The Importance of pH Balance

The importance of pH balance is something you only hear about if you travel within certain circles or know someone who has stumbled upon it and decided to tell you about it. However, it's something familiar to scientists and doctors, even though your medical doctor will probably never tell you about it because prescription or over-the-counter drugs are one of the number one causes of pH imbalance.

pH balance is so essential it once determined the health of immigrants wishing to cross onto American soil. Those with poor pH balance were turned away because it meant they were at more risk of disease. The medical system did away with this popular type of testing when they determined to push drugs for financial gain, which they found to be more important than informing individuals about how to heal themselves naturally.

pH stands for Potential for Hydrogen, a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. When we hear about pH, it's usually about the pH measurement of water (drinking water, rivers, oceans). But, here, the focus is on the pH measurement of blood and bodily tissues. When you suffer from acidosis (bodily tissues that are too acidic), you're left open to symptoms of stress, inflammation, and illness.

Some say the body can balance its pH and that you don't have to do anything to help it along, which may be true for healthy people who are following a healthy diet and have a handle on stress. Those who suffer from chronic stress, are terminally ill or have frequent bacterial, fungal, or viral infections may experience poor blood pH because these conditions may affect the kidney's and lungs' ability to excrete toxins optimally. These conditions also affect the body's microbiome, which consists of billions of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which generally get along quite well and help to keep us healthy. But chronic stress, frequent viral infections (including herpes breakouts), and a poor diet cause certain microbes to overgrow and others to die off, which causes imbalances with subsequent mental and physical symptoms, including (I believe) poor pH, if not poor blood pH, then, at the very least, poor pH elsewhere in the body. 

Human pH differs according to blood, organ, tissue, and fluid types. For example, blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. If blood pH levels drop below 6.9, it can lead to coma. Saliva pH ranges from 6.2 to 7.6. The upper stomach has a pH of 4−6.5, while the lower part of the stomach has a pH of 1.5−4.0 (very acidic). The intestines have a pH of 7−8.5. Healthy vaginal pH is 4.5 or lower. The bladder also has its proper pH, which can be measured by urine pH. 

Primary Causes of pH Imbalance

The primary causes of poor pH balance (referred to as acidosis) are chronic stress or trauma (because it releases stress hormones), eating way too many acid-causing foods, diets high in animal proteins, excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, exposure to toxins (chemicals, pollution, toxic personal care products, and molds), drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational), vigorous exercise, dehydration, poor digestion and absorption of nutrients), and poisoning. These things adversely affect the microbiome, kidneys, and liver. They increase the likelihood of disease and the inability to recover and can cause more frequent, severe, and longer-lasting herpes breakouts.

The Primary Body Organs Responsible for pH Balance

Your kidneys, lungs, skin, and lower intestines regulate your pH balance by excreting acid from your body. When there's too much acid to remove, your body has to compromise by storing acids in your muscle tissues (causing pain), your fat (causing obesity, normal weight obesity, and cellulite), and, worst of all, your brain (which causes cognitive problems). Too much acid in your body's tissues, called Metabolic Acidosis, starts in the kidneys (rather than the lungs) when the kidneys either eliminate too much or too little.

There are four significant forms of metabolic acidosis.

1. Diabetic acidosis: If your body lacks enough insulin, ketones build up and acidify your blood.

2. Lactic acidosis is when there's too much lactic acid in the body caused by chronic alcohol use, heart failure, cancer, seizures, liver failure, prolonged lack of oxygen, low blood sugar, or prolonged exercise, it can cause Lactic Acidosis.

3. Hyperchloremic acidosis is when there's a sodium bicarbonate deficiency, and blood can't stay neutral. Both vomiting and diarrhea (persistent IBS-D or an illness that causes long-term diarrhea) can cause this acidosis.

4. Renal tubular acidosis: When the kidneys can't excrete acids into the urine, it causes the blood to become acidic.

Why US Citizens Are at High Risk for pH Imbalance

Americans are at high risk for pH imbalance because Americans have the worst diets of any other culture that is not starving. We eat way too little whole, fresh foods, excessive amounts of animal protein, refined flour, sugar, and the wrong kinds of fats. For example, while we depend upon Sulfur for optimal health, sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine and Cysteine, in animal proteins present a significant acid load in the body. Eating these foods as staples causes Metabolic Acidosis, the primary type of acidosis Americans face.

