Let us begin by looking into the definition of alkalinity. Alkalinity is the measure of the ability of a solution to neutralize acids to equivalent carbonates or bicarbonates. This is not the same thing as neutralizing acids and also different from the ph of a solution. The ph of a solution can be lowered by exposing it to carbon dioxide but its alkalinity shall remain the same. Alkalinity is measured in mEq/L this is called milliequivalent per liter.
In reference to an alkaline diet alkalinity takes on a new meaning all together. Ever wondered why baking soda relieves acidity or for that matter chunks of lime are put into lakes to balance out the acidity in them caused be acid rain. Both these answers are the same. Carbonates and bicarbonates will help balance out acidity. The human body ideally maintains a ph of 7.4. This is alkaline in nature and helps in the functioning of the body. By consuming acidic foods we tend to make the acid level in our body rise. Here is where alkalinity comes in. foods with high alkalinity will help us balance out this acid and so restore our ph to an alkaline 7.4 again.
In reference to water alkalinity means the measure of the amount of acid that can be added to it without altering the ph. Water or any food does not need to have a high ph to have alkalinity. This is the reason why an acidic fruit like lemon which has a high acid ph also has high alkalinity. Mainly three kinds of chemical affect alkalinity, namely carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide .The sum of three kinds of alkalinity makes the total alkalinity of a solution. Alkalinity is the ability of water to resist changes in ph. Now if we have water with high alkalinity it will keep our ph balanced despite the acid foods we intake. Needless to say that water with high alkalinity will not be able to fight the acidic affect on the body ph unlimitedly. Yet it does prevent as much as it can the body ph from altering despite the acidic food that we consume. It is essential there fore to consume water with high alkalinity so that it helps maintain the body ph to 7.4.
Alkalinity of a solution is determined by its ability to fight acids and their affects on the ph. When we consume acidic foods they alter our body ph and tilt them towards an acidic side thus causing our immune system to weaken and diseases to strike. In take of water which has high alkalinity will prevent the acids from affecting our body ph and so help us to lead healthy long lives.
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