What is ph balance

Lye has a pH of 13 and can dissolve sticky substances like fat. As you can see, substances at either end of the pH spectrum can be corrosive -- but if you combine these substances, they neutralize and create salt water. They balance because they're at opposite ends of the scale [source: Ophardt ]. Now that you've had your general chemistry lesson, take a look at the next page to learn what pH-balanced means for your skin cleanser.

Because buzzwords like "pH-balanced" are common advertising tools in the health and beauty industry, it's easy to ignore them and purchase a product regardless of its pH. However, when it comes to skin cleansers, pH levels do make a difference. Your skin has a pH level of about 5. Skin -- or at least the outermost layer of it -- is slightly acidic [source: University of California Newsroom].

The acidic layer helps your skin retain moisture and keeps germs out. To help maintain the skin's fatty protective layer, use a cleanser with a pH level similar to that of the skin itself. If you use a soap that's too alkaline, it will break up the acid in your skin, causing dryness. The pH level of most skin cleansers is slightly higher than 5.

However, soap -- especially bar soap -- typically has a pH level of 9 to 12, which is too high if you're trying to keep your skin moist. Cleansers with lower pH levels leave your skin intact instead of breaking down the fatty tissue [source: Draelos].

So, it must be important to use a skin cleanser that says it's pH-balanced, right? Yes and no. Basically, you force your body to work in overtime to keep your blood at a neutral pH while destroying the nutrient levels your body innately needs to accomplish the task. Acidic foods to limit or eliminate from your diet include:. These foods can still contribute many nutrients to your diet, so continue to eat them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.

Here are foods that are included in a well-rounded alkaline diet:. Depending on your current state of health and your goals, you might have even better success with reversing acidity by adhering to an alkalizing, very low-carb ketogenic diet. When water has a pH level less than 6. The best way to treat the problem of acidic low pH water is to use a neutralizer that raises the pH. Alkaline water is just what it sounds like: water that is highly alkaline, with a pH of between 9 to Adding pH drops or baking soda to your water also boosts alkalinity.

Distilled water is neutral, with a pH of 7. Water filtered using a reverse osmosis filter is slightly acidic, with a pH level slightly lower than 7. Distilled water and filtered water may not be too alkaline, but as far as pH balance is concerned they are still a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that are more acidic.

Many different drugs, chemicals, pollutants and toxins can disturb pH balance and contribute to acidity — such as alcohol, products containing caffeine, acetazolamide , opioids, sedatives, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. For example, might a lack of sleep, stress, sedentary lifestyle or even allergies be contributing to your health problems? Try to determine what types of steps you can take to naturally reduce your need for medications and drugs.

If you live or work in an environment with lots of air pollution, take steps to protect yourself as much as possible. They contain a host of health benefits like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

A healthy balance is what we are shooting for where dietary pH is concerned. Eating a variety of foods, focusing on quality, and addressing other lifestyle concerns are all important for maintaining homeostasis balance.

Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world What Is pH Balance? What causes pH imbalance? More Health Dr. This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. Flex Ed. All Rights Reserved. Elsevier Health Sciences. Contemporary perspectives on vaginal pH and lactobacilli. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology , 2 , PloS One , 11 4 , e Human Reproduction , 16 9 , The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis.

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