For the life of the body, one of its most important functions is metabolism. The main indicator of metabolic processes is the CRR or acid-base balance. The level of acid concentration directly in the gastric juice is called the acidity of the stomach, which is measured in pH units.
Mainly to assess the general condition of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as its organs, the pH level is measured simultaneously in various sections of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. In addition, the dynamics of pH is considered in time intervals. And also takes into account how the acidity of the stomach changes when using any drugs or stimulants.
A very important point is to take into account the fact that often the acidity in different organs can vary significantly. Because each of these organs cannot be equally balanced pH. Thus, blood or the brain, in comparison with the stomach and the digestive juices produced by it, are more alkaline. And those, in turn, are more acidic.
The acidity of the stomach is established using various proteins (proteins), minerals, and also considering the functioning of organs such as the lungs and kidneys. Accordingly, the conclusion follows by itself: everything that we eat or drink affects the pH balance. And even what we breathe, because the oxygen we breathe is alkaline, and the carbon dioxide we exhale is acidic.
It should be noted that for the stomach the level of acidity is maximally possible 8.6 pH, and the minimum - 8.3. There is not one way to accurately determine the level of acidity. But there is, of course, the simplest and at the same time quite reliable method for finding out the acidity of the stomach.
To determine its level, you will need a pH-litmus test, which determines the predominance of either alkali or acid in the body. Such a piece of paper in contact with a small amount of saliva changes color. But the main thing to remember is that such a test should be performed no earlier than after two hours after eating or two hours before eating.
To achieve more accurate results, this procedure is recommended in the morning, immediately after waking up. To do this, put a piece of litmus paper on the tongue for 10 seconds. And the result will be immediately visible. But it must be borne in mind that this result can be affected not only by food and drinks consumed, but also stress or severe overexcitation.
A more accurate determination of gastric acidity requires similar testing several times over the course of one week. So, if you get a result ranging from 6.6 to 7.0, then your pH balance is normal. If the indicator is below 6.6, the acidity is increased. And this means that you have to eat foods more alkaline.
With obvious symptoms of low acidity, a decrease in external manifestations is necessary, resorting to special diets or medications. It is worth noting that reduced acidity is also observed when the presence of worms is diagnosed in the body, which requires mandatory treatment. Prevention and treatment of low acidity can be done at home.
The acidity of the stomach, regardless of its level (low or high), causes directly in the stomach a lot of unpleasant and painful sensations. Symptoms include burning pain, belching after eating, and heaviness, constipation, heartburn, or indigestion. As a rule, this threatens to corrode with the help of a microbe of the lining of the stomach. And in case of untimely treatment, the result can be gastritis, duodenitis, dyspepsia, or an ulcer in the stomach and duodenum.
As a rule, in this case, a special diet comes to the rescue, which implies exclusively therapeutic nutrition. If the acidity level of gastric juice is increased, then there is a certain list of products whose use is strictly prohibited. So, this includes mushroom and fatty broths, pickles and marinades. As well as raw vegetables, fresh garlic, lemon juice, onions (also fresh), savory foods, brown bread, smoked meats and carbonated drinks.