Why and How to Lower Your Body's pH Levels

An alkaline pH is synonymous with health, which is why you should try to balance your pH levels so that they aren’t so acidic. That way, you can improve your well-being!

Our personal pH levels can be much more important than we think. They determine whether your body is in a healthy state or a state of alkalinity. Bacteria and microorganisms need an acidic pH to develop which is why it’s vital to avoid such levels.

Everything that we eat and drink affects our pH. Some foods make us more acidic, while others make us more alkaline. In general, animal foods such as meat and dairy products are acidic, while plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables are alkaline.

However, environmental factors also play an important role. Cleaning products such as soap, detergents, air fresheners, glass cleaner, and other types of cleaning products all contain chemicals that are toxic to the body and contribute to acidity.

What is pH?

For those who wonder what pH consists of, it’s worth stating that the letters mean ‘potential hydrogen’, which is a measurement of the body’s hydrogen ions.

• pH levels go from 1 to 14, with 1 being more acidic, 7 neutral, and 14 the most alkaline.
• The ideal pH levels range from 7.3 to 7.45, which is slightly basic or alkaline.

Due to certain factors such as the excessive consumption of processed foods and environments rich in chemicals, our body tends to be more acidic. 

How to measure pH levels

You can measure the pH levels of your skin by means of strips that you can find at a pharmacy.

• To do so, put the strip in your mouth so that it comes into contact with your saliva for two to three seconds.
• After that time, compare it to the color table provided to see what the level is.
• It’s recommended to do this first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, since food and drink can alter the pH levels in saliva.

Another way to measure pH is through urine, and again it should be done in the morning. The first reading can generally be a little more acidic since the body cleans acid while we sleep. So, it would be best to use the second urine of the day.

Why it’s important to know your pH levels

pH readings are big indicators of your health. Some illnesses and disorders that are related to excessive acidity include:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Migraines and morning dizziness
• Cataracts
• Cancer
• Arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout
• Stroke
• Allergies

How to eliminate acidic pH

There are many ways to eliminate an acidic pH and make it more alkaline. Two of the simplest and most effective daily methods to make your pH levels more alkaline are:

• Mix the juice of one lemon in a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (2 g) to a glass of water and drink.

We can also opt for one of the following alternatives:

Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables

• Eat more plant-based foods. If consuming animal products, opt only for those from grass-fed animals.
• Include barley, cayenne, chlorella algae, and spirulina to your diet.
• Have a diet rich in vegetables and nourishing and alkaline fruits. Green juices are a quick and easy way to get all the nutrients out of vegetables.

Avoid sugar and processed or fried foods

• Sugar, as well as processed and fried foods, elevate the acidic levels in the body. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners and other cooking methods.

Drink good quality water

• We should avoid commercial products both for cleaning our home and our bodies.
• Use natural cleaning ingredients such as vinegar and diluted apple cider vinegar.

When it comes to shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene products, try to use ones that are ecologically-friendly. Commercial products are made with chemicals and are full of toxins that can make the body more acidic.