 |
|
What is the importance of the PH of the body? It is important to monitor your body’s PH levels. PH is short for potential hydrogen. It is the measure of any solution’s hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the PH , the more alkaline(rich in oxygen). The lower the PH, the most acidic or oxygen deprived. Since our bodies thrive on oxygen – the PH is very important to sustain life and health. PH is read on a scale from 0 to 14 with 7.0 being neutral. Anything less than 7.0 is considered acidic, while anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Human blood has a very narrow range of PH – 7.35 to 7.45 – with anything out of these ranges giving symptoms of disease. If blood moves too much below 6.8 or above 7.8 the cells cease to function and the result is death. 7.4 is considered the ideal PH for blood. Saliva PH is optimal from 6.4 to 6.8. After eating the saliva PH should right to 7.8 or higher – this being optimal for the digestive processes. It is through this occurrence that minerals are absorbed. The correct diet helps to regulate the body PH. (Remember sodas, wheat and red meat at acidifiers – while fruit, vegetables and mineral waters are great alkalizers and will reduce strong acids.) The digestive fluids throughout the digestive system have different PH values according to their function. The upper stomach PH is 4.0 to 6.5 and food will normally take 30-60 minutes in this area. The lower stomach PH is 1.5 to 4.0 and will work the food from 1 to 3 hours. The Duodenum PH is from 7.0 to 8.5 and will hold the food from 30 to 60 minutes. The small intestine PH is 4.0 to 7.0 and food works here from 1 to 5 hours. The large intestine PH is from 4.0 to 7.0 and will work the food from 10 hours to several days. A breakdown in any part of this system changes how nutrition reaches the cells of the body. Body PH affects everything! Urine PH tells us the anabolic (alkaline building) and catabolic ( acid tear down) of the body. It offers a fairly accurate picture of the digestive processes going on in the body especially addressing the lungs, kidney and adrenal functions. Urine PH varies from 4.5 to 9.0 but should be in the range of 5.8 to 6.8. You should monitor your PH daily. Chem strips are available at your health food store and drug stores. Follow the directions on the package as each manufacturer’s product can differ slightly. There are also PH meters available. Many websites offer lists of foods for managing your PH. Learn your foods and practice eating a well balance diet to maintain your best PH! And do not forget your WATER! — Joan © 2010 Joan Goodman
Joan Goodman,
CTN, MH 281-493-9473 All articles are copyrighted by Joan Goodman. They may only be reprinted with her express permission. |