The acid-base balance describes the regulation of acids and bases in the human body. In healthy individuals, the blood's pH value, in particular, is very tightly regulated by the lungs, kidneys, and the body's own buffer systems.
Acid-Base Balance: What Diet Actually Influences
Foods can provide different metabolic products and, among other things, influence acid excretion through the kidneys.
However, this does not mean that normal foods can "acidify" or "de-acidify" the entire body. In healthy individuals, blood pH is kept within a narrow range and cannot be arbitrarily changed by individual foods.
Alkaline or acidic: What does that mean?
Terms like "acid-forming" and "base-forming" usually refer to models for the potential acid load of the diet.
They do not state that a food directly changes the pH of the blood.
A varied diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grain products, legumes, and sufficient fluids can be a meaningful basis for a balanced diet, regardless of such classifications.
Heartburn is something else
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It is not to be equated with a general "acidification of the body."
What does the pH of urine show?
The pH value of urine can change throughout the day, as well as depending on diet, fluid intake, and other factors.
Urine pH test strips are therefore not suitable for diagnosing a general "acidification of the body" or medical acidosis.
An actual disturbance of the blood's acid-base balance is a medical condition and requires medical clarification.
Does the body need a de-acidification cure?
For healthy people, no special "de-acidification" or "alkaline cure" is necessary to regulate blood pH.
So-called "slags," which would have to be removed from the body by alkaline products or certain foods, are not a scientifically established mechanism in this context.
A varied diet, sufficient fluids, exercise, and an overall balanced lifestyle are more sensible than dividing daily life into "acidifying" and "de-acidifying."
And what about Kombucha?
Kombucha typically tastes sour due to the organic acids produced during fermentation.
However, no special "alkaline," "de-acidifying," or blood-pH-regulating effect can be derived from its taste or fermentation.
K ombucha Foot Bath as a DIY Ritual
A warm foot bath can be a relaxing part of your evening routine. If you fancy an unusual DIY ritual, you can also use very sour kombucha or kombucha vinegar for it.
What you need:
- 250 ml very sour kombucha or alternatively 150 ml kombucha vinegar
- 1 cup Epsom salt or alternatively other mineral salt
- Lavender oil or another natural essential oil of your choice
How to do it:
Simply add both ingredients to a basin with warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes. Add warm water if it cools down too quickly. Afterwards, your skin will feel pleasantly soft, and you will have treated yourself to a little break.
Good luck and good health!
Share: