Acidity in the body

It is important to address the acid/alkaline balance in the body. An acidic environment causes inflammation and allows bacteria and other microbes, including parasites, to flourish. High acidity in the body can be caused by a poor diet or excessive consumption of acid forming foods such as sugar or meat protein and smoking tobacco. The body has a number of organs that can naturally neutralise and eliminate excess acid providing these organs are working correctly and that enough alkalising foods are being consumed.

The Western diet is highly acid forming as it consists of excessive amounts of corn, dairy, meat, refined sugars and wheat. An alkalising diet can help to relieve this acid load and reduce the strain on the body’s detoxification systems such as the kidneys.

Check the pH of saliva with Hydrion pH indicator strips that can be obtained from a pharmacy or online. If the saliva pH is below 7.2 then there may be an imbalance of the bacteria flora in the intestines as the body is too acidic. To increase the oral pH to a normal 7.2 or greater (alkaline), drink one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of water. It is that simple to neutralise the acids that can be the cause of the following health disorders:

• Allergies
• Bacterial infections
• Anaemia
• Digestive disorders
• Fungal and yeast infections
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Hay fever
• Human papilloma virus (HPV16) infection
• Imbalance of the intestinal flora
• Mouth and gum disorders
• Oral cancer
• Parasite and worm infections
• Tooth cavities and decay
• Virus infections

If suffering with any of the above disorders, it may well be due to acidity, and this can be addressed very simply without drugs which can cause further health issues.

Bicarbonate of soda not only causes the body to become more alkaline it also has been shown to decrease dental plaque acidity induced by sucrose and its buffering capacity is important to prevent dental cavities. Other studies have shown that bicarbonate inhibits plaque formation on teeth and, in addition, increases calcium uptake by dental enamel.

Cleaning teeth regularly with bicarbonate of soda can help keep the alkaline levels in check and has no toxic chemicals that are added to toothpastes. It also has no alcohol that is added tto mouthwashes which encourage an environment suitable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria and parasites by reducing the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, throat and guts.

Coconut oil is also antimicrobial and can be mixed with bicarbonate of soda to produce a natural toothpaste. Bicarbonate of soda mixed with coconut oil can be used safely anywhere on the body to treat bacterial or fungal infections and is also useful to treat pets with skin disorders.

NOTE: Only buy pure mined bicarbonate of soda which has not been tainted with chemicals during the production process.

WARNING: Those suffering with high blood pressure should consult their health practitioner before consuming bicarbonate of soda as it has a high sodium content. The alternative is to consume the following natural foods regularly instead.

A naturally alkalising drink

Another way to reduce acidity and provide a clear and uplifting start to the day, without caffeine, is to drink the following first thing upon waking.

• One cup of hot (not boiling) water
• 1 x tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• The freshly squeezed juice of one lemon
• 1 x teaspoon of pure locally harvested honey.

Stir well and drink. Allow 30 minutes before consuming anything else.

Not only will this drink alkalise the body, it can also help to cleanse the intestines, kidneys and liver and reduce allergies such as hay fever.

Naturally alkalising foods

Adding some extra natural foods from the list below and reducing corn, meat and refined sugars can help the body to balance itself very easily and will reduce the effect acidity can have. This is especially important during recovery from injury or surgery and infections of any type.

Many people believe that foods that taste acidic or have an acidic pH themselves, such as citrus fruits or apple cider vinegar, will cause more acidity, however, in the body these foods actually have an alkalising effect.

NOTE: Only natural foods grown in organically rich soils will have sufficient mineral content to reduce the acidity of the body.

Which foods naturally reduce acidity in the body?

Related subjects

• A-Z of ailments
• Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
• Brine pickling for health
• Excretory system disorders
• Feed your friendly bacteria
• Fungal infections
• Intestinal disorders
• Sprouting greens
• Tooth and gum disorders
• Virus infections