If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about the pH of your body. But did you know that the pH of your body can have a big impact on your health? Your body is constantly working to maintain a pH balance, and when that balance is off, it can lead to health problems.
Conventional wisdom in medicine used to favor the idea that acidic urine is better for restricting bacterial growth. However the results from a new study from the Washington University School of Medicine surprisingly showed that less acidic urine, closer to the neutral pH of pure water, is better at restricting bacterial growth than the more acidic urine.
The bacteria which cause UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) thrive in an acidic environment for a few reasons. First, the acidity of the urine helps to kill off other competing bacteria, allowing the UTI-causing bacteria to take over. Second, the acidic environment can make it more difficult for the body to detect and fight off the infection.
One of the most common problems associated with an imbalance in pH is urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract and multiply. The most common symptom of a UTI is a burning sensation when you urinate.
UTIs are more common in women than men, and one of the reasons for this is that the female urinary tract is shorter than the male urinary tract. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder and cause an infection.
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a UTI, and one of them is to maintain a healthy pH balance in your body. The best way to do this is to eat a diet that is rich in alkalizing foods. According to a new study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, changing pH by itself promoted or inhibited bacterial growth in urine, which could affect therapy for UTI. Also acid urine has long been thought to reduce bacterial growth, but surprisingly, less acidic (more alkaline) urine, with a pH closer to neutral, had a stronger effect on hampering bacterial growth activity.
Some of the best alkalizing foods include:
-Green leafy vegetables
-Cucumbers
-Lemons
-Watermelon
-Papaya
-Berries
-Nuts and seeds
-Beans and legumes
-Fish
-Chicken
In addition to eating alkalizing foods, you should also avoid acidic foods, such as:
-Coffee
-Tea
-Soda
-Alcohol
-Processed foods
-Sugar
-Red meat
-Dairy products
By eating a diet that is rich in alkalizing foods and avoiding acidic foods, you can help to maintain a healthy pH balance in your body and reduce your risk of developing a UTI.
References
1. The Journal of Biological Chemistry (2015; 290:15949-60).
2. https://source.wustl.edu/2015/06/a-persons-diet-acidity-of-urine-may-af…
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