Understanding pH- The Basics

Understanding pH- The Basics


If I was to ask someone what their pH level is, most likely they won't know how to answer that question and a few might not know what I'm talking about. But knowing your pH level is critically important and might just give you some insights into why you are chronically tired, have weight issues, joint pain and other health issues. The biggest advantage of pH testing is hat its very inexpensive, easily done in the comfort of your own home and has the benefit of immediate results.







pH Basics


The term pH stands for the potential of hydrogen. pH measures the amount of hydrogen ions in a particular solution.The higher the amounts of ions presented, the higher the acidity level. The fewer amount of ions present, the more alkaline the solution is.

pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of zero to fourteen. Zero representing the the most acidic end of the scale and 14 representing the highest alkaline end of the scale with 7 being mid-range point.



How to Test Your Urine pH levels

Measuring urine pH is pretty simple, all you need is pH strips. You can pick up pH strips at drug
stores, pharmacies and online. The strips have properties that allow them to change color when they come in contact with an alkaline or acidic substance.

The easiest method for testing consists of placing the stick in the flow of urine for just a couple seconds. The acidity or alkalinity of the urine will change the color of the stick. At that point you can match the stick to the color chart that comes with the test strip kit.

Results can vary based on a number of factors such as the time of day you take the test and what your diet. To obtain an average reading of your body's pH level, consider testing three times a day for about 5 days.

Common schedule's for testing is the second urine release in the morning, before lunch and before dinner. The reason for testing before meals is that your food intake can temporarily alter the results.


How to Test Your Saliva pH Levels

Measuring saliva is also very easy. You simply spit into a container and dip the strip into the saliva. Let it sit for one or two seconds, the acidity or alkalinity of your saliva will change color on the test
strip. Match the color chart that came with the test strip kit.

As with the urine testing, the results can vary based on the time of day and the foods you have eaten.
Be sure to wait at least an hour or two after brushing your teeth for testing your saliva and also wait 30 minutes after eating to test. To obtain a more accurate average, consider testing three times a day for 5 days.

A  common schedule for testing is the one to two hours after brushing your teeth, before lunch and before dinner. The reason for testing before meals is the same as urine testing, your food intake can temporarily alter your results.


What is A Normal pH Range of Saliva and Urine?

Normal Urine pH: Averages 6.5-7.5- This is considered a normal range and is indicative of a good acidic-alkaline balance.

Normal Saliva Range: Averages 7.0-7.5- A saliva test that reads below 7.0 shows a depleted mineral reserve. This low reading is an indication that mineral reserves are low and are being used to buffer acids elsewhere in your body. Normal mineral reserves will show up as a 7.0-7.5 pH test.

This is a very simple process and can actually tell you a lot about the condition your body is in. Remember if your body acidic & alkaline pH levels are balanced then you have the benefit of optimal health. Who wouldn't want that?

For more information on what you can do to help achieve balanced pH levels Click Here!!

Acidic or Alkaline- What's your body type?

Acidic or Alkaline- Whats your body type?

Acidic bodies are unhealthy bodies. When the body is overly acidic it creates the perfect environment for illness and bacteria. It also takes minerals from vital organs and bones to neutralized the acid and remove it from the body, leaving your bodies ( calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium) running dangerously low. This causes damage within your body that may go undetected for years, until it reaches unhealthy levels leading to acidosis.


So many people are already consuming acidic forming foods such as dairy, grains, meats, sugar etc. Since the body is constantly generating acidic waste products from the metabolism, those waste products need to be neutralized or excreted in some way. If we want to neutralize the constant acidic generation, we need to supply the body with more alkaline forming foods,


Health Problems Caused by Mild Acidosis (Poor pH Balance)

• Inflamed sensitive gums, cavities.
• Immune Deficiency.
• Sciatica, lumbago, stiff neck.
• Respiratory problems, shortness of breath, coughing.
• Yeast fungal overgrowth.
• Low energy, chronic fatigue
• Cardiovascular Disease, including the constriction of blood vessels and reduction of oxygen.
• Heart problems, arrhythmia's, increase heart rate.
• Weight gain, obesity, diabetes.
• Bladder and kidney infections.
• Accelerated free radical damage.
• Pre-mature aging.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Osteoporosis, weak brittle bones, hip fractures, bone spurs.
• Headaches, confusion, sleepiness.
• Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic build acid build-up.
• Allergies.
• Acne.

