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Body acid base balance: tips for optimal health and vitality
Acid-base balance: the key to health
Diet and metabolism provide the body with acidic and alkaline elements. To stay healthy, the body must constantly maintain a good acid-base balance. But what is it really? What are its effects on health, and what diet should you adopt to maintain it?
Acid-base balance: what is it?
Acid-base balance is one of the major metabolic balances that guarantee the body optimal functioning, and therefore good health. It is simply the balance between acidity and alkalinity, in other words, the basicity of the body. It is defined by blood pH, that is, the concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood. It is achieved when the blood pH fluctuates around 7.4.
Generally speaking, the acid-base balance is mainly influenced by diet and the body's metabolism, which also produces acidic waste. However, other factors can also have an impact on this balance. This is particularly the case with eating habits – eating quickly and/or excessively –, stress, sleep disorders, pollution, excessive physical activity and advancing age.
To maintain acid-base balance , the body uses efficient regulatory systems. "Buffer" systems instantly eliminate excess acid from the body, the lungs exhale carbon dioxide, and the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood. However, sometimes the body is no longer able to maintain this balance. With age, for example, the kidneys' ability to perform their regulatory role diminishes. The body is thus exposed to latent and chronic acidification of the tissues.
Acid-base balance: why is it so important?
Acid-base balance is of great importance to the body. It is essential for the chemical reactions essential for survival to occur. When this balance is disrupted in favor of acidosis, that is, excess acid, the body draws on its reserves of alkaline (basic) elements to buffer this excessive acidity.
With this in mind, the body mobilizes citrate and bicarbonate from the bone, which are elements linked to calcium. Monopolized, calcium is thus eliminated in the urine and can, if the situation persists, be in deficit. When the phenomenon persists, demineralization of the skeleton, but also of the hair, nails, and even the nervous system occurs. The bones, hair, and nails will then be weakened, and the nervous system will be more vulnerable to exhaustion and various disorders. Furthermore, acidosis also promotes muscle tension, a slowing of metabolism, an imbalance of the intestinal flora, increased fatigue, the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, the risk of kidney stones, as well as the worsening of skin problems and inflammation.
To avoid reaching these extremes, it is therefore essential to address any acid-base imbalance at the first signs. Bloating, a lack of energy, a tired complexion, morning fatigue, gum problems, and bad breath are among the main warning signs of acidity in the body. However, to be sure, it is possible to perform saliva and urine tests to accurately determine your urinary pH, an indicator of blood pH. As a reminder, the pH is acidic below 7, but acidosis is only confirmed when the pH is below 6.
Diet: what are the best ways to maintain acid-base balance?
A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation for good acid-base balance . To protect against acidosis, a diet rich in alkalizing minerals is highly recommended. However, supplementation can also be of great help in this regard. Taking Biocyte PH Basic capsules is therefore an excellent alternative.
Concretely, you should favor foods that are high in potassium, a nutrient essential for the functioning of buffer systems. You should also favor fruits and vegetables on your plate, especially dark and leafy ones. Herbs and seeds are also excellent alkalizers. It is important to keep in mind that it is the mineral content of a food that determines its alkalizing potential and not its pH. As proof, although lemon has a very acidic pH, it is alkalizing. Furthermore, good daily hydration is encouraged to support kidney function and the elimination of acidic loads. On the contrary, you should moderate your consumption of sugars, refined grains, dairy products, meats, and legumes. Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol should also be limited, or even avoided.
For people who engage in intense physical activity, plant-based proteins are preferable to animal proteins. A bicarbonate drink can also help buffer post-exercise acidity.
Source: Top Santé
