the fine balancing of acid and alkaline in our wonderful body.
You are invited to our talks, workshops and consultations on the pH levels of the body.
Basic knowledge on acid and alkaline balance
Acids and alkalines are measured on the pH scale (potentia Hydrogenii) meaning hydrogen power. The pH level indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions. An acid can release hydrogen ions (H+) An alkaline can receive a hydrogen ion (H+). pH levels under 7 are acidic and above 7 alkaline. pH levels are very different in the blood, lymphatic system, saliva and urine. It is important to understand that the blood has to remain slightly alkaline, between 7,35-7,45. A large change in this would be life threatening. The pH level of the tissue however can tolerate a much larger range. The pH level of urine is between 5-8, the more more acid that needs to be released the lower the pH level. The pH level of urine thus varies and reflects the alkaline reserves of the body. In contrast the stomach acid has a very low pH level of 1,5-3,0. It is in this acidic environment that harmful microorganisms in our food are killed and the nutritional proteins are separated into amino acids.
About the author
Dr. Pernille Knudtzon, MD, Specialist in Family Medicine, Acupuncture, New Health Technology and NLP Trainer runs Vitafakta Health Clinic in Southern Spain. Her main medical training was done in Denmark. But curiosity led her to travel and study Holistic Medicine and Lifestyle aspects in many places around the world over the last 30 years. From her consultation in southern Spain she is now providing Personal Health Consultations based on a holistic health and functional medicine approach. She focuses on Health, Wellbeing and Vitality and guides her clients to live a healthy life and to thrive and shine the most. She is presently studying Functional Medicine at the Institute of Functional Medicine https://www.ifm.org/.