10 Nov, 2008
Ask the Coach: Acid or Alkaline
Question
How can I test if my body is acidic or alkaline and if I am acidic how can I make my body more alkaline to increase my muscle mass?
Answer
A simple method to test your acid: alkaline balance is the use of PH strips. Paper PH strips are available online or at your local chemist and the PH strips can test urine or saliva. Saliva is more variable so it is best to test urine first thing in the morning after you’ve fasted overnight is the ideal time to test. The strips change colour to indicate acid or base and are lighter or darker in colour depending on the intensity of the reading. They come with a colour chart to help translate the colour into a reading. In most cases, you’re looking to turn your strip a medium green not dark or bluish- meaning too basic, or light or yellowish, meaning too acidic.
If your urine, blood or saliva is too acidic, it’s a safe bet you have microform undergrowth. Training, stress and proteins are acidic so after training it is advised to include a wheatgrass or green drink with your post workout shake to make your body alkaline and therefore able to make fat burning muscle. An organic Green drink increases your hydration while it supplies your body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and amino acids.