Ways to Help Correct Acidosis:

You could start by checking your body's pH levels. pH testing is important because it allows an individual to get a numeric representation of the current acidification in their body. A healthy  average pH reading will range anywhere from 6.75 to 7.25. The optimal pH  numeric reading is 7.36.

You can't tell if food is acidic or alkaline by taste alone. For example, many people think of lemons as acidic, even tho they are classified as a acidic fruit, lemons are actually an alkaline forming food. During the process of digestion, the acids are oxidized into carbon dioxide & water, therefore do not create  an acidic condition in the system.

 Calcium,iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium are the main alkalizing minerals. Foods that are high in these minerals are considered alkaline forming foods. Most foods have both acid and alkaline minerals in them so foods with a greater concentration of acidic minerals are considered acidic and foods with a greater concentration of alkaline are considered alkaline.

How to Improve Your Alkalinity:  

1. Check you pH regularly.
2.  Drink plenty of water (Alkaline water when possible)
3.  Remove acidic foods as much as possible.
4. Replace a traditional lunch with a green salad.
5. Use lettuce leaves for wraps.
6. Eat more fruits.
7. Try not to consume processed foods.
8. Eliminate soda, sugars, coffee as much as possible and try to replace some or all with herbal teas and coffee, green drinks.
9. Replace dairy milks with coconut or almost milk if possible.
10. Add more green juices or smoothies in your diet.

What You Eat Matters!

Improving your pH levels may require a little more work,  but you sure ill appreciate the rewards of your efforts as you begin to feel more energetic, vibrant and your overall health improves.

There is no question about it, What you eat has a direct impact on your overall health. Ann Wigmore, founder of the renowned Hippocrates Health Institute said " The food we eat can either be the safest and most powerful for of medicine or the slowest form of poison"

Smart Plastics Guide

Smart Plastics Guide-Healthier Food Uses Of Plastics
(For Parents & Children)



Plastics are used to store and package foods & beverages. For example, disposable & reusable containers, plastic wraps, cutlery, water bottles & baby bottles. Plastic is convenient, lightweight, unbreakable and relatively inexpensive. However, the widespread use of plastics has created both environmental and health risks.

                                                

                                                

Environmental Problems
Most plastics are made by a non-renewable and mostly imported resource called petroleum. Plastic packaging creates unnecessary waste. Sure plastic is light, its also bulky and takes up a large volume of landfill space.


Health Problems
Using plastics in cooking and food storage can carry health risks, especially when hormone-disrupting chemicals from some plastics leach to food and beverages. Manufacturing and incinerating plastics creates air & water pollution and exposes workers to toxic chemicals.





Identifying Plastic Labels

1 PETE- Polyethylene Terephthalate Ethylene
Used For: Soft drinks, juice, water, detergent, cleaner & peanut butter containers.

2 HDPE- High Density Polyethylene
Used For: opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent, shampoo bottles & some plastic bags.

3 PVC or V- Polyvinyl Chloride- Toxic Plastic
Used For: Cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil & peanut butter containers, detergent and window cleaner bottles.

4 LDPE- Low Density Polyethylene
Used For: Grocery store bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.

5 PP- Polyprophylene
Used For: Rubber maid, deli soup, syrup, yogurt containers, straws and other clouded containers, including baby bottles.

6 PS- Polystyrene
Used For: Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups & bowls, carry out containers and opaque plastic cutlery.

7 OTHER- Usually Polycarbonate
Used For:  most plastic bottles, 5 gallon water bottles, other sport plastic bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic sippy cups and some clear plastic cutlery. New bio-based plastics may also be labeled #7.



Health Concerns & Food Use Of Plastics

A variety of petroleum based chemicals go into the manufacture of plastics. Some can leach into food & beverages and possibly impact human health.  Leaching increases when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and from old or scratched plastics.