Urine becomes more acidic after eating amino (proteins). The lungs and kidneys help to balance the pH in the blood. The lungs regulate pH by excreting carbon dioxide (C02) through breathing. The kidneys regulate pH by excreting ammonia in the urine, which balances the acidic load in the blood. As you age, your body becomes more acidic because the lungs and kidneys are less efficient in removing waste products and toxins.

Metabolic acidosis is associated with kidney stones, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Osteoporosis, Interstitial Cystitis, Vulvodynia, Cystic Fibrosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, muscle loss, progression of HIV to AIDs, some forms of cancer (prostate being one of them) and stunted growth in infants and children. Metabolic acidosis also reduces enzyme activity. Enzymes are little "factory workers" in your body that can only operate within the narrow frame between acidosis and alkalosis.

For holistic alternatives for most of the conditions listed on this page, see The Wellness Corner.

Symptoms of pH Imbalance

Beginning Symptoms and Effects of Acidosis (Low pH)

Acne, agitation, bloating, chemical sensitivities, cold hands or feet, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, feeling under the weather, food sensitivities, a headache, heartburn, indigestion, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, irritability (for no reason), joint pain (that roves), nervousness anxiety, menstrual cramping, a metallic taste in the mouth, low energy, low sex drive, panic attacks, PMS, rapid heart rate, restlessness, hyperactivity, sore muscles, strong or dark urine, sinus congestion or postnasal drip, morning sluggishness, weight gain or white coated tongue.

Intermediate Symptoms and Effects of Acidosis (Low pH)

Asthma, Agoraphobia, Urinaary Tract Infection (UTIs), brain fog, Bronchitis, cold sores, concentration issues, memory problems, Colitis, Cystitis, Depression, disturbed vision, problems with taste, hearing, or smell, earaches, Eczema, Endometriosis, food allergies, Gastritis, hair loss, Hay Fever, HSV (repeated flare-ups after first contracting the virus), Hives, increased rate of aging, infections (bacterial, fungus or viral), inflammation, swelling, impotence, Insomnia, numbness in the extremities, Psoriasis, Sinusitis, stuttering, tension, and a Migraine (headache), tingling nerves or Urethritis

Advanced Symptoms and Effects of Acidosis (Low pH)

Crohn's, Diabetes, gallstones, heart disease, Hodgkin's, Leukemia, kidney stones, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus, Tuberculosis, and all forms of Cancer. Many of these are autoimmune disorders. Records show there are over 180 autoimmune disorders. They all fall into this third category.

NOTE: Poor pH can also affect your body weight. The brain must remove the acids as far away from the body's organs as possible to protect them. It does this by packing acids away in body fat. Obesity and cellulite are often a symptom.

How to Measure pH

Blood pH can only be measured by a blood test. Still, while measuring your pH at home with pH test strips won't give you the pH of your blood, it can tell you the pH of your saliva or urine. Saliva and urine results can reveal pH problems. If your saliva and urine tests continue to be too high or low, something is out of whack, and you may want to go in for a blood test to check your blood pH.

Visit your pharmacy and ask for pH test strips. Test strips are little sticks with a special pad at one end to collect urine or saliva. They will cost between $8 and $16. They come with a color chart to match your test strip results against a scale from 1 to 14, one being the lowest and fourteen the highest. These little paper charts are included in test kits. Some charts measure only 5-9 (average range). These should work fine unless you cannot find your result color on the color chart.

It begins with 5.0 (Yellow-Orange) at the far left of the chart below and ends at the far right with 9.0 (Blue). A healthy blood pH score usually reads 7.365, with spinal fluid and saliva reading at 7.4. A typical (but not healthy) adult saliva test usually reads about 6.3-6.7, becoming more alkaline as the day wears on (yellow-green on the chart).

The pH levels of children usually are around 7.5, which registers as darker blue on the chart. Individuals with terminal cancer can read 4.5, which is bright yellow. Your perfect pH color should be close to 7.0, a pretty shade of Green.

One minor point on your test strip may seem like little difference, except that the scale is logarithmic. Each point is ten times more acid or alkaline than the last, meaning a pH of 5 is ten times greater than 6, 100 times greater than 7, and 1,000 times greater than 8. A slight change in score can tremendously impact your health.

