Exploring the Myth of Alkalizing Foods

Next to cancer, the alkalize for health claim is the second most misrepresented subject in holistic medicine.

If you were to ask people who push alkalize for health myth what they are alkalizing, there is never a consistent answer. Some claim it is the blood, but when it is explained that the blood is kept alkaline, the stony changes to the lymphatic system. When explained the lymphatic system is kept slightly more alkaline than the blood, the story changes to cellular pH. Healthy cells have multiple pH levels from acidic to alkaline depending on the part of the cell tested. Overall, the internal pH of cells, including unhealthy cells such as cancer cells, is considered alkaline.

Before going further, it is important to understand what pH is. The pH (potential of hydrogen) measurement is a logarithmic scale measuring the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺), also known as protons in solution, and hydroxyl ions (OH^-) in certain solutions. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH below 7, which is acidic, indicates an excess of H⁺, and a lower level of OH^-. If the pH is above 7 this indicates a lower level of H⁺, and an excess of OH^-. If there is an equilibrium between H⁺, and OH^-, then the pH is considered neutral at a pH of 7.

The body does not have a single pH level, but rather a variety of pH levels throughout the body for health. The stomach, skin, female reproductive organs, and colon all need to be acidic for health. Blood, lymphatic fluid, semen, and other parts of the intestine need to be alkaline for health. Cells use a variety of acids for energy production, and produce acidic protons (H⁺) during cellular energy production. An excess of protons though is dangerous to cells. Therefore, cells use proton pumps to move excess protons out of the cells. Once exported out of the cells, the protons are either utilized by the body, excreted from the body, or neutralized.

A certain level of protons must be maintained in the body for health and survival. Protons are needed for tissue oxygenation, maintaining proper blood pressure, for stomach acid formation, maintaining acid-base balance, aiding in proper enzyme activity, etc.

When referring to the alkalizing for health myth, this refers to the pH of blood, which is very tightly regulated by the body. Normal blood pH is 7.35-7.45. Even slight variations outside of this range, high or low, can result in illness, coma, or death. Therefore, the body uses a variety of mechanisms to maintain proper pH levels in most cases. The primary means of pH regulation are respiration, and kidney function. Our pH levels are not regulated by diet.