The body regulates the pH of blood in a steady range of 7.35 – 7.45, if blood pH gets too low, the body has three ways to raise it:

• Breath – Excess acidity can be exhaled in the form of carbon dioxide
• Urine – Acidic wastes are filtered by the kidneys
• Bone – The body takes calcium from the bones to neutralize acidity

Research suggests that bone density may be compromised by a ratio of high protein (acid forming) consumption to low vegetable (alkaline forming) consumption (Sellmeyer, D. E.)

Metabolic Syndrome and Acidity in the Body

Metabolic syndrome has been described as a “constellation of physiological screw-ups” which include:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Insulin resistance
• High Cholesterol
• Kidney stones

Research performed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center links the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (above) to an excessively acidic urine pH. The study shows that the lower your urine pH is, the more symptoms of metabolic syndrome you are likely to have. (Maalouf N. et. al)

Other problems associated with acidity in the body

• Acid reflux is a painful condition that occurs when acidic stomach liquid backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus, causing irritation, inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. Acidic foods are considered to be one factor in acid reflux.(N.A. Web MD)

Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies are related to arrhythmia, osteoporosis, migraine, and fatal myocardial infarction. A study on acid base status called Acid-Base Status Affects Renal Magnesium Losses in Healthy, Elderly Persons suggests that acidity in the body (referred to as net endogenous acid production) could be a factor in calcium and magnesium deficiencies. The list above is a partial list of problems that may be linked to acidity in the body. Research on the subject of acidity in the body is ongoing. (Rylander, R. and et al))

Is alkaline water right for you?

Everybody’s body is different, and acidity in the body is just one factor that can contribute to health issues. You should speak with your doctor if you are concerned about acidity in your body.