For optimum health you want to maintain a slightly alkaline body fluid PH level. The problem is that our standard North American diet tends to be weighted heavily in the acidic direction. When body fluids are too acidic you are prone to physical ailments and health issues. Our overall health is a huge component of self-esteem. So as unlikely as it may sound, your body PH influences your self-esteem. PH ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. PH levels below 7 are acidic and above 7 are alkaline. The optimal level depends on whether you test saliva, blood, or urine. Optimum saliva level is a PH of 6.4 – 6.8. For blood the optimal reading is 7.35 – 7.45, and for urine the optimal level is 6 - 7 in the morning and 7 – 8 in the evening.
Your body’s electrochemical communication system for governing all bodily functions operates much more efficiently in these ranges. In fact as your body fluid level dips into the acidic range you become a magnet for problems. The essence of the problem is that an acidic environment in your body removes the negative electrical charge on your red blood cells responsible for carrying life sustaining oxygen to every part of your body. As the negative charge is lost your red blood cells begin to clump together and cannot carry oxygen as efficiently to all parts of the body, especially through the very narrow capillaries. The acidic environment also weakens the red blood cells and they begin to die off forming an even more acidic environment.
All in all, maintaining a slightly alkaline state is important for good health. Processed foods, sweets, meat, and dairy are the biggest culprits. In addition to lots of veggies and less meat and processed food, a good way to maintain a slightly alkaline PH level is to drink two tablespoons of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water in the morning. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar is available at many grocery stores and certainly at health food stores. I know...you would think that apple cider vinegar would be acidic. It is, but through the digestive process it actually increases your PH level. For additional information on PH levels in your body you might go on line and try www.phionbalance.com. But don’t stop there. Check all sites having to do with PH level. I doubt you will find any source saying a PH level below 6 or above 8 is healthy, and most will recommend slightly above 7, although slightly lower saliva readings seem to fall in the normal range.
Your comments welcome. Thanks. Doug