Q & A archive—pH Balance

Question: I read an article on checking your pH balance of the body. 7 being neutral...above- alkaline and below -acid (the article was promoting coral calcium and proper diet.) My wife and I both checked per pH tape test this morning, both showing in the 5.8 to 6. It is my understanding that it should be 7 or above. Is there anything to this? If so, what can I do to get my body up where it should be?

Answer: I will answer the last part of your question first. No, taking baking soda routinely to counteract what you may think of as “too much acid” is unwise. It gives temporary relief, but triggers an acid rebound which will only make the problem worse in the future.

It is ironic, but if ulcers are not present, it is frequently not a problem of too much acid being produced by the stomach but too little HCl for the proper digestion of protein foods. In that circumstance, taking a couple Betaine HCl tablets before each meal may be the solution.

The body has a very efficient way of controlling the acid-alkaline balance if good, natural foods are eaten and the sugared and “junk foods” are eliminated. Improper diet and stress are frequently the cause of what most people think of as “acid stomach.” If you are having this problem, I would suggest eating more of the fresh vegetables and fruits and less of the grain foods which add extra acidity to the diet. It is interesting to note that increasing your magnesium and potassium intake in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables also helps significantly to increase your bone density and thereby lessens osteoporosis.

Another suggestion: If you are having the discomfort of stomach discomfort, take a couple ginger capsules before each meal for awhile while making the above dietary corrections.

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