Are you aware of the important role diet and certain forms of breathwork can have on creating a balanced, alkaline blood pH? Unfortunately, the how and why to maintain an alkaline blood pH is not widely understood, but it is fundamentally essential for vibrant health, longevity, and anti-aging. Read on to gain more understanding of your blood pH and how an alkaline promoting diet and The Joy of Breathing breathwork can radically improve your health and well-being .
An ideal blood pH is around 7.4. On a scale of 1 – 10, 1 is the most acidic and 10 the most alkaline. A blood pH that is below 7 is considered acidic. An acidic blood pH is a toxic environment that is like a magnet for disease. The cells must work hard to detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and maintain a balanced blood pH. An acidic blood pH accelerates aging, causes inflammatory conditions that directly contribute to creating a host of physical ailments, such as arthritis, indigestion, heart disease, slow metabolism, and oxygen deprivation.
Alkalize Blood pH with Alkaline Water and Foods
Eating the best alkaline pH creating foods and alkaline water, while also cutting back or eliminating foods that create an acidic blood pH, has the power to radically transform your health and slow down the aging process. When the blood pH is balanced, the acidic build up that has accumulated in the body over many years is eliminated from the tissues, joints, muscles and organs. The result is reduced illness causing inflammation. Physical ailments that were caused by an acidic, inflammatory environment are reduced or completely disappear.
So, are you wondering how your diet measures up? Is your blood pH alkaline or acidic? Are your food choices creating acidic or alkaline pH blood? Learn more here in about some of the best foods for creating alkaline pH blood and reducing inflammation.
The Joy of Breathing and Blood pH
Regular practice of the Joy of Breathing breathwork directly effects blood pH. After doing about 4 rounds of The Joy of Breathing, we are purposefully creating a state of alkalosis. During this time most people experience tingling, light headed sensations, which are signs of alkalosis. We are consciously manipulating the carbon dioxide (C02) to oxygen (O2) levels in the body.
It is important to note that CO2 is acidic and O2 is alkaline. In our daily life, when the body is in an acidic state we can feel a shortness of breath and a need to breath more often and more rapidly. This is how the body is trying to compensate to balance the blood pH. When the body is in an acidic state the cells are deprived of the energy, life-giving O2.
Between each round of the Joy of Breathing the breath is held out until you feel a hunger, or reflexive action to breathe. The duration for holding of the breath out varies from person-to-person and is called intermittent hypoxia (IMH). IMH training is used by many athletes to improve performance, increase strength and endurance.
While holding the breath out we are allowing the CO2 levels to rise in the body. We continue to hold the breath out until we feel an urge and slight reflexive action to breath in. This happens naturally as CO2 rises and the blood pH becomes more acidic. Waiting for this reflexive urge to breathe creates a positive stress response in the body and is an important part of the process.
Physical Benefits of The Joy of Breathing
Some of the physical benefits of IMH and The Joy of Breathing Breathwork: Decreases inflammation (alkaline blood pH), boosts the immune system, increases energy levels, improves sleep, regulates the nervous system, creates new and stronger mitochondria – the “powerhouse” of the cell, supports optimal blood flow, prevents degeneration of tissue and organs, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for new neuron growth.
Contraindications
While intermittent hypoxic breathing is considered safe for most people, always consult with your health professional/doctor if you have any health concerns or conditions, such as heart or lung condition, recent surgery, epilepsy, acute infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),irregular heart beat, low or high blood pressure, or any health condition.
Conclusion
Understanding why and how to maintain a balanced blood pH (around 7.4) is necessary for health, longevity and well-being. Drinking pure alkaline water and choosing foods that promote a balanced, alkaline pH reduces inflammation and prevents illness. Also, the Joy of Breathing breathwork method reduces illness causing inflammation and promotes an alkaline blood pH. Practiced regularly, even daily, along with a pH balanced diet, will keep the body and brain feeling healthy, youthful and vital.
