Ever wonder why refined grains and processed sugars make you feel sluggish after eating?
The answer may lie in where they stand on the pH scale.
These items are considered acidic, unlike fresh fruits and vegetables, which are mainly alkaline.
The more acidic foods you eat, the more likely you are of developing serious health conditions.
Blood & pH
On the pH scale, 7 is considered neutral while 14 is alkaline and 0 is acidic. Stomach acid typically rates at 3.4 while blood is neutral and slightly alkaline, ranging between 7.35-7.45. This range is optimal for proper oxygen and nutrient transportation throughout the body (1).
When blood gets too acidic, the kidneys produce sodium bicarbonate to act as a buffer. When the kidneys are over-worked, your body begins to leech alkalizing minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium from your bones, muscles and major organs instead.
Acidosis
Acidosis the medical term for acidic blood. This condition can either be caused by problems in the respiratory and digestive tract, although neurological disorders can also come into play (2).
During respiratory acidosis, the blood becomes too acidic because of high levels of carbon monoxide. Asthma, lung injury, obesity and environmental pollutants are often the cause.