3 types of plastics shown to leach toxic chemicals are poly-carbonate, PVC and styrene. This does not imply that other plastics are entirely safe just that these plastics have been studies more.



#7-Bisphenol A (BPA)
This is the chemical that mimics the human hormone estrogen. It can leach from polycarbonate plastic. Human exposure is widespread.

 According to studies some of the adverse affects include:
> early onset of puberty, stimulation of mammary gland development in females.
> changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone.
> increased prostate size.
> decreased sperm production.
> altered immune function.
> behavioral effects such as hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning etc.



#3- DEHA
This is one of several plastic softners that people have daily exposure to through food, air, water, and consumer products. PVC cling contains DEHA that leaches into oily foods on contact with heat. DEHA exposure is linked to very negative effects of the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. It is also a possible human carcinogen, affecting the liver.

Fetuses and young children at greatest risk Young children’s immature immune systems, rapid development and different eating patterns make them more vulnerable to toxic exposures. Long term exposures to these chemicals or a few large exposures at a critical time in development could adversely impact children’s health.



#6- Styrene
This chemical leaches from polyestyrene plastic. It is very toxic to the brain and nervous system, of workers with long-term exposure and has also been found to adversely affect red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomach in animal studies. Aside from exposure from food containers, children can be exposed to styrene by second hand smoke, off-gassing of building materials, auto exhaust fumes and drinking water.





Tips for safer, more sustainable food use of plastics

1. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Since chemicals are released from plastic when heated, it’s safest not to microwave food and drinks in plastic containers. Instead use glass or ceramic containers free of metallic paint. If you do microwave in plastic, use only plastic labeled “microwave safe.” Note that “microwave safe” does not mean that there is no leaching of chemicals. Avoid using for fatty foods, as there is greater leaching of chemicals into fatty foods.

 2. Beware of cling wraps especially for microwave use. Instead use waxed paper or paper towel for covering foods. If you do use plastic, don’t let the plastic touch the food. For plastic-wrapped deli foods, slice off a thin layer where the food came in contact with the plastic and re-wrap in non-PVC plastic wrap or place in a container.

 3. Use alternatives to plastic packaging whenever possible. Use refillable containers at your local food cooperative. Bring you own take-home containers to restaurants. Bring reusable bags or cardboard boxes to the grocery store.

There are numerous ways we can change our daily behaviors and habits to help our planet be rid of toxic plastics. I for one do not want the use of plastics in my life and I have been able to fully convert my own home to be more "Green"  with Water!

Find out how you can have a greener home here!!!!

Water Quality- A Challenge For Water Regulators

Water Quality Regulating

A water quality regulator is  used to help protect waters from pollution and misuse. They test water quality and collect samples for chemical and biological analysis.

Lately I have noticed rarely a day goes by without a news report, academic research or a government policy paper telling us that water security is at risk on a global scale. It's fairly easy to identify , the problem but the fixing the problem is a bit more difficult.

A lot of the water we use in our homes such as showering, flushing the toilet or doing laundry, are emptied untreated int our rivers, lakes and coasts.

Animal waste and fertilizers are mixing with hormones and chemicals from beauty and pharmaceutical products are threatening water resources all over the world. Unfortunately, new products add new chemicals to the mix everyday, only adding to more to the already big problem.

Organization of Economic Co-operation & Development

The OECD says " the amount of fresh water we need for all human activities is increasing and will be 55% higher by  2050."

But where will all this extra water come from to flush nearly double the amount of toilets? Where will this resulting water waste go?

Competition between water uses- industrial processes, energy production, food production and manufacture drinking water, sanitation the rise. A failure to develop  more efficient, innovative & wiser water policies & regulations will only intensify these pressures.

Facing Challenges & Overcoming Issues

The many interlinking challenges that face water quality only means that dealing with these problems  will require more then just water quality standards.

To address the regulatory issues, regulators from 30 different countries attended the 2nd International Water Regulators forum. All of those countries water sector authorities joined their energy, public health, economic and environmental  counterparts to  discuss implementation of international best practice and principals for better public policy, regulation and water governance, with their main focus being resource optimization, innovation and cross sector cooperation.

