Acid-Alkaline Balance, Part 1

What Is Acid-Alkaline Balance?

Despite the extreme diversity of substances used by the body to build itself and function, it is possible to classify them in two major groups: basic (or alkaline) substances and acid substances. These two different groups of substances have opposing but complementary characteristics. To be healthy, the body needs both. When alkalines and acids are present in equal quantities the acid-alkaline balance is achieved.

How Acidity is measured?

As the difference between an acid and an alkaline is based on their ability to free more or less hydrogen ions, the unit that measures the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance is shorthand for the substance’s potential (p) for freeing hydrogen (H) ions, or pH.

The pH measuring scale goes from 0 to 14. The number 7 indicates the ideal balance between acids and alkaline substances and is known as a neutral pH. The greater potential a substance has for freeing hydrogen ions the smaller is its pH number. The acidity range is from 6 to 0, zero indicating a state of absolute acidity. Conversely, a more alkaline pH is indicated by a higher figure, from 8 to 14, the last figure representing a state of total alkalinity (meaning a state in which no hydrogen ions are freed).

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Note that on the pH measurement scale the greater the degree of acidity the lower the pH reading.
The pH of different substances can be measured with a special reactive paper known as litmus paper. When put into contact with a dilution of the substance to be tested, the paper changes color to a degree that corresponds to the degree of acidity or alkalinity of that substance.PH and Health

The body functions at its best when the pH of its internal biochemical environment, measured as a whole, is equal to 7.39, meaning slightly alkaline. The normal range of this optimum pH is very small, from a slightly more acidic reading of 7.36 to a more alkaline reading of 7.42. A reading of anything higher or lower than these figures indicates acidosis (from 7.36 to7) or alkalosis (7.42 to 7.8). If these limits are exceeded, the body can no longer function, and illness appears.

Illnesses caused by Acidification

A surprising number and variety of physical problems and diseases can be caused by acidity. Indeed a triple action can prompt their appearance: enzymatic disturbances, aggressive activity by acids, and demineralization; three factors capable of striking any organic tissue.

Lack of energy: constant fatigue, loss of physical tone and psychic drive, depression
Nervousness: agitation without cause, sensitivity, easily stressed
Conjunctivitis
Inflamed, sensitive gums
Cracks at the corners of the lips
Dental cavities
Attack of diarrhea which expels acids
Rectal burning sensation
Predisposition to intestinal inflammation (enteritis, colitis)
Burning and irritation in the bladder or urethra
Runny nose
Prone to chills
Dry skin
Skin tends to be red and irritated in regions where there are heavy concentrations of sweat (knees, underarms, etc)
Itches
Nails are thin and split and break easily
Hair looks dull and falls out in noticeable quantities
Leg cramps and spasms
Stiff neck
Lumbago
Mineral and calcium depletion of the skeleton
Osteoporosis
Rheumatism
Arthritis
Sciatica
Tendinitis
Migrant joint pains
Etc