3 Ways a pH Imbalance Affects the Body

The internal body environment works optimally with a pH measurement of 7.39. When too much acid upsets this neutral pH level, serious complications often are the result. The three major implications of a pH imbalance include: enzyme disruption; tissue irritation; and mineral loss.

Let’s begin with the way enzymes are impacted. Enzymes are crucial to the proper functioning of the body’s organs. Basically, different enzymes are responsible for carrying out specific commands. As long as the body’s pH level is in balance, enzymes play their roles without any problem. However, when the body’s pH levels are not balanced, as is the case when acidification is present, enzymes are not able to fulfill their roles properly, and oftentimes, not at all.

When enzymes begin functioning more slowly and erratically, illness will typically follow. The illnesses that develop depend on the enzymes that are affected and also the extent of acidification. When acidification becomes so bad that enzymes cannot function at all, the body will stop functioning as it should, and many times, the end result is death.

Acids are corrosive so when there is an excess amount present within the body, the tissues of the organs that come into contact with the acids become irritated. This is another very serious consequence of a pH imbalance inside the body. The body will immediately try to remove the excess acid from the body which is why the kidneys and the skin, the primary organs responsible for elimination, are the organs most affected.

The skin eliminates excess acid by way of the sweat glands, so skin conditions such as hives, red patches, eczema, and itching are common. The areas of the body that sweat most including under the arms, beneath a wristwatch and backs of the knees usually bear the brunt of the skin problems associated with eliminating excess acid.

Babies suffer too, when acidified urine is trapped in the diaper. In adults, excess acids in urine cause painful urination and a burning sensation in the urinary tract. Infection, also known as cystitis, or inflammation, also known as urethritis often develop.

The harsh nature of acid causes other problems that are not visible but are definitely painful. In the intestines, conditions including colitis, enteritis, and anal burning develop. In the nerves, neuritis can be troublesome. And arthritis, characterized by very painful joints, is another condition that can result from acidification.

When tissues become weak, they’re less able to fight viral and microbial infections. Excessive acids often wreak havoc on the respiratory system. When lesions develop, microbes easily infiltrate mucous membranes where they quickly multiply. Because the immune system is also affected, fewer white blood cells are available to fight off these microbes.

Understanding Acid, Alkalizing and Acidifying Foods