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February 25, 2025
Jana Ackermann
Recognize hyperacidity and counteract it effectively: Learn how to balance the acid-base equilibrium with alkaline nutrition, exercise, and mindful breathing
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You hear a lot about the acid-base balance. But what exactly is behind it? Basically, it describes all the mechanisms that regulate the relationship between acids and bases in our body. A balance is an important prerequisite for healthy cell and organ functions and thus for our health.
To measure the acidic or basic value, there is the so-called pH value. The scale ranges from 0 to 14; the neutral point is in the middle. Lemon juice, for example, has a pH value of two and is therefore more acidic than vinegar, which has a pH value of about three. The higher the value rises above seven, the more basic the liquid is.
Our modern diet rather promotes an unfavorable shift of the acid-base balance in the acidic direction. The body takes measures to quickly restore a healthy acid-base ratio. For example, it can do so via breathing Emit carbon dioxide or through the skin in the form of sweat. The kidneys also significantly contribute to the elimination of acids by excreting them as metabolic waste products in the urine.
Therefore, minor fluctuations can be easily compensated. However, if the balance fluctuates greatly or persistently, we overwhelm the body with regulation. When the acidic direction predominates, it is referred to as hyperacidity.
An acid-excessive diet consists, for example, of highly processed industrial foods, baked goods and pastries from the supermarket, trans fats, sugar , heavily processed animal products such as sausages or dairy products, as well as ready-to-eat meals and indulgences such as caffeine , nicotine, alcohol and salt. But also constant stress , persistent worries and fears, lack of exercise, and environmental influences can burden the body and lead to excessive acid formation.
The effect of latent hyperacidity can manifest in various ways: from mood swings and energy deficiency to sleep disturbances . So symptoms that can have many triggers and are therefore not always easy to assign. However, if hyperacidity persists for a long time, it can lead to various health problems such as:
Now the impression might arise that acids are generally rather bad, which is not the case. Natural foods, especially Fruits and Vegetables , contain organic acids. They promote digestion, enzyme formation, and much more. Therefore, these 'beneficial' acids do not lead to health problems unless consumed in excess, for example, in the form of too much fruit juice.
To counteract acidity from a stressful lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods, one should also focus on alkaline-forming foods. These primarily include herbs , vegetables and fruits. But certain seeds, kernels, nuts and legumes are also alkaline-forming and additionally provide a variety of important vitamins and nutrients.
Tip: An alkaline-excess diet should consist of about 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acid-forming foods.
A healthy diet and lifestyle help the body to eliminate stored acids and gradually deacidify. This can be achieved with these holistic measures:
Alkaline-rich diet
Natural and unprocessed foods are the basis for an alkaline-rich diet. Even if fruits or most nuts have an acidic pH value, they provide important nutrients from a holistic perspective. The problem is more with the excess consumption of acid-forming foods (highly processed foods, sugar, caffeine, etc.) today.
Drinking
The body needs a lot of water to be able to transport dissolved acids out of the body. Non-carbonated water or alkaline teas are best suited for this.
Alkaline baths
Base baths are said to promote acid elimination through the skin. As a full or foot bath, you can easily integrate this ritual into your daily routine. Even if there is still no scientific evidence of their effectiveness, they promote well-being and reduce stress one way or another.
Conscious breathing
The positive effect of conscious breathing on the acid-base balance should not be underestimated. Taking a few minutes each day for deep and even breathing can positively support deacidification – and also counteract stress, fatigue and so much more.
Exercise and sauna against hyperacidity
Exercise, brisk walks and sauna visits promote deacidification. On one hand, metabolism and deacidification via the lungs are generally stimulated, and on the other hand, sweating during sports or in the sauna promotes acid elimination through the skin.
Dry brushing massages
Lymphatic drainage is not only trendy, but it also has a positive effect on lymph flow, through which metabolic waste products are transported in the body, thus promoting the elimination of acids and toxins.
Bitters
Bitters promote both digestion and liver function, thus aiding deacidification. They can be taken before a meal through certain teas (e.g., dandelion, yarrow, angelica, yellow gentian) or with appropriate preparations, such as herbal-based bitter drops.
The acidification of the body can be effectively counteracted by a balanced diet, conscious breathing, and adequate hydration. By providing the body with alkaline foods and integrating stress-reducing measures, the first signs can be quickly alleviated. For a balanced acid-base balance is key to a vital, healthy sense of well-being. .
