The pH of the body refers to how alkaline or acidic it is. Acidic blood has a lower pH. Alkaline blood has a higher pH and is considered a better state of health. High levels of acid are referred to as acidosis. Acidosis can lead to serious health complications such as:
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Weight gain
- Inflammation in the body
- Auto-immune disorders
- Accelerated aging
- Osteoporosis
- Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and MS
Acidity in the body can also create problems with the skin. The skin is our body’s largest organ and what we put in it ultimately is shown there. Some skin disorders that may be linked to high acid levels in the body include:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Dermatitis
- Boils
- Hives
- Vitiligo
What Causes High Acid Levels in the Body?
Diet plays a large role in the pH level of the body. Many foods have been found to create a higher acid level in the body including meat, dairy, refined sugars, sodas and alcohol. A diet rich in these acidic foods can lead to an imbalance in the body.
Along with diet, the products we use and the environment we live in can cause increased acidity. Commercial soaps, perfumes, cosmetics and pollution are thought to contribute to this ailment. Living in a highly polluted area can increase the amount of toxins and waste you are exposed to on a daily basis. These chemicals can get into the body through the skin and cause internal problems.
Putting harmful chemicals on our skin will change the pH almost instantly. Products you use should be formulated with all-natural ingredients and should contain no chemicals. Acidic products tend to dry the skin and can lead to noticeable skin problems.
Natural Healing
Changing your diet can greatly affect your health. By consuming foods that contain low acid levels, we can balance our body’s pH and restore health. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Avoid dairy, meats and refined or processed foods. Try to eat a diet that is natural and chemical free. Consume organic foods whenever possible.
Water is the building block of all life and health. Alkaline water is a great tool in rebalancing the body. This type of water is starting to more widely available at grocery stores and health food shops. Try to drink half your body weight in water each day in ounces.
Juicing is an imperative part of rebalancing the pH of the blood. Vegetable juice nourishes, strengthens, cleanses and purifies the blood and lymph system. Green vegetables contain high amounts of essential nutrients. Some of the best vegetables for juicing are:
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Green Bell Pepper
- Basil
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Artichoke
Wheat grass and barley grass are also excellent blood purifiers and builders and can be consumed daily. You can even add them to your vegetable juice cocktail.
Herbs can be effective ways to cleanse and restore the body as well. Some helpful herbs for restoring a balanced pH include:
- Burdock Root
- Dandelion Root
- Echinacea Root
- Goldenseal Root
- Oregon Grape
- Cleavers
- Nettle
- Pau D’ Arco
- Celandine
- Sarsaparilla
- Yellow Dock Root
- Manjistha
- Cat’s Claw
- Barberry
- Devil’s Claw
- Chickweed
- Sassafras
- Chaparral
- Alma Fruit
- Strawberry Leaf
- Cerasee
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.