One of the most overlooked aspects of modern human diets is understanding the difference between foods that are alkaline and those that are acidic. Unfortunately, this has lead to numerous negative health impacts including common digestive tract problems like acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. The only way to address the cause of these ailments is through understanding the meanings of the terms alkaline and acidic and how they apply to foods and the human body.

Alkaline and acidic are chemical terms used to categorize two classes of minerals with different chemical compositions. Both are measured on a pH (potential of hydrogen) scale. Pure water has a pH of 7 and is considered neutral because it is neither alkaline or acidic. Any substance with a pH below 7 is considered acidic with 1 being the most acid in nature. Any substance with a pH above 7 is considered alkaline with an upper limit of 14. Acid minerals contain a large number of hydrogen ions, while alkaline minerals contain a low amount of these ions.

Maintaining a healthy pH balance is essential to the survival of any living organism including humans. If the internal pH balance becomes either too alkaline or too acidic major breakdowns begin to occur at cellular levels. In a human body, a slightly alkaline blood pH balance of 7.3 to 7.4 is normal and necessary for the keeping major organs and tissues in peak condition. Unfortunately, most people now have blood pH levels in the acidic range of 6.2 to 6.4. While pH levels in this range will not destroy a human body, it does cause major organs to work harder. It also creates an internal imbalance that drives the body to self-correct in an attempt to expel the excess acids. This correction primarily occurs in the digestive tract because it is the first place a body detects the imbalance. As a result, the body attempts to block these acids from entering the digestive tract which can lead to acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.

The major reason that most people’s blood pH is more acidic than alkaline can be traced back to diets. While almost all foods contain both alkalies and acids, they are metabolized into the body as either one or the other after digestion. Foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes are metabolized as alkalies. Conversely, foods like meats, processed grains, dairy products, fish and salt are metabolized as acids. Needless to say, if a diet is out of balance between these two foods types there will be an imbalance in the blood pH level.

The typical modern diet now consists primarily of acid producing foods which leads to a state of acidosis. This is especially true as it pertains to the consumption of high-fat meats and processed grains. The most natural way to correct digestive tract problems that arise from the intake of too many acids is through diets that contain more alkaline foods. To learn more about this topic download the Reflux Remedy Report at www.refluxremedy.com today.