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February 25, 2025
Jana Ackermann
- Health
Acidosis: How to Balance the Acid-Base Equilibrium
How can one actively counteract hyperacidity and what are the first signs that the body is out of balance?
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© © Freepik
February 25, 2025
Jana Ackermann
How can one actively counteract hyperacidity and what are the first signs that the body is out of balance?
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To measure acidity or alkalinity, there is the so-called pH value: the scale ranges from 0 to 14.
You hear a lot about the acid-base balance. But what exactly is behind it? Basically, it describes all the mechanisms that regulate the ratio between acids and bases in our body. Balance is an important prerequisite for healthy cell and organ functions and thus for our health.
To measure the acidic or basic value, there is the so-called pH value. The scale ranges from 0 to 14; the neutral point is in the middle. Lemon juice, for example, has a pH value of two and is therefore more acidic than vinegar, which has a pH value of about three. The higher the value rises above seven, the more basic the liquid is.
Our modern diet tends to promote an unfavorable shift of the acid-base balance towards the acidic side. The body takes measures to quickly restore a healthy acid-base balance. For example, it can do this through breathing Emit carbon dioxide or through the skin in the form of sweat. The kidneys also contribute significantly to the elimination of acids by excreting them in the urine as metabolic breakdown products.
So small fluctuations can easily be compensated. However, if the ratio fluctuates significantly or permanently, we overwhelm the body with regulation. When the acidic direction predominates, we speak of acidosis.
An acid-excessive diet consists of highly processed foods, baked goods and pastries from the supermarket, trans fats, , heavily processed animal products such as sausages or dairy products, as well as ready meals and indulgence foods such as , nicotine, and salt. But also , persistent worries and fears, lack of exercise, and environmental influences can burden the body and lead to excessive acid production.
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To counteract excessive acidity, one should focus on alkaline-forming foods: for example, herbs, vegetables, and fruits, as well as seeds, kernels, nuts, and legumes.
The effect of latent over-acidification can manifest in very different ways: from mood swings and lack of energy to sleep disturbances . So symptoms that can have many triggers and therefore are not always easy to pinpoint. However, if over-acidification persists for a long time, it can lead to various health problems, such as:
Now it might seem that acids are generally rather bad, but this is not the case. Natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables , contain organic acids. They promote digestion, the formation of enzymes, and much more. Therefore, these “beneficial” acids, provided they are not consumed in excess, such as in the form of too much fruit juice, do not contribute to any health problems.
To counteract hyperacidity in a stressful lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods, one should also pay attention to alkaline-forming foods. These include primarily herbs , vegetables and fruits. But also certain seeds, kernels, nuts and legumes are alkaline-forming and also provide a variety of important vitamins and nutrients.
Tip: An alkaline-excess diet should consist of about 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acid-forming foods.
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Exercise, brisk walks, and sauna visits also promote detoxification.
A healthy diet and lifestyle supports the body in excreting stored acids and gradually deacidifying. This is achieved with these holistic measures:
Alkaline-rich diet
Natural and unprocessed foods are the basis for an alkaline-rich diet. Even if fruits or most nuts have an acidic pH, they provide important nutrients from a holistic perspective. The problem is rather the excess of acid-forming foods (highly processed foods, sugar, caffeine, etc.) consumed today.
Drinking
The body needs plenty of water to transport the dissolved acids out of the body. Non-carbonated water or alkaline-forming teas are best suited for this purpose.
Alkaline baths
Base baths are said to promote the elimination of acids through the skin. As a full or foot bath, this ritual can easily be integrated into everyday life. Even if there is no scientific evidence for their effectiveness yet, they still promote well-being and reduce stress.
Conscious breathing
The positive effect of conscious breathing on the acid-base balance should not be underestimated. Taking a few minutes each day for deep and even breathing can positively support deacidification – and also works against stress, Fatigue and so much more.
Sports and sauna against over-acidification
Exercise, brisk walks and Sauna visits promote deacidification. On the one hand, the metabolism and deacidification via the lungs are stimulated overall, on the other hand, sweating in sports or in the sauna promotes the elimination of acids through the skin.
Dry brushing massages
Lymphatic drainage is not only trendy, but it also has a positive effect on lymph flow, which transports metabolic waste products in the body and thus promotes the elimination of acids and toxins.
Bitters
Bitters promote both digestion and liver function, thereby aiding deacidification. They can be taken before a meal through certain teas (e.g., dandelion, yarrow, angelica, yellow gentian) or with corresponding preparations, such as herbal-based bitter drops.
The overacidification of the body can therefore be effectively counteracted through a balanced diet, conscious breathing, and adequate hydration. By supplying the body with alkaline foods and integrating stress-reducing measures, initial signs can be quickly alleviated. Because a balanced acid-base balance is the key to a vital, healthy body feeling .
