The Alkaline Myth. Understanding Acids, Alkalines, and pH for Health Part II

In Part I of The Alkaline Myth Series I discussed the basics of pH and that it differs throughout the human body depending on which specific part of the body you are talking about.  Each part has a specific pH in order to perform a function and to also counter the opposing pH of other body parts.  The easiest example can be seen when the alkaline juices of the pancreas and gall bladder meet the very acidic contents of the stomach when they are emptied into the intestines.  This helps prevent the stomach acid from burning a hole in the intestines and creating an ulcer.

For Part II, let’s look at what happens to the human body when the blood become too acidic or too alkaline and what we can do about it! Keep in mind that the body maintains the varying pHs throughout the human body and keeps them within specific ranges, the smallest, most specific being the blood (7.34-7.45).  This is because blood is the great equalizer throughout the body and its pH is crucial to all functions. The body will alter pHs of other parts of the body just to maintain the pH of the blood.

If the pH of the blood changes too much the body will display some very overt signs, and this is a signal for you to make some lifestyle changes right away.  If the blood drops into a 6 (too acidic) or raises to an 8 (too alkaline) one can go into a coma and face almost certain death. While this is rare, it is important to recognize the signs that your blood may be getting to acidic or too alkaline. Take a look at the list below:

Too Acidic                                          Details

Coughing (constant dry cough)          Possible calcium deficiency

Coma                                                   Dynamic blood sugar fluctuations (diabetic)

Irregular Heart Beat                                       

Increased Heart Rate                                     

Weakness                                                       

Nausea                                                           

Sleepy but wired                                 Possible calcium deficiency. But why?         

Sigh Frequently                                  

Anxious                                                          

Cannot Hold Breath                            Hard to go past 20 seconds

Too Alkaline                                       Details

Decrease Potassium/Calcium             Trouble absorbing minerals, especially potassium/calcium. Crave sweets. Blood sugar issues. Muscle Cramps.  Trouble relaxing.

Twitching                                            Left eyelid twitching. Too much calcium in blood.

Hyperventilation                                

Arthritis                                               Citrus aggravates by producing overly alkaline response in the body

Allergies                                              Immune system is stimulated by acids (Vitamin C contains Ascorbic Acid). Apple cider vinegar is better.

Bone Spurs                                          Calcium is building up

Low Thyroid

Calcium Deposits

While these lists are SYMPTOMS, it’s important to understanding the underlying CAUSES and not focus on any symptom-based remedy. Symptom-based remedies may provide short-term relief, but without addressing the root cause you risk creating other unforeseen imbalances from the remedy itself.

Stay tuned for Part III as we look at the causes and solutions to restoring pH balance.