Acidic pH and Its Role in Your Health
 Your body's pH, which stands for potential of hydrogen, plays a huge role in the proper functioning of cells and organs. Measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 14, a healthy pH helps to regulate normal cell production and healthy tissue throughout your body. Seven on the scale is considered to be neutral, with anything above that being alkaline pH (or basic) and anything below that being acidic. Normal body pH should be slightly alkaline at around 7.35, so when levels drop below 7 and dip into acidic pH, there begins to be a problem.
When you have an acidic pH reading, your body tries to return to a normal level of alkalinity. In order to get the base it needs, the body may "borrow" minerals and nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from bones, thereby weakening those bones. Acidic pH is believed to cause other issues such as:
- Fatigue and illness
- Decreased cell energy
- Low bone density
- Stunted repair of cell damage
- Limited ability of the body to destroy heavy metals
- Hinder the ability to absorb important nutrients
Keeping a balanced pH is easier than it seems. By keeping active and maintaining a balanced diet, your body is usually able to keep a normal, healthy pH. However, if you feel you may be at risk or suffering from acidic pH, you can easily test it using pH test strips. Your doctor may also be able to help identify your pH level and recommend ways to maintain a healthy body pH and lifestyle.
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