“If you have a health problem, you are most likely acidic.” I saw you right. But is an “equal pH” really a “body temperature”? Absolutely not. These are the facts that are necessary about one of the most stubborn claims made by some “natural” doctors.
Understanding the “pH Balancing” Theory
Believers in pH balance claim that maintaining a balanced balance of your body’s pH is essential for health. Acidic pH is believed to be linked to everything from pain to cancer.
What happens if you are unfortunate enough to have an “acidic” constitution? Well, any number of “health” consultants will be more than happy to sell pH-balancing supplements for around $20 (or more) per bottle.
The Truth about pH Balancing
The truth is, your body, which is slightly alkaline, operates at very narrow pH levels and has sophisticated mechanisms in place to maintain that balance. Any overly acidic or alkaline substances in your body are simply excreted in your urine.
Are acidic foods really bad for you?
One of the most unfortunate effects of this story is that many who believe in the pH balancing theory potentially avoid healthy foods like tomatoes, grains and even berries out of fear of overturning their body’s pH level. In fact, the digestive fluid in your stomach is already so acidic that it would be almost impossible to change any food to your body’s level.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin, in his article “Acid or Akaline?”, explains this perfectly when he says, “All foods that leave your stomach are more acidic. They then enter your intestines where they are broken down by secretions from the pancreas alkaline water are no healthier than those who live there. In most places the pH of the water is neutral.
Are Salivary pH Test Clouds Effective?
The best selling products in natural medicine today pH testing have been stripped. At about 10 cents each, these tests are inexpensive, convenient, and easy to use. But are they effective? Until it is done. The pH of your mouth is determined far more by the bacteria living in your oral cavity than by the overall pH level of the rest of your body. In general, salivary pH is considered a poor measure of the body’s overall pH level.
The Last Word on pH Balancing
That’s right, if your body’s pH is out of balance, you’re probablyseriouslyill. And you don’t need to stick a pH stick in your mouth to test it, either. But don’t take my word for it. To learn more about why comparing pH is a waste of time and money, talk to your primary health care provider. Your doctor can answer all your questions about your body’s pH level and talk you through any concerns.
It is your health. You already have the tools to show why the pH balance isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Notes:
Weil, A. (2002). Does Alkaline Water Promote Health? DrWeil.com Q& Library. Retrieved April 18, 2007, from http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA98873.
Mirkin, G. (2003). Acid or Akaline? Dr.Mirkin.com. Retrieved April 20, 2007, from http://www.drmirkin.com/nutritione/1603.html.
Clark, J. (2002). Coral Calcium and Balance pH. Retrieved April 19, 2007, from http://home.bluegrass.net/~jclark/coral_calcium.htm.
