Alkaline Balance

SierraSil® promotes alkalinity in the body through the pH balancing effects of its rapidly ionized minerals. Alkaline balance in the body is a crucial factor in the maintenance of optimum health. Did you know that virtually all chronic, degenerative diseases are thought to be caused by excess acidity in the body?

Human blood naturally has a slightly alkaline pH-value around 7.4, which is ideal for transporting oxygen, vital for life. When the balance between acids and bases in the body becomes disrupted, the body is not able to function properly which opens the door to many chronic diseases. By being aware of and promoting alkaline balance through the use of good nutrition and supplements, we can significantly reduce our risk of disease and ensure that we live healthy and energetic lives.

Acids and bases are the chemical opposites of each other and neutralize each other. Acids have pH values of below 7, the pH values of bases lie above 7; water is neutral, or 7 on the scale. The pH of a healthy body is slightly basic or alkaline, between 7.35 and 7.45, and it is very dangerous for blood pH to fluctuate beyond this range either towards acidity or alkalinity. Although both can occur, over-acidity is far more common.

Different tissues in the body each function best at a specific pH. For example, while blood pH must be maintained at a pH of 7.35 to 7.45, the pH of the colon is more basic, with a range of 7.8 to 8.3. Muscles can function under higher levels of acidity as they are designed to withstand lactic acid buildup during exercise, and have a pH range of 6.8 to 7.4. The pH range of saliva and urine is very wide to facilitate the safe intake and removal of acidic substances, and can function at pH levels from 4.5 – 9.0.

The body constantly works to maintain blood pH through a variety of mechanisms. It uses water as a solvent to neutralize acidic residues; bicarbonate, amino acids, albumin, hemoglobin and other proteins are used to neutralize acids in the blood; calcium and magnesium are drawn from the bones into the blood, lymph and extracellular fluids to bind acids and remove them safely in the urine; carbon dioxide is released through the lungs; and hydrogen ions are excreted from the kidney. The body also transports acidic resides and toxins in the blood to the extremities such as the wrists, joints, fingers, toes and skin to keep toxins from damaging internal organs.

Despite the body’s best efforts, chronic over-acidity can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate pH, resulting in a build-up of cellular acids which trigger the growth of yeast, fungus, molds and parasites. These organisms produce waste products, called mycotoxins, which are very toxic to humans, causing free radical damage to the cell and eventually cell death. Conditions such as osteoporosis, kidney disease, muscle wasting, gout, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and even body odor are all associated with excess acidity in the body. But, the good news is that our lifestyle choices are the single largest influences on our internal pH balance.

We know that the most significant contributors to over-acidity in the body are acidifying foods such as meat, cheese, certain grains and processed foods, as well as lack of alkalinizing foods such as fruits or vegetables; stress and negative emotions; inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or injury; environmental toxins; pharmaceutical drugs; lack of exercise; dehydration and lack of fresh air. Less emphasis should be placed on acidifying foods such as dairy products, red meats, highly processed and fast foods foods, deep fried foods and hydrolyzed oils.

A diet that emphasizes alkalinizing foods is the best way to keep your blood pH in a healthy range. This includes eating fiber rich foods such as whole grains, such as amaranth, quinoa, spelt, rye; fresh fruits and vegetables; sea vegetables such as kelp; essential fatty acids, vitamins and plenty of water. Reducing stress and getting adequate rest are also important steps in maintaining a healthy pH balance. Drinking lots of water, exercise, positive attitudes and fresh air also all have an alkalinizing effect on the body. But for those times when life takes over, consider taking a simple daily alkalinizing supplement such as SierraSil® Joint Formula 14 to make sure your alkaline balance stays on track even on the busiest of days.

By consciously choosing to alkalinize our bodies, we can shift our lifestyles to minimize our internal production and storage, and maximize our elimination of harmful acids from our bodies, and shift our internal pH to an optimal, health promoting balance.

REFERENCE: Minich D, Bland J. Acid-Alkaline Balance: Role in Chronic Disease and Detoxification. Alternative Therapies 2007; 13(4): 62-65