One of the problems many people eating the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) encounter is an over-acid body chemistry. "Potential of Hydrogen", abbreviated as "pH", is the term used to measure alkalinity or acidity of a solution. A pH of 7 is neutral. Higher than 7 means the solution is alkaline and lower than 7 denotes acidity.
The human body functions best at a slightly acid pH level. If the body is too acidic (pH lower than 6.3 as measured by saliva), it has to borrow minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium from vital organs and bones to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. Over time, this will weaken the entire system.
When the body’s acid/alkaline balance is off, nutrients from food may not be absorbed properly. This is especially true of minerals, which are important for many body functions including enzyme production and cellular metabolism. Even if you are swallowing a whole handful of supplements, your body can’t make optimal use of them if the pH balance is not right.
When food is digested, fruits and vegetables end up alkaline. This is true even of the "sour-tasting" fruits like lemons and grapefruits. Protein foods like meat, dairy, soy and eggs leave an acid residue when digested, and starchy foods like cereals, breads and a few starchy vegetables also leave an acid residue. Most Americans do not eat the USDA recommended 5 (minimum) to 9 (optimal) servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Our S.A.D. habits lead us to overload on proteins and starches instead. As a result, many suffer from the effects of over-acidity.
Those 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables will do more for you than balance your pH. Research has shown that the phytonutrients and antioxidants found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables will protect you against cancer and a host of other degenerative diseases. It will also keep your skin younger looking and your vitality high. Best of all, fruits and vegetables tend to be lower in calories than grains and meats which is a real bonus for those trying to lose weight or keep from gaining.
Can a person end up too alkaline? Yes, this does happen when people limit their diets to only fruits and vegetables, and can also cause problems. Balance is the key. If you eat the optimal 9 servings of fruits and vegetables along with several servings of protein and whole grains, you shouldn’t have any problem maintaining an ideal body pH.
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