Acid-Base Balance

Too much acid in the body results from poor eating habits (unbalanced diet) and would therefore be considered a lifestyle disease. Eating large amounts of protein results in excess acid production in the body. High acid-producing foods include sausages, cheeses and sweets, while bread, pasta, nuts, milk and dairy products are low acid-producing foods.
Excess protein intake must be offset by eating lots of fruit and vegetables to restore the acid-base balance. Nutrition societies around the world recommend five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Typical Western eating habits are different though. We tend to eat way too little fruit and vegetables and too much high-protein food, causing an acid-base imbalance.

The human body and all vital functions depend on a well functioning acid-base balance. An acid-base imbalance may result in exhaustion and difficulty concentrating.

The body’s own buffer system can neutralize small amounts of (excess) acid by excreting it via the lungs, kidneys, liver and skin. Way too much acid for a prolonged period of time, however, will overburden the body’s buffer system. Initially, excess acid will be stored in connective tissue (tissue in between the cells of the body) and not be released until the blood again contains enough alkaline mineral salts. This is why the body begins to increasingly tap its own mineral stores in the process, such as calcium phosphate from bone. This process increases the risk of osteoporosis. Experience from natural medicine shows that an acid-base imbalance not only makes people tired and exhausted, but also facilitates the development of cellulitis and tense muscles. Alkaline minerals such as potassium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate play an important role here, helping you maintain your acid-base balance.