As we’ve discussed before on the TestSure blog, every solution has a pH, or a measurement of how acidic or alkaline that substance is. The water coming out of our kitchen faucets, the soil in our gardens, and even the blood and tissues in our bodies all have a measurement on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (completely alkaline) to 14 (completely acidic).
Why does body pH matter?
Bodily pH is a great indicator of overall health. It shows how hard your body is working to kill bacteria and toxins. But more than that, it shows how healthy your diet is. An overly acidic bodily pH shows that you are more susceptible to inflammation, skin problems, allergies, and overgrowth of fungus like candida (yeast) or other, harmful bacteria.
How can you keep your pH alkaline?
An overly acidic bodily pH comes from an overly acidic diet. Processed foods high in sugar and simple starches are super acidic, so stay away from sugary and packaged snacks if you want to tilt your body’s pH in the alkaline direction. Instead, opt for lots of fresh fruits and veggies, especially mineral-rich dark leafy greens.
But, your diet isn’t the only way to control your bodily pH. You should also stay well hydrated. Make sure to drink water in the morning on an empty stomach. And, keep close track of the sources of toxins that may make their way into your body. Test your drinking water for a balanced pH and contaminants. If you grow food in a garden, test the pH of the soil. And, try to manage stress by gently exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and staying away from cigarettes and alcohol.
What should your body pH be, and how do you test it?
Ideal pH ranges vary throughout the body. The pH of the skin, vagina, and intestines should be more acidic to stave off foreign bacteria. Saliva is more alkaline. But, what we tend to concern ourselves with the most is blood pH, which indicates cellular health. Your blood should maintain a pH between 7.3 and 7.5.
Luckily, you don’t have to draw blood to get a good reading of your pH. Instead, you can test your urine with TestSure pH test strips. Test your second urination of the day (it’s more acidic in the morning), and look for a reading between 6.8 and 7.5.