Is Urine pH a Major Marker for Your Health Status?

Did you know that your internal acid-base balance (pH) is a major marker for your health status? Your kidneys and lungs work hard to maintain a proper pH balance in your body, but a slight variation from a healthy pH range can have drastic impacts on your vital organs.  

Acid and alkaline levels are measured on a pH scale from 0 to 7. Lower pH levels (below 6.5) indicate a higher acidity, and higher pH levels (above 6.5) indicate a more alkaline environment. When your blood pH becomes too acidic, it can enter into a state of acidosis. Similarly, alkalosis occurs when your blood is too alkaline. Under normal circumstances, when your blood becomes too acidic or too alkaline, your lungs or kidneys will have to work harder to compensate.  

What is your pH? You can test your overall body pH at home with urine test strips. Once you have determined your pH score, you may need to adjust your diet to keep more alkaline. About 70% of the foods you eat should be on the alkaline side, such as greens (spinach, kale, celery, swiss chard), vegetables and fruits. Other acidic foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, and wild-caught fish are highly beneficial, but they are more acidic so they should make up only about 30% of the diet.  

You can also take delicious steps to ensure your pH levels remain alkaline. Eating a varied diet that is high in fresh vegetables and fruits can help increase alkaline pH levels. Probiotic-rich foods, such as kimchi, yogurt (dairy-free), and fermented fruit and vegetable formulas, can provide a smorgasbord of healthy “good” bacteria to keep pH levels alkaline and the gut healthy. Steer clear of chemical-heavy foods such as white sugars, refined carbs (such as white flour), and saturated fats (as found in red meat). 

Maintaining a healthy, alkaline pH level can help you feel more energized, sleep better, have a clearer mind, and even improve your skin tone and texture. Similarly, your immunity may be boosted by an alkaline pH level, because your cells will be receiving proper amounts of oxygen on a regular basis. Healthy diets rock!  

Resources

1. Webadmin. “Dr. Jeffrey Morrison on Restoring PH Balance in the Body.” Morrison Health, 6 Apr. 2018, www.morrisonhealth.com/balancing-act-health/.