One of the basic requirements of a healthily functioning body is to maintain a proper balance between acidity and alkalinity (pH). Living cells are acutely sensitive to even the slightest of changes in the pH of body fluids. Strong acids and alkalis are extremely damaging to living tissue. The balance between an acid and alkaline environment in the body is carefully controlled by the kidneys and lungs as well as by chemical systems called buffers.

 

Many conditions are thought to be caused by an excessively acidic environment in the body. For example, osteoporosis and gout may be the result of a diet considerably higher in acid-forming foods than those that are alkaline-forming. This imbalance triggers the body’s buffering system into action, potentially causing calcium and magnesium to be leached from the bones, which will then be used to buffer the excess acid.

 

It is important to remember that a proper balance is achieved by eating more alkaline-forming foods than acid-forming foods. What determines pH in the body is the metabolic end product of the food after digestion. An acidic food such as a lemon actually has an alkalinising effect on the body. So it is not foods that appear to be acidic that are actually acid-forming. As a general guide, all proteins are acid-forming, all fruits and vegetables are alkalinising and some foods are classed as neutral as they contain both acid and alkali forming elements such as milk and seeds.

 

So how does one achieve a healthy acid-alkaline balance in the body?

 

Firstly it is important to understand that the body can only breakdown about 70g. of protein a day. Adding more will overstretch the body’s natural buffering abilities. Meat and cheese are much more acid-forming than vegetable proteins so try to incorporate vegetable proteins such as lentils and beans.

 

All fruit and vegetables are highly alkalinizing as well as being important for other nutrients and antioxidants. Research has shown that women whose diets are high in fruit and vegetables (between 5-10 portions per day) have stronger bones and less incidence of osteoporosis.

 

Regular, moderate exercise is vital! The right amount helps the body release excess acids, however too much can prompt an increase in the breakdown of protein, promoting acid formation – so moderation is the key. Exercise has another important side effect of helping us to feel calm. Stress and negative feelings trigger more acidity in the body as it leads to shallow breathing. This means less carbon dioxide is expelled leaving more acidity in the tissues. Breathing deeply can help re-alkalinise the body because it increases the uptake of oxygen.

 

Lastly drinking lots of water helps the kidneys flush acids produced from the body’s metabolism. Aim to drink about two litres per day especially in the humid, summer months.