By Artesia Springs “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the pH Balance Diet” stresses how important it is to maintain balance in life, including pH balance. The pH scale originates from chemistry and is a way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of something. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral, 0 is very acidic and 14 is very alkaline. The ideal pH for humans is slightly alkaline, at 7.4, states the Budwig Center, an alternative cancer treatment clinic. An easy way to maintain alkalinity is to consume at least five glasses of alkaline water daily. Having too much acid in your body can weaken all your systems, states the Budwig Center. Your body has to borrow minerals from your bones, teeth and organs to neutralize excess acidity. High acid levels, or acidosis, might lead to diarrhea, osteoporosis, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis and impaired immune function. Acidosis could also interfere with your cells’ ability to heal or produce energy and also allow cancer to flourish. According to the Budwig Center, cancer cells thrive in acidic environments. Alkaline water is also called ionized water, with a pH typically between 7 and 10. A pH of 8.4 or above is best, states “Fit for Life.” A good source of alkaline water is spring water — usually a pH of 8 to 8.5 — that naturally becomes alkaline by acquiring...