Ph balance what is it

For example, lemons are very acidic, however the end-products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so lemons are alkaline-forming in the body.

Likewise, meatwill test alkaline before digestion but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acid-forming. News Article. The importance of pH balance Originally, alkaline is the body's natural and pure state. Refer to the charts below and use them as basic dietary guidelines.

The diagnosis and treatment of core injuries is The Vincera Institute's mission and reason for being. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Maintaining the pH balance of the vagina is essential to keeping it healthy.

A pH below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is basic. A normal vaginal pH is usually less than 4. The lower the number, the more acidic the vaginal environment will be. Doctors can take a vaginal pH measurement to determine how acidic the vaginal environment is. It is also possible to test this at home. In this article, learn more about normal vaginal pH levels, how to test them at home, and what to do to restore vaginal pH balance.

A normal vaginal pH is between 3. A pH level within this range can help to keep bacterial and fungal infections at bay. Lactobacilli bacteria live in the vagina and secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which give the vagina its acidic pH level.

It is usually higher than 4. Vaginal pH is usually less than 4. Several conditions and infections can affect the vaginal pH balance, usually by increasing pH levels.

Bacterial vaginosis is a medical condition that occurs when too much bacteria is present in the vagina. This can cause an increase in vaginal pH levels.

A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, burning, or pain in the vagina. They may also feel a burning sensation when urinating and notice a white or gray discharge.

Douching refers to washing or cleaning the vagina using particular solutions, such as those containing vinegar or baking soda. These solutions claim to reduce vaginal odor, but, in fact, they may worsen the smell. This is because they wash out good bacteria, which affects the vaginal pH balance and can make someone more prone to infections.

One study found that women tend to have higher pH levels during menopause. In the study, women in menopause had an average vaginal pH of 5. Blood has a higher pH than the vaginal environment. The answer depends on how sensitive you are to acidic foods. If you think avoiding acidic foods…. Multiple tests can analyze metabolism.

Most need blood drawn, but some can be ordered online and done at home. Here are 2. This simple, at-home test can introduce you to your metabolic hormones. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. How the lungs and kidneys maintain the pH balance. Types of acidosis. Types of alkalosis. How are they diagnosed? Treating pH imbalance. Read this next. Acid-Base Balance.

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.