Testing the Body’s Acid Metabolizing Capability

How acidification is dealt with depends on knowing the reason why your acid levels are high to begin with. One reason acid readings are high could be that your body does not metabolize acids properly. When acids aren’t oxidized, the respiratory system cannot eliminate them by breathing. The body must rely on the kidneys for acid elimination, but the kidneys can handle only so much, so the excess builds.

To find out if this is your problem, there is a test to help detect the body’s inability to metabolize acids. Many people won’t have to actually take this test because they already know there is a problem. They’ve had an obvious reaction to something they’ve eaten in the past. Maybe the reaction came about after eating an abundance of a seasonal fruit, or after eating high vinegar content or yogurt-based foods. Some people realized there was a problem after going on a fruit-based cleansing diet.

If you ate acidic foods and you did feel better and stronger afterwards, and/or if you experienced the disappearance of an illness, your acid metabolization capacity likely is where it should be. This can be eliminated as a cause of your acidification.

If you’ve done any of the above and instead of feeling completely better in a few days, as you thought would happen, you emerged feeling tired and generally worse than before. In this case, there is no doubt you have a weakened metabolizing capacity.

You can determine your acid tolerance level by noting the progression and intensity of your symptoms. When this type of problem is present, it’s important to note the foods that trigger symptoms and also your intake of these troublesome high acid foods.

How to Perform the Metabolizing Test

The test might sound painful, but the goal is to challenge the body’s metabolization capacity by introducing high amounts of acid for several days. If acidification symptoms do not appear, you can likely rule out having a problem with your ability to metabolize acid.

If you do have symptoms – achy joints, tiredness, itchiness, nervousness, a burning sensation during urination, and others – then your body likely has a compromised ability to metabolize acids.

Step 1: For 1 to 2 days, consume nothing but yogurt, whey products, fruit and fruit juices.

Step 2: Wait to see how your body reacts.

You may not have to wait long. If you are super-sensitive, you’ll quickly develop symptoms. Your teeth won’t feel right, and you’ll feel tired and not well. The amount of time it takes for symptoms to develop is indicative of your acid tolerance level.

The Importance of Alkaline in the Body