Dr. Sorenson at the Carlsberg Laboratory first introduced the concept of pH in 1909.

pH stands for “potential hydrogen” which is the measure of hydrogen-ion concentration in a solution. For the past year we have been inundated with questions about “What pH really is” in layman’s terms a patient can understand.

pH is nothing more than the acid-base balance of something. pH is measure on a scale from 0 to 14 in reference to the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In this context, the word “solution” simply means something mixed in water.

A pH of seven (7) is considered to be neutral; a pH of less then 7 is more acidic, and a pH higher than 7 is more alkaline. If you mix acid with water for example, the pH of the solution will be less than 7; if you mix an alkaline with water, the pH of the solution will be greater than 7.

pH is much like the balance of light. Clear, bright white light comes from a perfect balance of every color in the light spectrum. In the same way, pH balance is achieved by the synergy between each and every element and nutrient that our body needs. No single element, compound or substance can bring the body into balance. Regardless of what you read or what the advertisements say. When the body has all the raw materials it needs to function in an optimal inner environment then normal pH will be reached.

In general, the latest research has associated many types of diseases and chronic conditions with a body that is more acidic than alkaline. The consensus of opinion indicates that the body should be slightly more alkaline for optimal health.

The foods that we eat become mixed in a solution with all the water in our bodies. This is significant because our bodies are about 70 percent water. For the best health, our body fluid should stay within normal ranges. The normal pH balance in the human body is 7.35-7.45, which is slightly on the alkaline side of the pH scale.

If you have an interest in your body’s pH balance, the first step is to find out what it is. This can be done with pH testing strips. Once this is established it is a matter of getting your diet under control to accomplish the goal of an alkaline body pH. The prevailing wisdom indicates that eating 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acid foods will keep your body at a healthy pH balance. When we talk about foods in this context, we’re talking about the result in the body after eating the foods, not necessarily the pH of the foods themselves before they are eaten. That is an entirely different analysis method.

An easy way to remember is that mostly fruits, vegetables, vegetable juice and water are on the alkaline side. Acid foods, in general, are meat, dairy, junk foods, processed foods, fast foods, alcohol, drugs and medications. There are a few exceptions on both sides but in general this is a good indication of where they stand.

When pH gets out of normal balance and becomes too acidic, we begin to experience low energy, fatigue, excess weight, poor digestion, and various aches and pains will develop.

As with most nutritional topics these days there are many differing opinions. Everyone has the right to his or her own opinion. My goal is simply to bring you the facts and then let you decide your path to health.

If anyone has any questions or comments about this article please feel free to write to the author at the following address: bamashogun@aol.com or visit www.alternative-concepts.com