Saliva Lab Write Up

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Anatomy Project

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The relationship between body pH & haleness

Chantal Contreras

February 11, 2015

12th grade Ms. Smith

Introduction

Substances, any platitudinous substance can be acidic, basic, or neutral. Acids and bases are called aqueous solutions, or mixtures of certain substances dissolved in water. The amount of acidity or basicity can be measured by using the pH scale, which runs from 1-14. Rosy-cheeked singletons would have a pH of 7.4; regarding their saliva, blood and urine. The testing of saliva with a mere pH strip inserted into the mouth— As was done for the purpose of this write up— provides an superb measure of the pH levels within the body. It is utterly essential to sustain a constant pH level in order for the body to function accordingly seeing as how a change in a person’s pH can hinder the electrical chemistry of the body. A low saliva pH is an indicator of an acidic pH, which is more prone to illness. In an acidic environment, red blood cells cannot repel and stick together, forming what is called rouleau formation. This formation limits the amount of oxygen carrying capacity because red blood cells sandwiched between the two ends are compressed against each other and therefore unable to carry oxygen. “It is an imbalance of acidity and alkalinity that allows unhealthy organisms to flourish, damages tissues and organs and compromises the immune system.” (Dr. Axe, Food is Medicine)3. This can lead to degenerative diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and arthritis among others. Or, it could also very well be proof of acidic beverage consumption, as it was in the case of Subject #23 (Ms. Mcdonald) who had recently drank lemon juice, resulting in a pH of 4.1 The importance of maintaining optimum pH is therefore a critical factor in balancing proper internal terrain to deter cancer, infection, and a host of inflammatory...