pH and Your Wellbeing/Appearance

pH and Your Wellbeing/Appearance
by Anna Wagner (Guest Author - FIT Major in Fragrance and Cosmetics) & Dr. Shamil 

Every part of your body is chemically composed, which means that all your organs function with a different pH. For example, your skin will range around a 7.35 pH, while your hair will range between 4.5 to 5.5 pH. Keeping a healthy pH is a balancing act, and if your skirt out of these ranges you risk impacting your health. Poor health in turn will affect your appearance.

Your skin naturally has a protective layer called the acid mantle. This layer is composed of sebum, lactic acid, and amino acids. Together they keep your skin at a healthy neutral pH range. However, internally and externally, there are things that can throw off the acid mantle’s balance. If the acid mantle is broken down, you affect your skin’s ability to protect itself.

It is important to know whether the products you use can throw off this delicate balance. Like your body, any product you use will also have a unique pH. Many cleansers are more alkaline, meaning they will strip away oils and leave you more prone to acne. Many cleansers also contain sodium laureth sulfate, which has a pH of 10. Harsh alkaline ingredients like this will dry out your skin and do more damage than good. Instead look for cleansers labeled as “pH balanced”, “mild”, or are slightly more acidic.

When assessing issues with your hair it is important to start with balancing it’s pH. Your hair’s pH can also easily become victim to hair products that are either too alkaline or acidic. Products above a 7 pH can cause your scalp to be flaky and itchy. When you dye your hair, you are introducing highly alkaline substances, followed by a highly acidic substance to neutralize it again. This process is very damaging to your hair cuticles.

Like your cleansers, you want to use balanced hair products that do not throw off your hair’s pH. If your hair is oily try using a natural acid to put it back in the acidic range, such as aloe vera or diluted apple cider vinegar. For dry hair use a leave in conditioner to return it back to that 4.5 to 5.5 range.

Have you noticed your breath smells bad or your teeth hurt even though your regularly brush your teeth? Well that may be because the pH of your mouth has been altered. Healthy human saliva should have a pH of 7.4. When you consume acidic foods and beverages you are risking dropping your pH below a 5.5, which will demineralize tooth enamel. Limit intake of sodas or follow up soda drinks with water to neutralize the acids. Balance ingredients of varying pH so your meals are not either too acidic or alkaline.

Most importantly, your health starts from within. Studies have shown that your gut’s health affects your overall body health. The stomach functions at a much more acidic pH, at around 1.5 to 3.5. Like everything else, it is important that it stays in it’s healthy pH range. Foods may be a certain pH before you eat them, but once metabolized will become either acidic or alkaline. Buffer acidity with fresh fruits and vegetables that contain potassium. A high animal protein diet can also cause sulfuric acid to build up in your blood, so it is best to limit your intake. Taking a probiotic supplement or eating naturally probiotic foods such as yogurt will introduce beneficial bacteria commonly referred to as “good bacteria” in your gut which will help keep things balanced.

If you’re not sure if your organs and blood are at a healthy pH you could buy at home pH strips, or if you have serious concerns consult a doctor. A healthy diet is important, but also remaining stress free and getting enough sleep and exercise can help keep your pH in a healthy range too!


#health #healthy #lifestyle #pH #science #wellness #diet #probiotic #fruit #vegetables #hair #haircare #skin #skincare #beauty #beautytips #appearance #hygiene #dental #dentalhealth #guthealth #vegan #holistic #healing #nutrition #goalsetting #natural #body #muscle