With Cathy Schram
Why Should I Have My pH tested?
Q: Why is it important to test my pH?
A: In order to stay or get healthy, your pH must be correct. pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the solution is. The higher pH number indicates a more alkaline solution.
Are you suffering from any of the following: cardiovascular weakness, weight gain, bladder and kidney problems, joint discomfort, brittle bones or low energy? You may have a condition called acidosis which is high acidity in the body. A person on the other end of the scale would be considered “alkaline”. Symptoms would include digestive system sluggishness, intestinal system concerns, respiratory system compromise, urinary system weakness or nervous system exhaustion.
By using a saliva and/or urine pH test kit, a person can monitor their pH balance. The best time to test your pH is about one hour before a meal and two hours after a meal. Ideal pH readings range between 6.7 and 7.3 on the scale. The lower the number, the more acidic the solution is. The higher the number, the more alkaline the solution is.
Your urine pH indicates how well your body is assimilating minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. These are called the “acid buffers” because they are used by the body to control acid levels. When acid levels increase, the body becomes less capable to excreting acid so it stores it in the body tissues or borrows minerals from the organs, bones, etc. in order to neutralize the acid.
Results of saliva pH testing indicate the activity of digestive enzymes in your body; especially the activity of the liver and stomach. This reveals the flow of enzymes running through your body and shows their effect on all the body systems.
The body continually strives to balance pH. It is important to remember that food shapes the pH environment. What goes into the mouth impacts where pH will fall. That, in turn, will impact every metabolic function in your body. Our cells will extract nutrients from the blood only when the correct pH ratio is maintained. You must keep the balance right for optimum health. When there is sickness, we can get well only when the blood is restored to a normal, slightly alkaline pH. Depending upon your reading, corrections can be made by changing your diet, adding enzymes, calcium or other minerals.
Get to your health food store today and pick up a pH testing kit. This should be the foundation of your health-building program.
This herb information is for health education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of licensed health practitioners. Consult with a physician for any condition that requires professional care.
Do you have questions about herbs or vitamins? Send them to Cathy Schram, CNHP and Certified Herbalist. Write to: Herbs & More, 16021 Manchester Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011.