Acid-base balance is an often overlooked but essential pillar for the proper functioning of our body. Influenced by diet, physical activity, stress and hydration, this balance plays a central role in sports performance, muscle recovery and general well-being. However, excess acidity can lead to chronic fatigue, muscle pain and decreased performance. In this article, we will explore what body acidity really is, how it influences our health and performance, and what solutions exist to regulate it effectively.
What is acid-base balance?
Acid-base balance refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable pH level in the blood and tissues. pH is a scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, and in our bodies, it should ideally be around 7.4 to function optimally.
The main factors influencing body acidity:
- Diet: Foods rich in animal protein, refined sugars or acidic drinks contribute to increasing body acidity.
- Intense physical activity: Prolonged exertion produces lactic acid, temporarily increasing acidity.
- Stress: The stress hormone cortisol can also contribute to imbalance.
Fortunately, our bodies have natural buffer systems, including the kidneys and lungs, to regulate this balance. But when these systems are overloaded, imbalances can occur.
The impact of imbalance on health and sports performance
An acid-base imbalance, often marked by excessive acidity, can affect both general health and athletic performance.
On health:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy.
- Increased joint and muscle pain.
- Increased risk of bone demineralization and tissue weakening.
On sports performance:
- Reduced endurance and ability to sustain intense effort.
- Longer recovery time after exercise.
- Increased risk of muscle cramps and injuries.
Excessive acidity can also impair the absorption of essential nutrients, limiting the benefits of nutritional efforts and supplements taken to enhance performance.
How to measure and monitor your body acidity?
To better manage your acid-base balance, it is essential to regularly measure your acidity level. Urine is one of the most accessible and reliable indicators for this.
Methods for monitoring body acidity:
- Urine test strips: They allow a rapid reading of urinary pH.
- myDOXA technology: An innovative solution for analyzing acid-base balance directly from home, with precise and usable results in just a few minutes.
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By regularly measuring urinary acidity, it becomes possible to adapt one's lifestyle, diet and training program to correct any imbalances.
Solutions to regulate body acidity
Fortunately, there are simple and effective strategies for maintaining a good acid-base balance.
1. Adapt your diet:
Favor alkalizing foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, oilseeds, potatoes, water rich in bicarbonates.
Reduce acidifying foods: red meat, excess dairy products, refined sugar, sodas.
2. Optimize your hydration:
Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.
Favor waters rich in minerals and bicarbonates to help the body eliminate excess acidity.
3. Manage your stress:
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Get enough sleep to allow for optimal recovery of the nervous system.
4. Adapt your training program:
Avoid overtraining, which causes excessive acidity.
Incorporate active recovery sessions and regular stretching.
5. Monitor your pH regularly:
Use test strips or technology like myDOXA to track your acidity levels and adjust your habits accordingly.
The importance of regular monitoring
An acid-base imbalance may seem harmless at first, but its effects accumulate over time, impacting health and performance. With regular monitoring, it is possible to act preventatively and adapt one's lifestyle before imbalances become problematic.
Athletes, whether amateur or professional, have every interest in incorporating this routine into their performance monitoring program to maximize their results and their general well-being.
Conclusion
Body acidity is a key parameter for health and sports performance. By understanding its role, regularly monitoring its acidity level and adopting simple strategies to regulate it, everyone can optimize their well-being and achieve their sports goals more effectively.