by The human body operates within a delicate balance, and understanding acidity and alkalinity is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The pH scale, measuring the potential of hydrogen, quantifies how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Lower pH values indicate acidity, while higher values indicate alkalinity.
Common substances illustrate this range. Vinegar, with a pH of 2.4, is highly acidic. Conversely, ammonia, a cleaning agent, is highly alkaline with a pH of 11.0. This extreme alkalinity explains why ammonia can be corrosive to the skin, which maintains a naturally acidic barrier for protection.
The pH level significantly impacts oxygen levels within the body. Acidity corresponds to lower oxygen levels, while alkalinity indicates higher oxygen levels. Maintaining equilibrium is crucial, as both deficiency and excess of oxygen can be detrimental.
Consuming soft drinks can disrupt this balance. Regardless of the brand or whether they are diet or regular, these beverages are acidic due to their phosphoric acid content. Seawater, at 8.0, is alkaline, and human blood maintains a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.4 to facilitate oxygen absorption. The neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0.
Saliva, at 6.6, is slightly more acidic to aid digestion, while grapefruit juice registers at 3.2. Soft drinks, with a pH of approximately 2.5, are highly acidic, explaining their ability to clean car battery terminals.
Maintaining an internal alkaline environment is vital for bodily functions, while the skin benefits from acidity for protection. The body requires both acidity and alkalinity for processes like digestion.
According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water,” a single 12-ounce soft drink can create such acidity that it requires 32 glasses of water to neutralize its effects. This is because the phosphoric acid in these beverages lowers blood pH, reducing oxygen levels and slowing metabolism, leading to obesity and health problems. Consuming water helps maintain good health, energy levels, supports weight loss, and encourages restorative sleep.
