20 signs your body is too acidic
Is Your Body Too Acidic (acidosis)? 20 Signs to Watch for and How to Restore Balance
Feeling Drained and Foggy? You're in good company!
Low energy, brain fog, poor digestion, acid indigestion, trouble sleeping, and mood dips – if any of these symptoms feel familiar, you might have acidosis. These nagging discomforts often appear gradually, making it hard to pinpoint what’s wrong. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “Is this normal?” or “Is it too late to do something about it?” Many people don’t realise that these issues could be rooted in acidosis, an imbalance in your body’s ph levels.
The phrase by Dr O Young, "we are alkaline by design and acid by function", beautifully captures the balance our bodies strive to maintain. At our core, we’re designed to thrive in a slightly alkaline state—our blood, for example, is tightly regulated around a pH of 7.35–7.45. This alkaline design supports cellular health, oxygen delivery, and enzyme function. However, through the natural processes of living—digesting food, exercising, thinking, even healing, our bodies produce acidic byproducts. That’s the “function” part. The key to health is maintaining that alkaline design by supporting the body’s buffering systems with proper nutrition, hydration, and rest so that it can manage the acidity generated by life itself.
The good news? You don’t need to wait for a blood test to take action. Later, I will explain two simple home tests you can use to check if your body is too acidic. The signs of an overly acidic body are more common than you think, and understanding them can be the first step toward improving your health and wellness, not to mention helping you recover from exercise faster.
When your body becomes too acidic, it creates the perfect environment for yeast, like Candida, to thrive. Yeast loves an acidic setting, which is why people with acidosis often find themselves dealing with recurring yeast infections. Even more concerning is the connection between yeast and cancer. Both seem to grow together in low-oxygen, acidic environments. It’s almost like the acidity gives them a green light to spread, weakening your immune system and opening the door to more serious health issues.
A Story You Can Relate To: Sarah’s Hidden Struggle
Let’s imagine Sarah, a 37-year-old working professional who has little time for set meals and has a progressive habit of grabbing what is convenient. For months, she felt drained by mid-afternoon, could never get a good night’s sleep, and found herself battling constant headaches and poor digestion. She chalked it up to stress and ageing, but nothing she did seemed to improve her energy or mental clarity. She felt paralysed in a cycle of brain fog and fatigue, and began to ponder if something deeper was going on. After a bit of research, she stumbled across the idea of body acidity – it was a revelation.
Suppose you’ve ever felt like Sarah, wondering why your body isn’t responding the way it used to. In that case, you might be dealing with the hidden impact of excess acidity that your body is accumulating and struggling to neutralise. The symptoms can be subtle at first, but over time, they build into a cascade of discomforts that affect your energy, mood, and overall wellness.
Imagine a Life Without Fatigue and Brain Fog
Now, picture this: waking up refreshed, energised, and clear-headed. Your digestion feels smooth, meals leave you feeling nourished rather than bloated, and the headaches that once plagued your afternoons are a distant memory. Your body feels balanced, and with that balance comes a sense of vitality and peace. This is what happens when your body’s pH is restored, and acidosis is no longer weighing you down.
Wouldn’t it be incredible to feel that lightness and clarity every day? The great news is that it’s not out of reach; by recognising the signs of an acidic body and taking action, you can start on the path toward that vision today.
Fast home acidity test:
Nearly everyone has some bicarbonate in the kitchen. Can you believe this simple cooking ingredient could change your life? Take 1/3 of a teaspoon (the little one) and add to a tall glass of water (not tap water). It's best to do this home experiment on an empty stomach. Wait for 20 minutes and check in with yourself to see how you feel. If you feel better, you might be a candidate for an alkaline diet. Before you go rushing out for new cookbooks, grab some ph test strips.
20 Signs Your Body Is Too Acidic
So, how do you know if your body is too acidic? While it’s best to get a professional medical opinion, many of the signs are apparent without a blood test. Here’s a list of 20 symptoms that could indicate your body’s pH balance is off:
- Constant fatigue, no matter how much you sleep
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Weakness and lack of stamina during exercise
- Digestive issues like bloating, gas, or indigestion
- Persistent dry skin or eczema flare-ups
- Muscle aches or stiffness without strenuous activity
- Joint pain or inflammation
- A weakened immune system leads to frequent colds or infections
- Difficulty losing weight despite a healthy diet
- Brittle nails and hair that break easily
- Excessive cravings for sugar or caffeine
- Chronic sinus issues or congestion
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Unexplained feelings of anxiety or depression
- Dull skin or breakouts
- Sensitive teeth or increased cavities
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Rapid ageing or feeling "older" than your years
- Poor circulation, leading to cold hands and feet
If you’re noticing a few or even many of these signs, it could mean your body is too acidic. But don’t panic – there are steps you can take right now to bring your body back into balance.
How to Restore Balance and Combat Acidosis
The key to addressing body acidity is to create a more alkaline environment, which can help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get started:
- Eat Alkaline-Rich Foods: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, kale, and cucumbers into your meals. Foods like lemons, though acidic in taste, have an alkalizing effect once metabolised in the body.
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps flush out acidic toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and consider adding a pinch of baking soda to further balance pH levels.
- Cut Back on Acidic Foods: Reduce intake of processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and red meat, which all contribute to acidity in the body.
- Use pH Strips: Regularly check your body's pH using at-home test strips. These strips give you a quick read on whether your body is leaning too acidic, helping you track progress.
- Exercise and Stress Management: Physical activity helps the body remove acidic waste products, and managing stress prevents it from creating an acidic environment.
- Consider Supplements: Activated charcoal, such as the Zeoco Candida Cleanser, can help detoxify and support pH balance. Adding magnesium and potassium supplements can also support alkalinity.
How to tell if your body is alkaline or acidic:
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Can acidosis happen without me knowing? Yes, many people experience mild acidosis without realising it, as the symptoms can be vague and easily attributed to other factors.
Is it too late if I’ve had these symptoms for a while? No! The body is incredibly resilient. Even if you’ve been experiencing symptoms for months or years, you can take steps to restore balance and start feeling better.
How long does it take to see results? This varies depending on how acidic your body is and the lifestyle changes you make. Some people notice improvements in energy and clarity within a week, while for others, it may take a month or more.
Do I need to stop eating all acidic foods? Not entirely. The goal is balance. While cutting back on heavily processed, sugary, or red meat-rich diets is helpful, enjoying moderate amounts of acidic foods is fine as long as you are balancing them with alkaline-rich choices.
Take a Moment to Reflect
Are you ready to feel energised, clear-headed, and at ease again? Imagine waking up tomorrow with the vitality you’ve been missing. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of the 20 signs your body is too acidic, the next step is in your hands. Start making small changes today, and soon you’ll notice your body returning to balance.
What’s one step you can take today to start shifting toward a more alkaline lifestyle? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear about your journey!