A Question Of Health
What can I do to keep my pH levels balanced?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ACID TEST
Q. I saw an advertisement stating that we need to keep the pH levels of our bodies at the right level. I am assuming this means that our bodies tend to be acidic, which I am sure in turn causes high blood pressure, strokes from blood clots, etc. What can I do to keep the pH levels low?
A. The pH levels of the human body are incredibly well controlled automatically. pH is a numerical measure of acidity and alkalinity. A completely neutral substance, such as pure water, has a pH of 7.0. Acidic fluids, such as stomach acid, have a pH below 7.0. Alkaline fluids have a pH above 7.0. Human blood has a pH that ranges between 7.35 and 7.45, so it is naturally slightly alkaline (non-acidic). There is no evidence that high blood pressure, strokes or any other diseases are caused by abnormal pH levels. My advice would be to forget about your body's pH - it will look after itself.
ITCHY DEODORANTS
Q. I seem to have built up an allergic reaction to deodorants over many years. It's difficult to find one which does not cause itchiness. Any ideas?
A. A recent epidemiological survey found that 23 per cent of women and 14 per cent of men had experienced an adverse reaction to a personal care product in the preceding year. Overall, more than half of women and nearly 40 per cent of men will experience some kind of reaction at some time in their lives. The fragrances that are used in deodorants are common culprits. Deodorants also contain preservatives and other chemicals designed to prevent them from deteriorating in the bottle or can. Of course you may also be sensitive to the soap that you use to wash under the arms. Dermatologists can do special skin tests to try to identify exactly which chemical is causing the problem. But quite a few people who clearly are sensitive to deodorants and other personal-care products come up negative on the tests. The best advice is to use deodorants that do not contain fragrances, and to try to find something that you are not sensitive to. Unfortunately, the problem is only likely to get worse. As people get older their skin tends to become more and more sensitive to chemical exposure.
Have your say: Readers write
Another non-surgical solution to carpal-tunnel syndrome from MT of Leamington Spa:
I use a double-thickness tubular bandage, from midway up my forearm, folded at the base of my fingers, back up to my forearm. I wear this every night from retiring to waking in the morning, but don't usually have to resort to it any other time. This is much more comfortable than any kind of splint I have tried.
Please send your questions and suggestions to A Question of Health, 'The Independent', Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or e-mail health@independent.co.uk. Dr Kavalier is unable to respond personally
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments