Did you know that vibrant health and high energy levels are impossible without a proper pH balance? Your body is alkaline by design, but acidic by function, meaning that nearly all bodily processes and functions produce acid. The pH range is from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline, anything below 7.0 is considered acidic. And because the pH of the body needs to stay alkaline, it will seek on it's own to retain a blood pH in a range between 7.357.45, even if in doing so it puts stress on other body systems. When your pH is out of balance, you may experience low energy, fatigue, poor digestion, aches, pains and stiffness and even more serious disorders. Your body will actually leach calciumwhich is alkalineright out of your bones and teeth or take magnesium from your muscles to correct an acid condition. Left unchecked, a pH imbalance can lead to kidney stones, tooth decay, osteoporosis and more ailments. Some research even suggests a link between cancer and an acidic body.

One way your body becomes pH imbalanced and overly acidic is by ingesting acidifying foods such as refined sugar, processed carbs, meat, dairy, alcohol and coffee. Other factors such as stress and the presence of yeasts, bacteria and fungi in the body also contribute to a tendency to be acidic.

One of the chief systems your body uses to eliminate acids is your kidneys. By testing the pH of your urine, you can determine whether your body is eliminating a normal amount of acids. Inexpensive pH testing strips are available at your natural foods store and come with a chart that will tell you how to read the strips (it's simple!). You'll want to take readings over the course of several days and at different times of day to have a sense of what your composite pH score is. Some strips can be used to test saliva as well as urine: be sure to read the instructions for the strips you purchase.

While there are certain supplements that can help correct an acid-alkaline-imbalance (and even water purifiers that create highly alkaline drinking water), by far the best approach is to make sure your diet includes more alkaline-rich foods and avoid the more acidifying foods and beverages. This acid/alkalizing chart is a handy quick-reference tool to guide you on your way.

As always, your responsibility for your health lies with you. Please consult with your health care provider before undertaking any new protocol.