Before anyone can understand the relationship between the proper balance of acid and alkalinity in the body, and their effects on osteoporosis, one must first understand what these words mean.

Acid is a word that immediately brings to mind a destructive or corrosive substance. Our body works hard to eliminate acidic residue left by acid-forming foods through urine, sweat and even exhaled breath. There are foods that, when digested, produce high levels of acid in the body.

Alkalinity, also referred to as pH balance, is the opposite of acid. It is the neutral nutrient our body needs to counter the effects of too much acid. The ultimate alkalinity rich substance is water.

One of the side effects of a body that is continually out of acid and alkalinity balance is osteoporosis. When our body cannot eliminate an overabundance of acid wastes our kidneys, skin and lungs can only cope with so much stress. They often become exhausted and cannot break down all the wastes from acid-forming foods, drinks and stimulants.

When this happens, what cannot be processed has to be stored somewhere in the body. Our body functions best and in better health when our blood cells remain slightly alkaline. Our body is designed to survive as best it can, and when there is too much acid to be eliminated, it will store leftover acidic wastes as solid wastes.

Here are some examples of solidified acidic wastes:

Osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones), hip fractures or bone spurs.
LDL cholesterol (harmful when retained on artery walls)
Adipose tissue (fat)
Uric acid (gout, kidney and gall-stones)

There is a name given to a system over-laden with acid: "Acidosis." This condition forces the body to borrow minerals, including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, away from vital organs and bones to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. If over-strained, body can suffer severe and prolonged damage if the condition is undetected for years.

In addition to osteoporosis, other symptoms and problems can occur that effect your quality of life:

Frequent infections caused by a suppressed immune system; yeast infections; parasitical infections and bacterial and viral infections.

Low energy or chronic fatigue

Aching muscles or joint pain in the form of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout or fibromyalgia

Bladder or kidney problems such as kidney stones

Dull skin, brittle nails and hair

Premature lines and wrinkles

Liver or "age" spots

Acne, eczema or psoriasis

Poor concentration or forgetfulness, even mood swings

Excess weight, obesity

Type II diabetes

Here are some examples of some common dietary habits that cause acid overload:

* A high-protein diet
* Eating too many refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta
* Eating too few vegetables and fruits
* Drinking high levels of alcohol
* Eating too much meat
* Eating too many dairy products
* Consuming too much caffeine
* Junk foods high in refined sugars and fats
* Process foods high in preservatives
* Artificial sweeteners
* Not drinking enough water or alkalinity rich drinks like green tea

When one eats an abundance of fresh alkaline-forming foods, acid wastes are excreted far more effectively, and this allows the entire body to function more efficiently. Weight loss becomes easier, annoying symptoms disappear and good looks and improved health can make a dramatic change in the quality of your life.

Learn more about this author, Diane Quinn..
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How does maintaining an acid alkaline balance relate to osteoporosis??
We want to hear your view. Write now!