Acid-Alkaline Relationship

Several days ago, I was giving a seminar on the fundamentals of good health and one of the topics that we discussed was the pH system or commonly known as the acid-alkaline relationship of the internal environment. As a physical therapist dealing in chronic pain and being a certified nutritionist and fitness consultant, I am quite aware that there is a very definite relationship between chronic pain and the acid-alkaline relationship in the human body. It is not uncommon to see a person with chronic pain, who has a pH of 6.5 or lower, unable to make much progress in the elimination of the pain. However, when the person is instructed in "how to eat" and the pH starts to move towards 7.35 to 7.45, there is a lessening of the pain cycle.

Obviously, the question now is "how do you move the pH into an alkaline environment instead of staying in an acidic environment?" The optimum environment for the human body is between 7.35 and 7.45. In order to do that and to maintain that level the proper foods must be eaten daily. For example, some people suggest that each plate of food must be 80% greens ( green vegetables) and 20% protein and grains. I have people doing that, but they also drink 8 ozs. of a green drink ( a mixture of different grasses) both in the morning and evening. I also add alkalizing minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and iron per day.

The pH is determined by saliva test strips taken in the morning and evening prior to drinking and eating anything. In the evening, a two hour period should be available between the evening meal and bed time. Just prior to bed the pH can be taken again. For a three week period this profile can be developed and monitored.

There are a number of other reasons that the pH should be stabilized at the optimum level, however, those issues will be covered in future issues. Merely taking care of the pH levels in chronic pain situations is not the final answer to the problem. The person needs to be treated by a number of techniques, which include myo-fascia unwinding, direct energy technique, prolotherapy, visceral mobilization and a whole host of other therapies. Changing the pH towards an alkaline balance will facilitate the treatment process and will enhance the stability and flexibility of the muscles and connective tissue.

There are several books that explain the acid/alkaline relationship better than I am doing in a very short essay. The first book is titled, The pH miracle. It is an excellent book to help explain this relationship balance and the second book is titled, The Acid-Base Relationship. I hope that each of you will take the time to understand the principles that are explained, which will lead to better health.

Bud Golden
Physical therapist
Certified nutritionist and fitness consultant