By Womaness Editors 4-Minute Read
A secret to staying healthy overall? It’s all about your pH balance. And get this: 70% of women wrestle with pH imbalances at some point. While this common issue might seem to fly under the radar, its impact on your health can be huge.
Everything from your workout to your beloved morning latte can knock your pH out of whack. And when your body’s pH levels start to mimic a rollercoaster ride, it’s not just your mood that suffers.
Here’s a look at what pH balance really means, why it could be a game changer for your health, and how you can avoid the common triggers of imbalance.
What is pH balance and why should you care?
pH balance measures how acidic or alkaline your body is. It's essential for your body to function. A happy pH balance means everything runs smoothly—think top-notch digestion, glowing skin, and energy for days.
Plus, it’s a big deal for vaginal health, as an off-kilter pH can lead to issues like infections. Factors like an intense workouts, not enough water, or chronic conditions like kidney failure can all mess with your pH balance.
Spotting a pH Imbalance: What to look for
Sometimes, figuring out if your pH is out of balance feels like solving a mystery. Symptoms can masquerade as other issues. Watch out for common concerns like confusion, headaches, feeling on edge, vomiting, tremors, or just feeling discomfort overall. If you notice these symptoms persistently, it could be smart to check your pH levels.
An abnormal vaginal pH can also indicate an infection. If your pH is above normal, it could be bacterial vaginosis (BV), while a below-normal pH could indicate a yeast infection.
What creates a pH imbalance?
From life’s sweatier moments in the gym to what’s on your plate, lots of things can disrupt your pH levels. Consuming too much sugar and alcohol, for example, can throw your pH balance off.
If you’re in the stages of menopause, the hormonal rollercoasters can also make maintaining a balanced vaginal pH even trickier. The vaginal walls can thin during this phase of life, leading to less exfoliation and dryness in the vagina—causing pH levels to rise.
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What does a rising pH level mean for health?
A pH level on the rise can make you more prone to a host of infections and inflammations. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections.
If you’re a menopausal woman, your doctor may prescribe estrogen treatments to lower the vaginal pH and prevent further UTIs.
So how can I restore my pH balance?
It comes down to certain lifestyle and dietary changes. Eating more alkaline foods like bananas, oranges, lemons, coconut water, aloe vera, and grapefruit can help. You should also limit your intake of sugar and alcohol.
Supplements like boric acid and probiotics can also help in restoring pH balance. Staying hydrated and managing stress are equally important. And when it comes to vaginal pH balance, wearing cotton underwear and not douching can help maintain it.
How to restore Your pH balance: A step-by-step guide
It might sound daunting, but restoring your pH balance can be easier than you think. By tweaking some small lifestyle and dietary changes, you can help your body maintain its natural harmony. Ready to hit the ground running? Here's how to restore your pH balance, step by step.
1. Add alkaline foods to your plate
Truth is, your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your body's pH balance. Incorporating more alkaline foods into your meals can help. These include bananas, oranges, lemons, coconut water, aloe vera, and grapefruit. These foods can help neutralize acidity in your body and restore pH balance.
2. Cut back sugar and alcohol
Consuming too much sugar and alcohol can disrupt your pH balance. Try to limit your intake of these substances. As in everything, moderation is key.
3. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can also throw off your pH balance. Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
4. Reduce stress
Stress can have a significant impact on your body's pH balance. Find ways to manage your stress levels, such as through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
5. Supplement wisely
Some supplements can help restore your pH balance, include boric acid and probiotics. But remember, before starting any new supplement regimen, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare pro.
6. Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene practices are a smart way to keep that pH balanced. This includes choosing cotton underwear and not douching.
7. Consult with your doctor
If you're struggling with maintaining your pH balance, reach out t a healthcare professional. They can provide the personalized advice and treatment options you may need.
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pH balance: Your quick recap
• Recognize the signs of a pH imbalance: confusion, headaches, vomiting, tremors, irritability, and general discomfort.
• Stay aware of the causes: intense exercise, dehydration, chronic conditions, and diet can all disrupt your pH balance.
• Understand the risks: a rising pH level can make you more susceptible to various infections and inflammations.
• Take steps to restore your pH balance: add alkaline foods into your diet, limit sugar and alcohol, stay hydrated, manage stress, take the right supplements, practice good hygiene, and reach out to a healthcare professional when needed.
Equipped with this essential info, it's easier to steer your health in the right direction. Tune in to what your body needs, implement the required tweaks, and discover a healthier, more balanced way to feel more like yourself again.
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