11 Jul Acid or Alkaline

Our diet & lifestyle can affect our pH. This can contribute to pain, arthritis, sleep problems and weight gain…

The ideal pH of the body is around 7. A reading any lower than this indicates acidosis.  A pH test can determine if we are acid or alkaline.

There are many varied symptoms of acidosis.

These include:

• Arthritis, aches & pains
• Headaches
• Digestive problems and/ or constipation
• Frequent colds
• Fatigue & sleeplessness
• Irritability & anxiety
• Weight gain
• and others…

A balanced pH:

• Supports bone & digestive health
• Reduces risks of arthritis & gout
• Reduces pain
• Promotes healthy body weight
• May help prevent and treat diabetes
• Promotes energy, vitality & stamina
• Promotes efficient heart function
• Protects against premature ageing
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Enhances mental clarity
• Promotes faster recovery from illness, injury & exercise

What causes the body to become acidic?

Excess meat, processed sugar, packaged foods, excess dairy, coffee, alcohol, starchy carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice and potato, and most grains are acid-forming. These are consumed at the expense of alkali-forming foods like fruit and vegetables. As the body becomes more acidic, its normal buffering system becomes depleted, further contributing to the problem.

The type of diet consumed affects our buffering mechanisms. Metabolic alkalosis is relatively rare (from dehydration, vomiting, or certain drugs), while metabolic acidosis is much more common in our Western diet.

Additionally, our high intakes of sodium chloride contribute to this imbalance, placing the body’s metabolic pH buffering system under tremendous strain.

Stress can be a contributing factor to increased acidity. For example, magnesium deficiency is both a cause and a consequence of stress. Stressors, both physical and emotional, generate the release of stress hormones (adrenalin and cortisol) increasing needs for magnesium, loss of magnesium, and reduced availability. Mineral balance is essential for our buffering system and maintaining an acid/alkaline balance.

What happens in the Urinary pH test?

When you visit the clinic we can measure the pH of your urine. This is a very simple and quick process, which gives us a clear reading of the acidity of your system. The test involves dipping a test strip into a urine sample for a few seconds. After a consultation and testing, including an assessment of your urinary pH test, to determine if it is acid or alkaline. We can then set you up on a program to bring your body back into balance.

Our treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and aim to:

• Detoxify your system and improve elimination channels
• Reduce the inflammation in your body tissues
• Help to change your diet to include more alkalizing foods if needed
• Replenish your nutrient, mineral and enzyme reserves
• Replenish healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract
• Improve the hydration of your body.

Make an appointment today to have your urinary pH checked.  0403 755 584

Angela McTaggart
Qualified Clinical Naturopath
Brunswick Naturopathy

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