Optimal pH levels are important for all living things. As for the human body, the optimal pH level in blood serum is 7.4 (7.35 – 7.45). In modern times, compared to the period of hunter-gatherers, there is a decrease in the amount of potassium and an increase in the amount of sodium in the diet (from 10:1 to 1:3).
The modern human diet is characterized by a lack of magnesium, potassium and fiber, and is dominated by saturated fats, simple sugars, sodium and chloride compounds. With age, the ability of the kidneys to regulate acid-base balance decreases, which also contributes to the appearance of metabolic acidosis.
The editors of estet-portal.com will tell you what the causes of acid-base imbalance are and how to deal with acidification.
- What are the causes of acid-base imbalance?
- What foods affect the acid-base balance in the body?
- What are the consequences of acidification of the body?
- Acid-base imbalance and fat deposits
- How to help the body restore acidity alkaline balance
What are the causes of acid-base imbalance?
Violation of the acid-base balance is the result of the diet of modern man, in which acidifying foods predominate.
In addition to nutritional value (calorie content, content of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates), food is also characterized by an alkalizing or acidifying effect on the body.
As a result of digestion and absorption of food, acidic or alkaline compounds are formed.
To determine the acid-base load of products, it is necessary to sum up all acid- and alkali-forming elements and find out which of them predominate. Thus, organic magnesium and potassium salts are alkaline components. And organic acids and sulfur-containing amino acids are acidic.
Below estet-portal.com will tell you:
- what foods acidify and alkalize the body;
- what acidification of the body leads to;
- how acidification is related to weight gain;
- how to fight with acidification.
What foods affect the acid-base balance in the body?
Knowing how a particular product affects our body, we can influence the acid-base balance by eating less acidifying foods and more alkalizing foods.
- acidifying products include coffee, alcohol, animal fats, sugar and grains;
- Products that alkalize the body include mainly fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs (see table below).
Read more about foods that acidify and alkalize the body in our article: Acidic and alkaline foods: how to turn the “enemies” to "friends"
What are the consequences of acidification of the body?
The level of acidity is not the same for all body fluids: the acidic environment in the stomach is necessary for the digestion of food, but the blood environment is more alkaline, which is necessary to maintain the vitality of the body.
Each of our bodies is adapted to function in a certain pH range.
The predominance of acidic foods leads to a state of acidosis , which is associated with a number of diseases.
To normalize the acid-base balance, the body takes measures aimed at neutralizing acidic substances. And one of the consequences of the body’s fight against acidification is accumulation of fat.
Acid-base imbalance and fat deposits
As you know, the more muscle mass, the more calories the body burns. If the body accumulates a lot of acids, it directs more protein and calcium to fight the acidic environment, which as a result negatively affects the condition of muscles and bones, which are deprived of essential building components.
Therefore, acidification of the body leads to a slower metabolism, fat accumulation, loss of muscle mass and decreased bone density.
Moreover, acidosis, which increases cortisol levels, also negatively affects the body's response to insulin and its ability to regulate fat metabolism and produce enzymes necessary for normal digestion.
Another reason why acidification of the body leads to weight gain is dysfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), which entails a slowdown in metabolism.
Therefore, as a result of a violation of the acid-base balance, we not only notice the appearance of unwanted fat deposits, but also have difficulty removing we get rid of them.
How to help the body restore acid-base balance
If you find signs of acidification in your body , you need to help your body normalize the acid-base balance.
To reduce acidity in the body, you need to pay attention to the foods you eat. Unprocessed vegetables and fruits are the best helpers in the fight against acidification of the body, so they should prevail in the diet.
But it is better to consume animal fats, sugar, alcohol and coffee in minimal quantities to limit the acid load on the body.
Try following the principles of an alkaline diet and you will feel much better!
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