pH Balance For Health & Fertility The numbers on a potential Hydrogen (pH) scale measure the levels of acidity and basicity. Therefore, the lower the number, the more acidic it is and the higher a number, the more basic and electrically resistant it is. Retaining a body fluid pH of either extreme can be harmful to the body because it is responsible for controlling the speed of our biochemical reactions. For example, over acidity can lead to numerous conditions which weaken the overall health of our body and its systems: hormone imbalance, cardiovascular issues, weight gain/loss, concerns with your bladder/kidneys, immune deficiency, lessened energy levels, arthritis and even cancer. Saliva & Urine pH: The optimal overall bodily pH is 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. This can easily be measured by applying pH testing strips to your mouth and saliva which mirrors your blood pH levels when not monitored near eating times. Urinary pH proves to be significantly more acidic due to the bodily processes leading up to it, therefore ideally ranging from 5.8 to 6.8. Vaginal pH: Additionally, vaginal pH also varies, having a preferred range of 3.5 to 4.5. By maintaining a pH within these parameters, it is indicated that there is a sufficient amount of good bacteria and not an excess of bad bacteria. The most common condition resulting from a surplus of bad bacteria is bacterial vaginosis (BV) which does not only cause irritation and discharge but also an increased risk of serious medical conditions such as early deliveries, infections, STD’s, as well as subsequent sterility. Sperm is quite vulnerable in acidic conditions and struggles to survive in a typical vaginal environment. During periods of ovulation, cervical mucus becomes more alkaline and can therefore help sperm survive up to 2 days rather than 2 hours. But if the ovulation environment is altered, it can prove ineffective in hosting sperm, therefore leading to infertility. There are a plethora of foods which can naturally shift your blood and body’s pH in either direction, reaching a balance. Alkaline Foods: Almonds, unpasteurized honey and bee pollen, maple syrup, figs, dates, earth/root/green vegetables, apricots, avocados, coconut, grapes, molasses Acidic Foods: Fast foods, meats, processed grains, refined salt, sugar, condiments, soda, and almost all refined, processed foods. In addition to simply foods, there is limited access to alkaline water which can contribute to increased body acidity. By utilizing ionizing water bottles, eliminating chlorine or adding specific minerals to your water source, you can successfully enhance your pH balance. Unfortunately, this novel change in diet does not directly treat inconsistent vaginal pH. But alkaline foods and probiotics have been proven to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Call Today For An Appointment: (561) 459-0528