Actually, the acid-base balance of the human body is balanced. But with the wrong lifestyle, the interaction can get quite out of balance. Unwellness, depression, or even physical illnesses can be the result.
Acid, base and pH
Acids and bases are present in the human body. Acid always contains free, positive hydrogen ions (H+). In a base, on the other hand, the negatively charged particles predominate, consisting of one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom (OH -). The acid or base content is indicated by the pH value. The concentration of hydrogen ions is measured. The scale ranges from 0 to 7 in the acidic range, from 7 to 14 in the basic range. At a pH value of 7, positively and negatively charged particles are in balance. Depending on the organ, there are different pH values in the body. In the stomach it is very acidic – hydrochloric acid is produced here. In the saliva and duodenum there are also alkaline values. Only in the blood does the pH value remain constant at 7.4. The acid-base balance of the blood is regulated by a sophisticated system, because even slight deviations can lead to serious organ damage. Acids are always formed in the body when protein is digested. Carbonic acid is released during every energy process in the body’s cells. Too little exercise ensures that the acids formed cannot be removed and are deposited in the connective tissue, among other places. However, there are also genetic or disease-related disturbances of the acid-base balance, for example a limited functioning of the base-controlling organs such as the pancreas, gall bladder or liver. Stomach and kidney diseases can also lead to hyperacidity.
Take a deep breath!
The body uses three control mechanisms to keep acid-base balance stable. Excess acid is excreted by the kidneys. So-called pH buffers in the blood ensure that the body remains intact in the event of sudden fluctuations in acidity. And finally, the exhalation of carbon dioxide ensures that the ph level is regulated. The respiratory center in the brain and the lungs can control blood pH from minute to minute by adjusting the depth and speed of breaths. When breathing is increased, the carbon dioxide content of the blood decreases, and it becomes alkaline. If breathing becomes shallower, the carbon dioxide content of the blood increases and it becomes acidic.
Gout and Co.
Some diseases that are due to disturbances of the acid-base balance have been known for a long time. One of the best known is certainly gout. Gout is caused by the storage of uric acid crystals in the joints, which then become inflamed and painful. Gout is considered a distinct disease of affluence because the excess uric acid comes from protein metabolism. Uric acid is formed when meat is broken down. Alcohol also contributes to it. Among vegetarians, on the other hand, gout is almost unknown, although legumes such as peas and lentils, among others, are unfavorable for uric acid production. It is conceivable that vegetable proteins do not burden the body as much as animal proteins. Gout tends to be classified as a disease of the connective tissue and joints, even though there are specific dietary recommendations for gout sufferers. In medicine, the idea that chronic hyperacidity is possible and harmful with the wrong lifestyle is only slowly gaining acceptance.
Acidic all the time?
Even without gout or a predisposition to it, constant underlying hyperacidity contributes to feeling unwell or getting sick. Too many acids can accumulate in the connective tissue, and, for example, significantly impair blood circulation there. If the storage space in the connective tissue is exhausted, the acids are deposited in the joints. Thus, muscle tension, back and neck pain are among the most obvious symptoms. Frequent heartburn, gastritis, constant exhaustion or sleep disturbances can be a sign of hyperacidity. Remedy creates in the long run only a consistent nourishing change. The goal is to create a balance between acid-forming and base-forming foods. To do this, it is important to get an overview of the different properties of the various foods.
Basically, there are four groups of foods
So-called alkaline suppliers such as:
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Raw milk and cheese
- Brown sugar
- Still mineral waters
- most herbs
Neutral foods maintain the balance between acids and bases. These include:
- Butter
- Pressed oils
- Walnuts
- Tap water
Acid producers include those foods that do not contain acids themselves, but give rise to acids during metabolism.
- Sugar and sugary confectionery
- Bread and rolls made from white flour
- Pasta, rice
- Coffee
- Black tea, if it has drawn less than a minute
- Alcohol
The last group is formed by the acid suppliers, which provide an excess of acidic minerals:
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Game
- Curd
- Meat broth
Well chewed is half digested
As a rule, we eat too acidic. This unhealthy diet is exacerbated by the fact that many foods and foods are eaten too hastily and not chewed properly. This is because digestion actually begins with chewing in the mouth. The salivary fluid is alkaline and when the food is thoroughly chewed, a corresponding amount of saliva is produced. Acids can thus be better metabolized and excreted. In addition, the mixture of semi-digested and undigested food leads to heartburn and hyperacidity in the stomach. Partly also so-called fermentation gases develop in the intestine, because still here food must be digested. So if you want to prevent the so-called acid starvation in the body, you should eat mostly alkaline foods and chew well.
Alkaline foods keep you young
Meanwhile, acid-base balance has also found its way into anti-aging therapy. For those who want to stay young longer, medical professionals recommend a change in diet with acid-alkaline guidance. Plenty of exercise, which supports the removal of toxins from the body, is then just as much a part of this as foregoing a late dinner to avoid the formation of fermentation gases. “Dinner-cancelling” is the new buzzword in anti-aging therapy after “hyperacidity.” Bon appétit!