The diversity of countries with a variety of regulatory frameworks means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution because of the institutional differences, social, economic, geographical and geopolitical  differences make that impossible.

 

Yet, many regulatory approaches have been adopted that address implementation of regulators in one sector. This also considers impacts on the environment and other water uses in the basin.


Energy Regulator to Water Regulator

 It was 2013 when the energy regulator became the water regulator, concentrating those rolls into one authority. The excellent reputation of the old energy authority gave  strength to the water sector regulator by building on existing trust and efficiency.

The Canadian province Alberta, was looking to create more efficiency by establishing a  new body to become a "regulator on all fronts."
This allowed them to inherit power from the environment authority to deal with all water related matters within the energy sector.

The water regulator in France is the Ministry of Environment. Their overall policy for water is financed by taxes from all water users according to their  impact on water, with the incentive of a reduction of pollution, but also contributing to the aquatic biodiversity  and improving catchment areas.

In England and Wales, its all about incorporating the natural capital value of water and social, economic and environmental benefits.

A new regime for water access and allocation is being developed , combining market rules as well as government control so water use adjusts dynamically to changing scenarios.

Merge of divide, the bottom line is that regulators find dialogue with others, are helpful and by sharing the "How to" of better regulation and policy and a better understanding of individual sector challenges.

The task of preparing policies and  regulations t better help management for water qualities that are "fit for purpose" can be beneficial from the wide range of guidelines, standards and practises currently available.

Clean Water Act

 Who Is The Clean Water Act?
The clean water act is a US federal law that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nations surface waters involving lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and coastal areas. Passed in 1972 and amended in 1977 & 1987, the clean water act was originally known as the federal water pollution control act.

What does the clean water act do for our drinking water?
The 1972 amendments  established:  the basic structure for regulating pollutant discharges into the waters and gave EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)  authority to implement pollution control programs such as setting waste water standards for the industry.

Why is clean drinking water essential?
Water is simply a fundamental human need. Each person on earth requires at least 20-50 liters of clean safe water for drinking, cooking and simply keeping ourselves clean.

Polluted water is not just dirty- its deadly! 1.8 million people die every year from polluted water diseases such as cholera.

So you see how vital it is for us as humans to be able to produce clean water. We never really know whats in our waters regardless of the many efforts and solutions to help keep our drinking water resources free of pollution.

 I for one check what is in my water at home on a regular basis. Luckily I came across a solution to help my home stay free of all pollutants or anything that may harm my family or myself .

 I have an incredible Innovative Technology Water System hooked right up to my faucet in my kitchen that ensures my families safety with pollutants and other harmful particles that could be in our waters.

I have to say it sure is reassuring to know that I have this system to ensure our health is not affected considering all the current problems with our waters today.

For More On Innovative Technology Water Systems Click Here!

Tsunami Safety- Before, During & After.

Tsunami Safety: Before,

Like us, most of our planet is made up of water. It is the basis of all life, but sometimes forces of nature can turn our water resources into natural disasters, such as tsunami's and floods. Both of which lead to devastating aftermath.

This article will teach you how to prepare for a tsunami before, during and after so you and your loved ones can be as safe as possible.

It's never to late to prepare you and your loved ones safety plan in the even of a tsunami or flood.

Prepare in Advance: Be Red Cross Ready

1. Assemble a  Emergency Preparedness Kits/Red Cross
2. Create a house hold evacuation plan.
3. Stay informed about your communities risk and response plan.
4.  Educate your family on how to use the Safe and Well Website.
5. Download the emergency app for I-phone and Android.

How to prepare for a Tsunami






Protecting Your Family,

• Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a Tsunami situation.
• Learn where in your community has a tsunami hazard area or inundation zone. Learn their evacuation plans and designate a spot you will pick up your children.
• Plan evacuation routes from home, school, work places and other places you could be in that has a tsunami risk.
• If possible try to pick areas 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland.
• If you are unable to get high or far, get as high or far as you can. Every foot inland or upward could make a difference.
• It's important to practice your evacuation plans as being familiar with them might just save 
• Make sure you speak to an insurance agent about coverage for tsunami damage. The National Flood Insurance Program covers the cost of tsunami damage if your community participates in the program.
• Find an on-line NOAA Radio Broadcast. (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administrations). This is a weather radio broadcasting on all hazards.

