Replied by Ted (Bangkok)
Dear Ami: The body's bicarbonate reserve is still low. You seem to require a dose of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda three times a day.
However, if you can find potassium citrate, or potassium bicarbonate, this may help. For example, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate taken three times a day. The reason why the salivary pH remains stubborn refusing to raise its pH means that the bicarbonates is pushing out the acidity from the intracellular fluids. So the acid is being slowly removed, but not as quickly. One quick way to reduce acidity in the mouth is to regularly used 1 tablespoon of baking soda (and some potassium bicarbonate 1/2 teaspoon, if possible) as a mouthwash twice a day, to neutralize them. Once the salivary pH becomes normal, you can discontinue them. This is one of the remedies used for extreme conditions of acid tongue, but it can be applied to reduce excess acidity in the mouth.
To look at just the excess acidity in the mouth in isolation, dose not explain everything either. The bacterial flora in the mouth might in a few cases generate some acidity in which case, 3 - 6 drops of 3% Hydrogen peroxide food grade is added to the baking soda remedy to reduce the microbes. However a 1% hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a mouthwash to further reduce the acid forming microbes when done once in the morning and once before bedtime.
Both the salivary and urinary pH, should be within 7.The salivary not only reflects more of the body's pH, but it also reflects intracellular fluids. It takes a while for the body to absorb enough bicarbonate to neutralize them all.
However, careful dietary control to avoid excess fried foods, sugar and white flour is needed during the period of raising the body's pH. Certain food we eat is causing most of our sickness as they are acid forming, in particular is the fast food, such as soda pop, tea, and coffee.
After about two weeks the salivary pH should be closer to the value of 7. If not it indicates electrolyte imbalance, and magnesium citrate and potassium bicarbonates are needed. FOr example, 250 mg of magnesium citrate/day can help as well as the potassium mentioned previously.
