The human stomach contains an acid called
"hydrochloric acid." The primary function of this acid is to help the
body break down the foods we consume. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid
helps to kill off any harmful bacteria that have entered the stomach
cavity.
Stomach acid is also needed to digest protein.
The acid activates an enzyme, called pepsin, which breaks down the protein in
the foods we eat. If a person has insufficient amounts of stomach acid, they
may feel tired and weak. Even your hair, skin, and nails can become weak and
deficiencies of vital hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters can result.
Stomach acid also stimulates the pancreas to
produce digestive enzymes. When stomach acid mixes with the food we consume the
resulting acidity concoction triggers your pancreas to release the digestive
enzymes called lipase (which digest fat), amylase (to digest carbohydrates),
and protease (to further digest protein). If there is hypochlorhydria, (deficiency
of hydrochloric acid of the gastric juices in the stomach) Digestion of fat and
carbohydrates may also become impaired, resulting in bloating, (increased
stomach pressure) indigestion, and deficiency of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and
K. in your body.
The stomach pH (potential of hydrogen) of your
stomach acid is around 2 to 3, on a scale of 1 to 14. With a reading of 1 being
very acidic, a reading of 7 being neutral and 14 is being too alkaline.
Ever wonder if your body is too acidic or
overly alkaline and the condition is causing many of your health problems? If
you experience a feeling of being unwell
have stomach bloating, burping or belching, and experiencing flatulence more
than normal then it is advisable to check your pH levels.
There is a simple home test you can do with
litmus paper and then you will know. The following will help you check your own
pH levels.
CHECKING pH LEVELS
You can purchase some "Litmus Paper"
at the health food store, to check the "acidity of your saliva" which
is an overall indicator of just how acidic you have become. Being too acidic is
the major cause of disease such as heart disease like heartburn and cancer so it is important
to keep your pH levels in an alkaline state. A body that is in an acidic state
means that all of your organs have to work much harder, which is going to cause
even further health problems.
INSTRUCTIONS
You fill your mouth with saliva a couple of
times and then spit into a container. Tear off a little piece of the
"Litmus Paper" and dip it into the saliva. Leave it there until it
changes color. (Approx 5 to 10 seconds) Then match your test paper up with the
color chart on the package that the paper came in and you will see a value or a
number. Your reading should be around 7.3 to 7.4; values lower than these are acidic
and should be corrected. Do the test in the morning when your stomach is empty
and then again in the evening before you retire and then you will have an
average reading.
You can also check the pH of your urine. The
reading should be 7.0. This test is best taken just before meals. Whether you
check the pH of your saliva or urine it is advisable to keep a record of the
test results so you can compare them against future tests.
Having a balanced pH system will improve the
acidity of your body, and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
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