During a Tsunami, If you feel a strong coastal earthquake,

• Drop, Cover and protect your family and yourself from the earthquake.
• When the shaking stops gather your loved ones and review your evacuation plan as quickly as possible.
• Use the NOAA  Radio or a Coast Guard Emergency Frequency. You can also tune into local radio stations and TV news reports.
• Follow instructions given by local authorities. Sometimes recommended evacuation routes may be different from your own or you may have to go to even higher grounds.
• If you hear a tsunami warning or detect signs evacuate immediately. Unfortunately a tsunami warning  is only issued when authorities are certain that a tsunami threat exists, leaving very little time to execute your evacuation plan. Act quickly and trust your instincts.
• Take your emergency preparedness  kit. You are going to need supplies during your evacuation.
• If you have to evacuate brings your pets. If its to unsafe for you it is to unsafe for them too.
• Get to higher ground as far inland as possible.
• Watching a tsunami from a beach or cliff could put you in danger. If you can see the wave, your to close to escape it.
• Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings or bridges which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock.
• It is very important to stay away until local officials tell you its safe. A tsunami is a series of waves that may keep coming for hours. Do not assume after 1 wave you are safe. The next wave may be larger then the first.

Stay Safe After A Tsunami,

1. Let friends and family know your safe. Register yourself as safe on the safe and well website.
2. If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to return to your homes and communities.
3. Continue listening to local news or NOAA weather radio for updated info and instructions.
4. If people around you are injured practice CHECK, CALL, CARE! 

CHECK: check the scene to be sure its safe to approach.
CALL: Call for help.
CARE: If you are trained, provide first aid to those who need it until emergency teams arrive.

A tsunami leaves a devastating mess behind. Ruining anything in its path, leaving your home and communities in destruction by the powerful force we call water.

Just like a fire safety plan you make with your children, it is equally important to make a tsunami safety plan and teach them what to do so they don't panic if the time ever comes. Practicing regularly will give you a real chance of ensuring everyone in your family including our pets makes it out safely.

For more information visit www.redcross.org

WATER- Meaning, Purpose, Uses, Importance

Water Q&A

The definition of water,

a colourless, odorless, transparent, tasteless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers and rain. Is the basis of all fluids of living organisms.

Q: What is the main purpose of water?
A: Believe it or not, the main purpose of water is a lubricant. An example of what I mean, its found in saliva and is a substantial component in the fluid surrounding joints. It is also in and surrounding body structures like the brain, spinal cord, eyes etc.

Q: What is the role of water in the body?
A: Your body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
Your body loses water just by breathing, sweating and digestion. It is important to hydrate as often as possible by drinking fluids and foods that contain water.


Q: What makes water so important?
A: Water is the solvent that transports many essential molecules and other particles around the body. These include nutrients and waste products from the bodies metabolic processes. Particles like some ions and molecules need to be able to move around biological organisms.  Water helps your body recover from mental and physical  fatigue.

Q: What are the 4 functions of the water in the body?
A: -Cell Life, water is essential for cells to function properly.
 it enters into the composition of the cells.
-Chemical and Metabolic reactions.
-Transport of nutrients and the removal of waste.
-Body Temperature regulation.

Q: What is the domestic use of water?
A: Domestic water use is the use of water that is used for indoor and outdoor household purposes, such as drinking, preparing food, bathing, washing clothes & dishes, brushing your teeth, watering your yard & gardening and even washing your pets.

Q: How does water help you lose weight?
A: -Drinking water helps boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of waste and acts as an appetite suppressant.
- Drinking more water helps your body stop retaining water leading you to drop those extra pounds of body weight.

Q: What are some overlooked health benefits  of water?
A: - Increases brain power and provides energy.
     - Prevents cramps and sprains.
     - Prevents back aches.
     - Improves your complexion
     - Prevents headaches
                                                - Improves heart health.
                                                - Prevents bad breath.

