Advanced Naturopathic Case Taking: Naturopathic Evaluation Tools: pH and Urinalysis

Question 1

pH Testing

Answer 1

Testing pH can give an insight into your client’s internal environment. This is especially important given that an acidic tissue environment is favourable for cancer cells (e.g. it encourages angiogenesis).

Question 2

pH Levels

Answer 2

pH: 7 is neutral
< 7 is acidic
> 7 is alkaline.

Question 3

Healthy pH levels: Blood

Answer 3

7.35–7.45.

Question 4

Healthy pH levels: Urine

Answer 4

6.5–7.25.

Question 5

Healthy pH levels: Saliva

Answer 5

6.8–7.5 (<6 = very acidic).

Question 6

How to test salivary pH:

Answer 6

• Spit onto a pH test strip (which are easily accessible / cheap).
• The colour will change - match the colour to the corresponding chart.
• Perform four–five days in succession.
• Avoid testing first thing due to bacterial levels, which will be acidic.
• 1st test: One hour after brushing teeth.
• 2nd test: 30 mins before lunch.
• 3rd test: 30 mins before evening meal.

Question 7

Odour

Answer 7

Urea is converted to ammonia which gives urine its odour

Question 8

Colour: Straw, yellow

Answer 8

Normal

Question 9

Colour: Pale yellow/colourless:

Answer 9

Drinking a lot of fluid.

Question 10

Colour: Dark yellow/strong smelling

Answer 10

Dehydrated.

Question 11

Colour: Very dark yellow ,orange, brown

Answer 11

Jaundice.

Question 12

Colour: Blood in urine

Answer 12

Red flag (consult doctor).

Question 13

Colour: Unpleasant smelling / cloudy:

Answer 13

Possible UTI.

Question 14

Food affects urine

Answer 14

• Beetroot—red
• Asparagus—green and smelly
• Blackberries—red / brown
• Vitamin B2 supplementation – bright yellow