ph levels
 

Hi everyone-
I wonder if anyone can tell me how mainstream is the entire idea of acidity and alkalinity affecting health? I could not find much in pubmed or online in general that is actual research. I do know, however, that if an environment( i think testtube or intestine) is too acidy the 'breaking down' work of the enzymes on proteins(and carbs and fats?) does not proceed as it should. I guess this can then lead to whole undigested proteins, gluten or otherwise , compromising the climate of the gut leading to things such as yeast infections, bacterial infections etc. Does this sound correct or am i WRONG? THANKS

I don't know much about it, but I would think that ph levels would have to affect health! After all, too much acid can erode tooth enamel. I use to love to eat lemons, but gave it up when I realized it was having an effect on my teeth.
Interesting question. I'll watch with interest to see what replies you receive.
:hug:

hi- it does seem like a big new area to have to be concernec about-alkaline and acidity in our foods. Yet, it may be important. I took a ph test (which was a strip of paper which was to be spit on or peed upon, i peed apon it!) and my urine was very acidic. So i will try eating even more vegees, almost all very alkaline.

It would be interesting if the basic diets of older cultures with established diets (cuisines of thousands of years i.e. shina, india) is balanced in terms of ph.

hello----------in my readings re the scd diet i realize that low ph could be a result of the inability to digest bi and polysaccharides because the proliferation of bacteria in the intestines due to the way those sugars are not being properly broken down and hence feeding the bacteria and causing them to proliferate, lead to the production of acids and these acids will destroy the villi which lead to a reduction in enzymes. It becomes a vicious cycle they say because it begins largely because the individual's problem begins with a lack of enzymes which causes the problem with di and polysaccharides to begin with. I guess this could be a genetic predisposition, it may come about as one ages, and may also be the result somehow(?) of too many antibiotics , poor diet, etc.

I do burp an awful lot! could be normal or perhaps could be sign of acidity.

I hate that diet, tho one could back with ground almond and honey- i dont think scd advocates enzyme supplementation.

I just reviewed some material at www.quackwatch.com about PH balance and testing. It is an eye-opener.
Here's what I got out of it.
It doesn't matter what you eat, it won't change your blood PH level.
It will effect your urine however, but who cares....its on its way out.

The testing is also erratic.

Please go to the site and check it out before you invest time and energy into something that is suspect of paying off.

I don't know enough about Ph to comment on that, but I do know that quackwatch is not the final authority on anything, and that quackwatch could stand the oversight of a quackwatch itself. I'd look other places~

I agree with Cara...
 

There are several issues here however, besides the questionable quackwatch.

1) If you take vitamin C your urine will be more acidic than usual. Typically urine is mildly basic normally.
http://rnceus.com/ua/uaph.html

Acid/ base in the blood are very narrow. Typically the body can manage it.
However, simply hyperventilating will alter the pH of the blood temporarily.
Some drugs will elevate acid in the blood by blocking bicarb...like Topamax
and also metformin for diabetes.
Kidney issues, can raise acid in the blood too, tubular acidosis.

I don't believe that foods are a huge issue, or that the "drops" sold actually do anything. We need more research on that.

People do vary in saliva pH. My dentist told me that. One type makes alot of tartar on the teeth, the other doesn't.

Celiac Disease not AIH?
 

I am new to this forum as of today, I was diagnosed with Auto-Immune Hepatitis last summer! After doing research on the computer I am fairly certain that I have been mis-diagnosed. After reading and reading about Celiacs disease and knowing all of the things I have been tested for in my lifetime, it is apparent that I have Celiacs. I would take any help I can get in getting started in figuring this out. Neither my general practitioner or specialist have done anything to figure out my stuation and I have such an insurance that I am stuck until June. The meds I've been taking are not acceptable to me as I have been a relatively healthy person all of my life, and the side affects led to depression and days of tears. The last few years with marriage and kids my diet has changed from healthy to not so healthy and I think this is why my health has declined. If you have questions that might help me get on the right path or suggestions, PLEASE help me. It's hard to raise two small children and spend all of my time trying to figure out what the doctors won't. Thank you in advance. KSLady:

AVOID all things with Wheat ... this can be soy sauce, natural flavors , carmel color
Barley
Rye

and
Oats unless they are certified gluten free

I also went off casin and most milk products

google the gluten free gourmet it is a great great book