pH Balance and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle
If you suffer from acid indigestion or acid reflux, chances
are your body is unable to rid itself of toxic substances. A
high acid level in your upper digestive tract is an
indication that acid levels are high elsewhere in your body
too. In a vicious circle, acid waste creates more acid
waste.
It's important to take immediate measures to reduce your
acid level throughout your body, to achieve a more balanced
body pH level. If acid waste continues to take up residence
in your body's organs, you will be increasingly susceptible
to degenerative diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and
cardiovascular disease. Only by neutralizing and then
eliminating the acids in your body can you begin the process
of healing your digestive tract.
THE RISK
The primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to those who
have it. During the digestive process, acid flows up into
the throat and causes a burning sensation. This is caused by
a breakdown in the valve that separates the stomach from the
esophagus. It's an indication that the acid-alkaline balance
in the digestive tract has been disrupted. Unless that
balance is restored, any attempt to treat or correct the
acid reflux problem will provide nothing more than short-
term relief.
The accumulation of acid in the digestive tract is often the
result of eating the wrong types of food. Acid is not caused
only by excessive consumption of junk food. Anything
processed or overloaded with additives can upset the acid-
alkaline balance in the digestive system. Even foods that
you think are healthy can be highly acidic.
In a digestive tract that's already out of balance,
something as simple as cooking your food can lead to further
problems. Cooking destroys natural enzymes in the food that
assist with digestion. When your digestive system is unable
to produce the necessary enzymes for digestion, the loss of
natural enzymes makes the problem worse.
Lifestyle also contributes to digestive disorders. Stress
intensifies hyperacidity. Blood is diverted away from the
stomach to the heart, lungs and muscles for the fight or
flight response. The stomach is deprived of necessary oxygen
and nutrients and cannot form sufficient enzymes for proper
digestion.
THE DAMAGE
Acid reflux irritates and swells the mucous lining in the
throat, esophagus and stomach, which
disrupts the digestive
process. The irritation can form ulcers. The acid-alkaline
balance of the digestive tract is also upset, leading to
further accumulation of acid.
The intestines are affected even more severely. Unlike
digestion in the stomach, the intestinal digestive process
is meant to be alkaline, not acidic. Therefore, the
intestinal walls do not have a thick mucous lining that
protects from acid as the stomach does. The intestinal walls
are meant to facilitate the absorption of nutrients into the
bloodstream.
When acid inflames the intestinal walls, it disrupts the
acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract. It kills off
the friendly bacteria that aid in digestion friendly
bacteria that are no longer present in much of our food
supply. The intestinal inflammation also slows down
peristalsis, the contraction of the colon that pushes food
along the intestinal tract. Undigested food particles
putrefy and lead to greater accumulation of acid.
The liver and gallbladder are also affected. When the liver
becomes overloaded with acidic waste that it can't
eliminate, it crystallizes bile and acid waste into
gallstones. The gallbladder has difficulty releasing bile,
which inhibits proper digestion and further slows
peristalsis. Acid levels continue to rise, the liver becomes
damaged, and all other body organs become vulnerable to
deterioration. Degenerative disease sets in.
THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED pH
The best way to restore pH balance to your digestive tract
is to eliminate foods that cause acid reflux. This also
means identifying and eliminating foods that cause an
allergic response.
Certain raw foods and whole foods and the right combination
of vegetable juices can heal the digestive tract lining and
eliminate further accumulation of acid waste. They can heal
and prevent the formation of ulcers.
Supplements that replace the friendly bacteria and the
digestive enzymes destroyed by acid can also help.
About the Author
Maria Dolgova is the author of the best-selling book "pH Balance - The Path to Optimal Health". Learn how you can bring your body back to balance and relieve digestive disorders. Get 3 free alkaline recipes that will help you restore pH balance in your body. Visit this link for details: http://www.pH-health.com
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