Collecting a Saliva pH Sample

A saliva pH reading can reveal whether your mineral reserves are in a healthy range. A reading of 7.0 - 7.5 means you're doing great. Readings of 6.25 to 6.75 mean your body is slightly more acidic than it should be. Shifting your diet away from acid-forming foods will bring you back into balance. A reading lower than 6.25 indicates acidosis and low mineral reserves. Your body needs help. Shifting more toward alkaline foods would be highly beneficial. You never want to eliminate proteins and fats, but limit them for a while if your reading is low. Instead, eat raw fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of pure water to regain balance. A reading above 7.6 means adding acid-forming foods to your diet. 

Food begins to digest in your mouth. An abnormal saliva pH reading can cause symptoms such as bad breath, sensitive teeth, dental problems, and problems with digestion. A saliva pH of 5.5 or less, which happens when you drink colas, can start to break down tooth enamel.

When collecting a saliva specimen, ensure it has been at least a half-hour since eating. Longer is better. The best time to check saliva is first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon (at least a half-hour after eating), and before bed (at least a half-hour after eating). Swallow a couple of times to clear your mouth. Then, spit into a spoon. DO NOT place the chemically treated strips in your mouth. Dab the padded end of the stick into your saliva sample for a couple of seconds and compare it to the color chart for your score.

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Collecting a Urine pH Sample

Checking your urine pH is a good idea if you live with Interstitial Cystitis, (bladder pain with no detected infection) or frequent UTIs. It can tell you whether pH is part of the problem. Again, urine pH doesn't reflect blood pH. So that you know, acidic urine contributes to kidney stones and gout.

Checking urine is simple. You can do this as often as you like, but first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon (perhaps 2 hours after lunch), and before bed (again, 2 hours after eating) is suggested. It would be best if you did your first urine reading upon waking. Be sure to test mid-stream. Hold the strip under your urine for 2 seconds, then compare it to the color chart for your score. Performing these tests for three days to a week gives you an idea of where you are regarding your pH.

The more acidic your digestive pH, the harder it is for your cells to utilize the nutrients from the foods you eat. I've read that digestive support is necessary through natural foods and enzyme supplementation if you consistently score less than 6.8 on urine tests. If your urine tests read an average of 4.5 or less, you are strongly acidic and low in ionic calcium. However, I have also read that urine pH is only a reading of urine pH and doesn't imply poor pH anywhere else in the body (this comes from people who are against following an alkaline diet).

NOTE: If you have consistently low saliva readings but high urine pH throughout the day, it may be that your body is excreting a lot of acid through your urine. However, this should not be a permanent condition. If you consistently read very low or high, please call your doctor for further tests. It could indicate a problem.

Foods & Substances That Cause Poor pH

Natural & Processed Foods

Natural foods, also called raw foods, can cause poor pH when eaten in excess. 

Processed foods start as real food but are put through processes of being devitalized through chemical and preservative additions. These foods increase the acidity of our bodies, which will cause you to have more herpes breakouts. Avoid anything that has chemicals on the label.