Q: What are some ways dehydration affects your brain?
A: - Affects your mood
     - Reduces cognitive & motor skills
     - Makes you more sensitive to pain.
     - Affects your memory.

These questions were the questions I asked myself when I thought about water. What do you think about water after reading this? Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know!

If you want to learn about water and taking hydration to a whole new level then click the link below.

click here to learn more about hydrating on a whole new level!!!

Ocean Plastic Pollution- We Are The Solution!

Ocean Plastics,

Plastic ocean pollution injures and kills marine life, spreads toxins and is a potential threat our health.

In 2015, a key study concluded the ocean contains so much more degraded plastic the previously  believed. It is estimated that 150 million tons of plastic pollutes our oceans, with 8 million tons annually, this is equivalent to a garbage truck load every minute.

A 2016 study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, predicted that our oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050, if we don't take action now to reduce the flow of plastics throughout our oceans.


A Threat To Ocean Life,

Only part of our oceans pollution is visible. Most of it consists of tiny degraded particles swirling around and spreading across 16 million square kilometres of ocean surface. This area is the size of
the U.S and Australia combined.

There are 2 ways that plastic particles:

1) Particles become lodged in the digestive systems of animals, leading to impairment and death. Fish, turtles, sea birds, sea lions and whales can die a horrible death by eating or becoming entangled in plastic. Recent studies found 1/4  of the fish at markets in California and Indonesia contain plastics in their guts in the form of micro fibres.
2) Plastic particles can absorb toxins already in the water and spread them all throughout the marine food web, possibly to humans if we eat ocean fish. A lot of plastic pollution is single use packaging. 9/10 items  recovered by the ocean conservancies annual coastal clean up are some form of packaging or fast food dining supplies.

Plastic Free Ocean's, The Kaisei Project

In April 2008, a man named Richard Owen, a building contractor and scuba diver instructor, started the Environmental Clean-up coalition to solve the problem of pollution in the North Pacific. They are working with other groups find a safe way to remove the plastic organic compounds from our ocean's.

A project to study and clean up the garbage patch was called Project Kaisei and it launched in March 2009. By August 2009, two ships from the project (RV New Horizon & The Kaisei)  was researching the garbage patch and realized the possibility of commercial scale collecting and recycling operation.

Project Kaisei is the ocean clean up initiative of Ocean Voyages Institute. It is a non-profit organization based out of San Francisco.  The marine debris collection equipment tank convened by Project Kaisei has an excellent team of naval architects and marine scientists that assisted with the design and evaluation of innovative approaches to help clean marine debris collection devices and systems.

Using traditional fishing methods and oil spill clean up technology, like skimmers, for the collection of plastic at the surface are some of this groups evaluation process. Project Kaisei continues to focus on finding safe solutions, major clean up as well as global education and prevention.


We Are The Solution To Pollution,


It is important to remember that every person can have a positive influence on our oceans and our environment. We are very aware of the impact that plastic pollution is having on our  marine environment. The solution starts with us!!!!

These simple steps will help stop the biggest sources of plastic pollution from reaching our oceans and harming our marine life, if implemented correctly.

-Ban the use of plastic bags in our life. We can take our own reusable bags to help reduce the use of plastic.

-Use our own reusable drink bottles or coffee cups. This will make us both versatile and environmentally friendly.

-Steer clear of products with microbeads, such as Aveda tourmaline charged exfoliating cleanser and radiant skin refiner. Bicelle cleansing cream. Burts bees deep pore scrub, Neutrogena naturals purifying pore scrub and so many more.

-Arrange a clean up in your town. This simple act of picking up even just a small amount of litter makes the world of difference. SEE IT, BIN IT!!!!!!!!!!

Our nation has so many groups running exceptional education programs for school kids. The bring
the message to schools and help the next generation plan what we can do to stop  plastic from even making it to our oceans.

There is so much we can do individually and together to help ocean pollution. If you want to know more about what you can do and how you can Go Green! and help our environment visit the link below.

Go Green!