Alkalinity is a measure of the concentration of the total divalent extra
cellular minerals. In the case of saliva, this is mostly calcium since most of
the magnesium is contained inside of the cells of the body.
Calcium is a very important mineral for the body. It is important for strong
bones and teeth, muscle contraction, sugar metabolism, and cell division plus
many other cellular processes. Too little calcium usually shows up as cramps,
osteoporosis, tooth decay and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Too much calcium can
lead to kidney stones, gall stones, calcium deposits in the joints, bone spurs
and hardening of the arteries.
PH and alkalinity are closely related in that the minerals from the bones are
required to buffer the acid produced by the body during normal metabolism. If
sufficient calcium is not present then the body becomes acidic and osteoporosis
and even some types of cancer may occur if left unattended. If on the other
hand, the body is too basic then the calcium in the body fluids my deposit in
places where it does not belong such as the in the kidneys, the gall bladder,
the arteries and veins and other places in the body.
This is why it is so important to monitor both calcium and pH to make sure you
have the correct amount of minerals and the proper pH in your body to handle
those minerals properly. The normal intake of calcium should be between 600 and
1500 mgs per day depending on your age and sex. Magnesium and phosphorus are
also important for bones and calcium metabolism. If you do not eat dairy
products or other foods that are good sources of calcium then supplementation
with mineral supplements is very important.