pH FAQs

For other FAQs please go to the main FAQ page.

You can test your pH at home, anytime, and monitor your acid-alkaline balance with Test My pH, which is available coming soon [4th May 2016, join our newsletter for notification].

How often and when do I test my pH?

Ideally, test your pH at least 30 minutes after eating or before eating. Your acid and alkalinity levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on what you eat. Initially – for a week or two – you can do the test twice a day. For example, first thing in the morning (before food) and again in the afternoon, 30 minutes after eating. Then you can test once a day or when convenient.

What are the health benefits?

Your body’s acid-alkaline balance is important for good health, and being consistently slightly alkaline (by eating the right foods) can help to:

create clear, healthy skin             brighten your eyes improve eczema/dermatitis          reduce allergies and sensitivities promote bone health             boost energy levels & mental clarity promote healthy weight-loss

prevent candida albicans improve immune system health    boost digestion & gut health reduce premature skin ageing             improve gout & heartburn symptoms prevent bad breath                                     reduce body odour, & more

 

Do I have to avoid all acidic foods to be healthy?

No. The healthy foods that exert an acid-producing effect (such as quality protein and wholegrain carbohydrates) can be enjoyed in moderation. You are striving for acid-alkaline balance, not a total alkaline diet that could be nutritionally incomplete. If you are avoiding food groups such as dairy, supplementation is important to prevent deficiencies.

 

What causes excess acidity in the body?

high protein/low carb diets (ketosis)                 diets high in animal products processed foods & refined carbohydrates            stress & anxiety drinking coffee and black tea daily                        alcohol consumption chemicals (cleaning products etc) pollution  cigarettes

dehydration/not drinking enough water   parasites (worms) drugs & many medications     candida albicans constipation/poor bowel health sugar-rich diets weight loss (releases acids)                                    excess weight gain

 

Why do I need to be more alkaline?

Life can be stressful and our modern Western diets – even if they seem healthy – can be high in acid or become acid-producing in the body. Stress can also cause acid-buildup. Over time, this can cause chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis which can damage cells in your body, cause kidney damage and more.

High protein diets can also lead to metabolic acidosis and early signs of kidney damage (shown by a blood test from your doctor). So it’s important to monitor your pH if you are consuming a high protein (or low carb) diet, or any diet that restricts or modifies food intake.

What are the ideal urine and saliva pH readings?

Urine: aim for a reading between 6.75 and 7.25 (around neutral or slightly alkaline). If you have health problems associated with excess acids, such as eczema, skin problems, gout, arthritis, or salicylate- or chemical-sensitivity, aim for a urine pH of 7 to 7.5. If your reading is pH 8 or above, reduce the dosage of your alkalising supplements.

Saliva: aim for a reading between 7.0 to 7.5.

 

What is alkalisation?

Alkalisation is the practice of administering highly alkalising foods or supplements for a short period, such as during a detox. Alkalising programs have been used for centuries and doctors traditionally used alkalisation to treat a range of health problems, including gout, salicylate poisoning (aspirin overdose) and heartburn. If you are following an alkalising program, it’s important to monitor your pH so you can stay within the recommended range for optimal health.