A slightly alkaline environment is crucial for maintaining proper cellular functions, and your gut bacteria and immune system rely heavily on it. Unfortunately, due to the modern diet and lifestyle, the body can become too acidic, leading to a higher risk of inflammation, cancer, and other diseases.

Why pH is Important

pH stands for "power of hydrogen" and measures the amount of hydrogen activity in a solution (1). A single hydrogen atom is positively charged, and when it combines with an oxygen atom, it forms a hydroxyl molecule with a negative charge (2).

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 0 represents the most acidic (with the highest concentration of hydrogen ions) and 14 represents the most alkaline (with the highest concentration of hydroxyl ions).

Water (H2O) has a neutral pH of 7, where the positive hydrogen balances out the negative hydroxyl ion. This balance is essential because all living organisms depend on hydrogen and oxygen for various biochemical processes. Any imbalance in the acid-base equilibrium can disrupt bodily functions, negatively impacting health.

Acids are known to break down chemical bonds, which is why your stomach secretes acids to digest food. However, if the body becomes consistently acidic, it can lead to molecular breakdowns and structural changes in cells. Abnormal cells may accumulate, contributing to the development of diseases like cancer.

pH Balance

What is Acidosis?

Your body's optimal pH level is slightly alkaline, usually between 7.4 and 7.5. However, different systems within the body maintain varying pH levels. For example, blood has a pH between 7.35 and 7.45, stomach acid ranges from 1.5 to 3.5, and the intestines fluctuate between 5.7 and 7.4 (3,4,5).

Throughout each day, your body continuously regulates its pH levels, ensuring that they stay within a healthy range.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body becomes chronically acidic, with a pH level falling below 7. This can lead to conditions like blood acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic acidosis.

According to WebMD, "Metabolic acidosis occurs when the chemical balance of acids and bases in your blood is disrupted" (6). Several factors can cause metabolic acidosis, including:

• A build-up of acid due to the metabolism of fat caused by insufficient insulin (diabetic ketoacidosis)

• The consumption of drugs or acidic substances like alcohol and aspirin

• The accumulation of lactic acid, often from overexercising, shock, infection, or drops in blood pressure

• Loss of base chemicals (e.g., bicarbonate) through diarrhea or ileostomy

• Severe kidney disease or malfunction (7)

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs are unable to expel enough carbon dioxide, leading to an imbalance. Causes of respiratory acidosis include:

• Chronic lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema

• Sleep apnea and other breathing disorders

• Nervous or muscular disorders that affect breathing, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Overdose of drugs that depress breathing, such as alcohol, opioids, and strong sedatives

• Severe obesity or scoliosis

Symptoms of Acidosis

Acidosis may not always cause noticeable pain, so it can go undetected for a long time. However, there are common symptoms that may indicate the condition, including:

• Nausea, vomiting, and headache

• Drowsiness, confusion, and anxiety

• Blurred vision and lethargy

• Fatigue and difficulty focusing

• Shortness of breath or even coma in severe cases

• Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and a slow metabolism

• Chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, and diabetes

• Bladder and kidney issues, including kidney stones

• Weakened immunity and fragile bones (e.g., osteoporosis and fractures)

• Joint pain and muscle discomfort

• Low energy levels and persistent fatigue

• Mood swings and poor digestion

Acidosis and Cancer

Acidosis is often linked to cancer development. Dr. Keiichi Morishita, MD, in his 1976 book Hidden Truth of Cancer, discusses the connection between an acidic pH and cancer, stating:

"Medical science believes cancer to be incurable, equating it to a death sentence. This view, however, reflects the incompetence of modern medicine. Cancer is not an inevitable, deadly disease. The real cause of cancer lies within our bodies. The primary factor contributing to this is our food. The modern diet, which is heavily processed and full of carcinogens, plays a crucial role in promoting cancer. Even certain drugs can induce cancer. For example, nitrogen mustard is used in cancer treatment but can also cause cancer.

Generally, cancer arises from the long-term buildup of harmful living conditions that weaken body cells. From a cellular perspective, cancer is caused by a malfunction in cellular respiration, forcing cells to rely on fermenting oxidation for metabolism. Conditions like synthetic chemicals, radiation, and blood acidosis impair the body's constitution and create an environment conducive to cancer. Thus, eliminating these harmful factors is key to preventing and treating cancer."

How to Test Your pH

You don't need to visit a doctor to monitor your pH levels. Litmus strips or pH test sticks are available at most drugstores or online, and they offer a simple way to test your body's pH through saliva or urine.

Urine pH reflects the acid levels in your blood after the liver and kidneys process food. Monitoring your urine's pH over time can give you insight into your body's internal pH balance and digestive health. A normal urine pH ranges from 6.0 to 6.5 in the morning, and it rises slightly to 6.5 to 7.0 at night.

To test your saliva, avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes before taking a sample. Spit directly onto a pH test strip or drop saliva onto a spoon and dip the strip in. The ideal pH for saliva is slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.8 to 7.2, with the optimal pH being above 7.

It’s also a good idea to track your pH over time by testing several times a week. Record the results at different times of the day, and you will begin to understand your body’s pH profile. After eating, your saliva pH should rise to at least 7.8. If it doesn't, it could be an indication of alkaline mineral deficiencies, such as calcium or magnesium.

Alkalosis

Although much less common than acidosis, it’s possible for the body to become too alkaline, a condition known as alkalosis. This typically occurs due to anxiety, fever, excessive aspirin intake, pain, or hyperventilation, which causes low oxygen levels in the blood. Alkalosis rarely leads to chronic health issues and is considered less of a health risk than acidosis.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy pH balance in your body is crucial for overall health. An acidic environment in the body, caused largely by poor diet choices, can lead to various diseases, including cancer. Avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy beverages can significantly reduce your risk of acidosis. Small changes, such as increasing your intake of alkaline-forming foods like vegetables, fruits, and water, can make a big difference in maintaining a balanced pH level and promoting overall health.