Alkalization Therapy and Cancer Treatment: How It Works
Medical science is still exploring whether cancer progression can be stopped by altering the body's condition. Many questions remain about the underlying mechanisms and if cancer can be cured.
The concept of alkalization therapy builds on early research by the abovementioned Otto Warburg, who studied cancer metabolism [4]. While current treatments often focus solely on cancer cells, some research suggests treating the whole patient [12].
In essence, alkalization therapy aims to neutralize the tumor microenvironment’s acidity through dietary changes or medications. This might potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by targeting the metabolic behavior of cancer cells [13].
Thus, alkalization therapy doesn't compete with traditional cancer treatments. Rather, it aims to improve their beneficial effects, reduce side effects, and lower costs by improving the overall well-being of the patient during therapy [12].
Some examples of alkalization therapy include dietary interventions like an alkaline diet for cancer patients and the oral or intravenous administration of alkalizing drugs [12]. For instance, potassium citrate is used to increase urinary alkalinity, and sodium bicarbonate can help raise blood and tissue pH [14].
While this is a work in progress, future research can focus on combining standard therapies and alkalization therapy to offer hope in treating difficult cancers.
Practical Tips for Maintaining a Balanced Body pH
The two key aspects that play a great role in our health are diet and lifestyle. Let’s focus on their contribution to balancing your pH.
Dietary Tips
Eating healthy has many benefits, including an indirect yet positive impact on body pH. Therefore, you must:
- Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which have an alkaline effect on the body [15].
- Limit high-sodium processed foods, sugar, and excessive red meat, which tend to be more acidic [16].
- Stay hydrated throughout the day to regulate your body’s acid-base levels and help your body’s natural detoxification processes function effectively [17].
- Aim for a balanced diet rather than strictly alkaline foods for general health and well-being [11].
You can even try innovative products like alkaline water. It has a higher pH level than regular tap water, often due to added minerals like calcium and magnesium. However, according to available studies on alkaline water and cancer, it has a minimal effect on the body’s pH balance [18].
Lifestyle Tips
Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way toward balancing your body’s pH. Regular exercise enhances circulation and supports the body’s natural buffering systems, which help maintain a balanced pH level [19]. Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reducing stress-induced acidity and further promoting a more balanced pH [20].
To track your progress, use at-home tests like Diagnox's pH Test strips. These allow you to easily monitor your urine and saliva pH levels at your convenience. For more information on how to check body pH levels and other useful health recommendations, check out our blog today.