Symptoms of acidification of the body – it is important to know!

The human body is a well-balanced system. One of the main indicators that the chemical processes in it are going smoothly is the acid-base balance or pH balance. It is he who is responsible for the proper functioning of cells and their saturation with oxygen.

But what is pH balance? How to understand that the balance in the body is disturbed if you are not too well versed in medicine?

What is pH balance and what does it mean

Without resorting to special terminology, we can say that pH balance is the ratio between acid and alkali in the human body. In order for the body to function normally, each of its systems needs its own environment: alkaline or acidic. So, for example, the stomach needs high acidity in order to guarantee the digestion of food, while the immune system, on the contrary, needs an alkaline environment.

To understand what indicators should be normal, we analyze the acidity of the blood.

Acid-base balance in human blood is one of the most stable parameters, maintaining acidic and alkaline components in a certain balance within very narrow limits.

The acidity of fluids inside the human body normally coincides with the acidity of the blood and ranges from 7,35 to 7,45 pH.

Even a slight shift from these limits can lead to severe pathology. When shifted to the acid side, a condition called acidosis occurs, and to the alkaline side – alkalosis. A change in blood acidity above 7,8 pH or below 6,8 pH is incompatible with life. The acidity of erythrocytes is 7,28–7,29 pH.

Signs of acidification of the body

Acid imbalance manifests itself in different ways. Often we may not even guess that the deterioration of the general condition is associated precisely with an imbalance between acid and alkali in the body.

Excess weight

Often, an excess of acid in the body leads to a significant increase in insulin production. As a result, a person begins to gain extra pounds. For normal metabolism, the body needs a certain pH. If the pH is below normal, there is no calorie burning during exercise. Therefore, if you limit yourself in nutrition and do not neglect physical activity, but you cannot lose weight, it’s time to suspect an acid-base balance disorder.

Brittle bones

In the event that the body has an excess of acid, it tries to “balance” this indicator by “pulling” nutrients from the bones. At first, you practically don’t feel it, but soon, due to a lack of calcium, your nails will begin to exfoliate, your hair will become dull, dry and brittle, and most importantly, the risk of bone fractures will increase even with minor injuries.

Increased tooth sensitivity

Recently, researchers have come to the conclusion that the high acidity of the body provokes the deterioration of tooth enamel.

In other words, increased sensitivity of the teeth (pain when eating cold or hot food) may be associated precisely with a violation of the acid-base balance. Acid destroys tooth enamel, and this leads to discomfort and the development of cavities.

Sleep deterioration

The deterioration in the quality of sleep, which we usually attribute to overwork and stress, can also be the result of acidification of the body. Scientists note that insomnia, the inability to relax and nightmares can be triggered by a lack of calcium – and, as we remember, the body “pulls” it from the bones to compensate for increased acidity.

Edema

Most of us associate edema with disorders in the functioning of the kidneys or thyroid gland, however, as scientists have recently found out, they can also indicate excessive acidification of the body. In this case, our body begins to accumulate water in order to neutralize the action of the acid.

How to normalize pH

An excess of acid in the body is a condition that requires immediate correction. However, this does not mean at all that one should start swallowing pills in handfuls.

First of all, review your diet. An alkaline diet is a reliable way to normalize the pH balance and improve overall health. Add kale, cucumbers, spinach, zucchini, various types of nuts, seeds and raisins to the menu, as well as soy. At the same time, reduce the content of dairy products, meat and eggs, fast food, chocolate and sweets in the diet as much as possible.

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