Autoimmune diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer and arthritis increase with the presence of an acidic ph level in the system. PH is defined as potential hydrogen. The range of potential hydrogen is measured on a scale of 0-14. A ph of 7 is considered neutral. What this means is that the system in neither acidic nor alkaline. A measure of 7.35-7.45 is the ideal level for a healthy functioning body. This is a slightly alkaline measure. Normal digestion, liver function, proper blood sugar levels and the absence of inflammation all occur when the body holds a slightly alkaline PH. Problems occur when the PH dips below these ranges.Since bodily functions produce acidity, and the byproducts of these functions need to be eliminated from the body. If something prevents this removal acidosis occurs. This is a dangerous condition that kills cells and leads to illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome disability and Fibromyalgia. Other diseases that result from acidosis are rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and most cancers.Acidosis also occurs with too much exposure to pollutants, chemicals, improper foods and negative thinking.Symptoms of acidosis in its milder form are lethargy, headache, rapid shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low appetite which are the same symptoms of chronic fatigue. The body, sensing, that it needs to restore itself to the proper PH level will remove needed acid neutralizing nutrients from outlying sources such as bones and teeth. It is a delicate balance for the body to try and maintain its PH. While the body’s systems are designed to be alkaline the byproducts of those systems are acidic. A constant flux between alkalinity and acidity is the result.To help maintain a proper PH in the body attention to the right foods is needed. Alkaline foods should be eaten in abundance. These are foods such as kale, collard greens, almonds, cucumbers, mushrooms, apples, avocado, lemon, and lime. It is interesting to note that the acidic level of foods does not necessarily make the food acidic when eaten. The citric fruits lemon and lime are highly alkaline when digested in the body. Proteins that are alkaline are soy, whey protein powder, tempeh, tofu and chestnuts. Avoiding acidifying foods such as corn, olives, winter corn, squash, blueberries, plums, flour white and wheat, kidney beans, lentils, and processed meats helps keep the body alkaline.The way food is prepared is also important. A potato baked or broiled in its jacket raises the alkalinity of the food while if that same potato is fried it will produce an acidifying effect.The intake of the correct type of water is important. Tap and city water have additives that are acidifying. Acidic water should be avoided with patients with autoimmune diseases such as Fibromyalgia, chronic muscle fatigue, arthritis and diabetes. These conditions result from an acidic ph level in the body.Distilled, reverse osmosis, and alkaline water are the best choice. Drinking at least 3-5 glasses per day of these types of water aid in balancing the ph level in the body. Too much stress creates an acidic atmosphere in the body while relaxation and laughter are alkalizing. Exercise is another way to push toxic acids from the systems by renovating the metabolism, but excess exercise has a counterproductive effect and will cause the body to lower its PH to an acidic level.