What central role does the acid-base balance play in our body? Is it really possible to become over-acidic? And what effects does this have on our health? These exciting questions are all answered in the following blog post. You will also find lots of helpful tips and tricks for everyday life on how to keep your acid-base balance in balance.
Acids and bases are metabolic end products that are formed during the digestion of food. Both contain important nutrients for the body. The balance of acids and bases is crucial for our health. Ideally, 80 percent of the food we eat should consist of alkaline-forming foods and only 20 percent of acid-forming foods.
The acid-base balance is one of the central regulatory mechanisms of our body. It is made up of various buffer systems and ensures that the body can specifically regulate fluctuations in the pH value in order to maintain healthy bodily functions.
The following applies:
Values below pH 7 = acidic
Values above pH 7 = alkaline
Neutral point = pH 7 (e.g. pure, mineral-free water)
Every organ and every body fluid such as blood, lymph and digestive juices has an individual composition of minerals, vitamins, hormones and storage substances. Only in this way can the organ-specific tasks such as oxygen transport, digestion or storage be fulfilled. This individual composition of substances results in a typical pH value.
The following pH values are found in people with a balanced acid-base balance:
In saliva: pH value of 6.8 to 7.5
In the stomach: pH value between 1 and 2
The bile: pH value of 7.5 to 8.5
Healthy blood: pH value of 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline)
A healthy organism has an acid-base regulation system that ensures that all bodily functions can run smoothly via the kidneys, skin, connective tissue, stomach, intestines and buffer systems. If the reserves are attacked due to a long-lasting imbalance in the acid-base balance, the first foundation stone is laid for the gradual onset of chronic acidosis.
The slow onset of acidosis does not immediately lead to symptoms, but can significantly impair quality of life. At the beginning, it is rather unspecific symptoms that have a negative impact on well-being. Later on, mood disorders and illnesses such as these can occur:
Important: Acids in the body do not cause illness per se. However, the body does develop problems if the optimum ratio is changed in the long term - i.e. a long-lasting, predominantly acidic diet in combination with very little exercise and a lot of stress.
In a healthy person with a balanced lifestyle, the metabolism can process all the food consumed. It is important to always give the body "rest periods" - an alkaline day, or even better an alkaline week, is such a rest period.
The acid-base balance is significantly influenced by diet. However, there are factors that affect it. Stress, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and a pessimistic attitude play a major role in the development of chronic acidosis. And let's not forget hereditary factors. Some people can overexploit their bodies for years without falling ill. Others, on the other hand, have to pay for even the smallest sin immediately. Ultimately, it depends on the state of the metabolism how well an organism reacts to disruptive events such as, for example, a permanently excessive consumption of coffee.
The following list gives you an overview of the most commonly consumed acidifiers:
This list shows that many foods that are considered "healthy" are listed among the acidifiers. For example, cereal products, especially those made from whole grains, are definitely part of a healthy and balanced diet. Animal products are also not to be condemned in principle. Only during the alkaline fasting period (7-10 days) must the above-mentioned acidifiers be strictly avoided. This is because alkaline fasting is about eating only plant-based foods that form bases in the body so that the body can break down accumulated acids.
Some acidifiers have positive things to offer - for example, valuable vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances. Soy products, for example, have a slight acidic effect but contain highly concentrated vegetable protein.
The following foods are weak acid formers and can be eaten with an alkaline surplus diet. They are only taboo during the alkaline fasting period (7-10 days).
The foods listed below are alkalizing or, like the oils, are metabolized neutrally. They are therefore also permitted for the alkaline fasting cure. In order to keep the acid-base balance permanently in equilibrium, as many of these products as possible should be included in the daily diet.
💡Important: Always buy ripe fruit and vegetables. If these foods are unripe, they cannot form bases in the body. In addition, eating unripe vegetables means that they cannot be digested well. This puts additional strain on the intestines, which can result in bloating, pain and poorer digestion of food.
The acid load comes mainly from the protein content of the food. Animal protein is more acidic than vegetable protein. Nevertheless, proteins should not be eliminated as they are essential for the body. Rather, the acid load must be compensated by sufficient bases. It is always best to combine an acid-forming protein source with alkaline-forming foods.
Example
1 large portion of vegetables as the main ingredient combined with vegetable proteins such as lentils, quinoa, potatoes, sprouted buckwheat or nuts
💡Note: Sprouting makes protein sources more alkaline. Sprouted grains, sprouted pulses and sprouts are also much more nutritious!
These protein-rich foods can meet your needs without putting a strain on your acid-base balance:
I hope you have gained valuable new insights from this article and now know which foods you can use to optimally balance your acid-base balance and prevent acidosis.
Do you have any questions or need professional support with your diet? Feel free to write me a message or call me directly.
I would be happy to offer you a personal consultation based entirely on your wishes, needs and potential.
I look forward to getting to know you and wish you a wonderful, energetic time!
Sincerely, your Nicole