• Alcohol (all)
• Bagels, pretzels, pizza, croissants, muffins, most bread, and scones are all prepared for you and made with enriched or white flour.
• Bananas (very ripe) 
• Beans, legumes, lentils, soybeans, and string beans are slightly acidic. Lima beans, navy beans (white), and lentils are considered the best of the lot.
• Beef jerky or dried, sulfured, or glazed fruits
• Bologna, hot dogs, bacon, sausage (and any other meats with nitrates)
• Bread (any made from refined flour). Of loaves of bread, rye, whole grain, and wholemeal are less acidic.
• Butter - I have seen butter on alkaline lists. It belongs here due to the animal fat it contains, but butter created from grass-fed animals is good for you.
• Cake, brownie mixes, etc.
• Canned, bottled tea and coffee drinks
• Carbonated beverages
• Cheese, such as goat, cow, processed, and cheese substitutes. Soft cheeses are a little less acidic.
• Chicken and eggs (egg whites and chicken breast are less acidic)
• Chips and popcorn roasted or prepared in hydrogenated oils
• Cranberries (contain benzoic acid)
• Coffee
• Custards
• Grains - Amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, cornmeal, rolled oats, quinoa, rice, rye, spelt, Kamut, wheat and wheat germ, hemp seed, and flour.
• Instant foods, such as cereal or mashed potato buds
• Low-fat yogurt, jams, jellies, preserves with added sugar and fake sugar
• Mayonnaise
• Milk (pasteurized)
• Miso (miso is also listed on alkaline lists.)
• Mustard (mustard has also been listed on alkaline lists.)
• Nuts and some seeds - Cashews, brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, tahini, pumpkin, and sunflower
• Oils - Canola oil, corn oil, hemp seed oil, lard, safflower oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and avocado oil
• Olives, green and black
• Pasta (white macaroni, noodles, spaghetti noodles)
• Plums/Prunes (contain benzoic acid)
• Potatoes (less acidic with the peels left on while cooking)
• Red meat (beef, lamb, pork, rabbit, turkey, and venison)
• Rice cakes and wheat cakes
• Seafood - Carp, clams, fish, lobster, mussels, oysters, salmon, shrimp, sardines, tuna, pike, and haddock
• Soy Beans and Soy Cheese (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Sparkling water and natural spring water
• Spinach, cooked
• Store-bought canned foods, soups, gravy, and sauces
• Sugars - Dark brown, light brown, molasses (unless non-sulfur and raw, relatively neutral), and white. All sugar should be avoided, except for stevia and raw honey.
• Tea (containing caffeine)
• TV dinners
• Vegetables - Vegetables are alkaline until cooked. Cooking causes them to become slightly acidic. The best way to cook veggies is to lightly steam or stir-fry, eliminating excess cooking.
• Water - Our tap water is acidic. Use distilled water for teas, tinctures, and cooking broths you will drink. Otherwise, drink mineral water (or filtered water) and add lemon or apple cider vinegar to alkalize it.
• Wheat germ and other types of bran
• White or distilled vinegar
• Yogurt, sweetened (very acidic), plain (moderately acidic)

Junk Foods

Junk foods contain very little real food. They are processed and have chemicals, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats added.

• Anything made with refined (enriched) white flour or sugar
• Candy, cereal, and canned breakfast drinks
• Cocoa, carob, and chocolate
• Cold, sugary cereals  
• Doughnuts and toaster pastries
• Fried foods and fast foods
• Pre-made low-fat and low-calorie foods
• Pork Skins
• Powdered mixes and snacks made with them
• Sodas with caffeine and sugar or fake (imitation) sugar
• Ice cream products (unless entirely natural), sorbet, and sherbet
• Store-bought cookies and sugary snack foods
• Syrups: Fudge, corn, and anything containing high fructose

Fake Foods

Fake foods are made chiefly of chemicals to provide taste and often contain gum and sugar fillers. Some even include cement.

• Aspartame (and other fake sweeteners)
• Caffeine in coffee and tea
• Dehydrated soups and bouillon
• Dressings, distilled vinegar, and sauces (especially diet ones)
• Eggs, egg, and sour cream substitutes
• Flavor enhancers
• Hoisin, oyster, and Worcestershire sauce
• Imitation bacon bits, butter, mayonnaise, and processed cheese
• Ketchup, olives, and relish
• Margarine and hydrogenated oils
• Marshmallow cream
• Meat tenderizer
• Microwaveable imitation food snacks
• No-dairy creamers
• Packaged food helpers
• Powdered fruit drinks
• Prepared mixes for alcoholic beverages
• Sandwich spreads
• Shortening
• Starch
• Whipped cream (artificial)

Other Acid Forming (pH Destroying) Non-Food Substances

These are items to take precautions with or avoid altogether.

• Chemicals (of any kind), herbicides, pesticides, household cleaners
• Excess use of ordinary table salt
• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• Nicotine and caffeine
• Self-care products containing chemicals (cosmetics, hair dye, deodorants, toothpaste)

After reading this list, you might think you don't have many foods left to eat. Not so. Remember that you don't want to eliminate all acidic foods from the diet because you need them to be healthy. It's just a matter of eating a better balance of alkaline and acidic foods. Some say following an alkaline diet is the answer. The challenge in following an alkaline diet is ensuring you get enough protein, which is why I suggest following a plant-based diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. 

Also, see Food Facts You May Not Know.