In order to function at optimum capacity, the internal body environment must remain as close to neutral as possible. It likes to measure in on the pH scale at 7.39. When the body takes in an excessive amount of acids, as it does so often as a result of making the wrong food choices, this excess must be brought back into balance. The way the body accomplishes this is by bringing the acid and alkaline levels back into balance.
Each of the elements inside the body, the vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, sugars and trace elements, can be categorized as either an acid or an alkaline. One interesting fact about an acid and an alkaline element is that when they are mixed together, they are able to cancel each other out. The scientific term for what is created when an alkaline and an acid element are combined is a neutral salt.
Much in the same way as the neutral color gray results when black and white are combined, and when the neutral temperature of warm results when hot water is combined with cold, a neutral salt cancels out the inherent respective properties of the combined acid and alkaline elements. With no acid or alkaline properties, neutral salts have no impact on the cellular serums or blood in which they are present.
When excess acid is present, the body must go out and find alkaline elements to begin the process of neutralizing this excess acid. Alkalines are usually present in the blood, but because the blood cannot tolerate much variation in its pH level, this is never a good source from which to borrow. A better source for alkaline elements is the internal organs and tissues. These areas can tolerate a greater degree of pH level fluctuation.
Even though the internal organs and tissue can exist in the short-term without all of the necessary alkaline, it is of critical importance that the borrowed alkaline be replaced. Normally this is not a problem. A healthy diet is generally all it takes to replenish alkaline levels. But most people don't consume a healthy diet. It is this repeated borrowing of alkaline without replacement that becomes a serious situation.
In fact, given the way many people eat today, it is not uncommon for alkaline to be borrowed and not replenished every single day, and worse, many times in a single day. Taking more alkaline than is being replenished will sooner or later create a deficit. Alkaline has a purpose. It is crucial to the properly functioning of the internal organs and tissue. It is not present in the body so that it can be used to help neutralize excessive acid.
A shortage of alkaline inside the body occurs much more frequently than it should. The end result of this alkaline mineral loss can be any number of different illnesses and diseases and an overall feeling of poor health.
We've all heard that exercise is important for our blood and lymphatic circulation. Exercise tones the muscles, creates compression and literally pushes fluids through the body. Exercise also greatly serves us in our ability to release toxins and waste from our cells and release those toxins through sweat and urinary function. Nutrition is paramount in providing the support needed for proper muscle function.
Maintaining healthy muscle tissue is vital for our overall health. Magnesium plays an important role in that function, supporting our muscles in their intake of oxygen, production of energy, and the balance of electrolytes.
Studies have been conducted on the affect of the magnesium balance in the body. The U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks North Dakota researched the ties between magnesium and exercise. This study reviewed the typical magnesium levels and the average diet, magnesium deficiencies, and the value of magnesium in sports and fitness.
We can diminish our supply of vital minerals such as magnesium through a strenuous exercise program. Our magnesium level can drop 10 to 20 percent. Magnesium is a very important electrolyte that supports over 300 body functions.
Dietary surveys show a magnesium intake of less than 260 mg/day for males, and 220 mg/day for female athletes may result in a magnesium-deficient status. Studies also show that a great number of people routinely are deficient in magnesium. Athletics that require weight control tend to be more susceptible to a low magnesium level.
It was clearly noted in the study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that adequate magnesium levels do aid in our exercise performance. Still, there is no conclusive measurable evidence that increased magnesium translates directly into improved athletic performance. Overall, having an adequate magnesium balance in the body supports and aids in proper function of the heart, muscles, skin and just about every other part of the body.
Continued research on the affects of magnesium and the perils of a magnesium deficiency can guide us in the direction of healthier living. Attention to our electrolyte balance for all our vital minerals brings greater support to both the peak performance oriented athletic function and the average fitness program alike.
We bring magnesium into our systems by eating a diet rich in natural, whole, fresh foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain levels of magnesium. Conditions such as leaky gut or candida, or other conditions that diminish digestion can decrease our ability to absorb magnesium from our diet. We can introduce more magnesium into our bodies transdermally through a magnesium salt bath or magnesium topical spray. Magnesium is known to aid in the healing of muscles, improve skin, and promote restful sleep.
Both Beverly Taylor & K.l. Langenstein are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Beverly Taylor has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vitamin Supplements, Nutrition and Vitamin Supplements. Get free report that shows you step-by-step how to regain in the body and experience optimal health.. Beverly Taylor's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
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