We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Factors Affect the pH of the Digestive System?

By Jennifer Leigh
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,629
Share

In order for the digestive system to work at its optimal level, there needs to be a balanced pH in the body. When the pH of the digestive system is balanced, food is digested more easily and more nutrients are absorbed into the body. This creates a healthier environment for cells and promotes positive health consequences such as weight loss and cell growth. Food is the main way to change the pH of the digestive system, though anything placed in the body through the mouth can affect the overall pH. pH can be affected by creating a more acidic or alkaline environment in which digestion occurs.

A balanced pH consists of a blood level of anywhere from 7.43 to 7.45 on the pH scale, which is slightly more alkaline than acidic. When the blood's pH is at this level, the body operates better throughout all parts, including the digestive system. This is considered to be the optimal, or balanced, pH for most people.

Food can be either acidifying or alkalizing, but foods that most people would think are acidifying are not always so. This occurs because an item's original pH changes once it is metabolized and broken down in the body. Alkaline-forming foods include such items as most vegetables, fruits, and things that contain probiotics such as yogurt. Acidifying items that affect the pH of the digestive system include meat, grains, oils, and dairy. Other acidifying elements that are consumed include alcohol, sugar, and certain types of nuts.

Other items that are eaten, such as supplements and antacids, also affect the pH of the digestive system. Antacids, which are commonly taken for ailments such as heartburn, lower the acidity in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, they can also interfere with how well nutrients are absorbed into the system. This is another reason why it is healthier to change the pH of the digestive system through dietary changes.

There are tests available for a person to check what the current pH is in his or her body. A physician can provide an accurate blood pH, but there are also urine and saliva pH tests that can be purchased without going to see a doctor. While these are not as accurate as a blood test, they can still provide some information on what needs to be changed within the body through the foods and other items that are consumed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-factors-affect-the-ph-of-the-digestive-system.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.