“The process of living is the process of reacting to stress” Dr. Stanley J. Sarnoff, physiologist, National Institute of Health, Time 29 Nov 63

Do you know how well your body reacts to stress?

This simple 5-minute test will tell you:

Sympathetic Stress Assessment: A saliva pH challenge test

What we’re measuring. This simple saliva test helps to show how your nervous system responds to stress and to monitor your body’s mineral reserves. An acid challenge (using equal parts lemon juice and water) allows us to monitor alkaline buffer reactions along a time line.

What you’ll need.

  • pH paper (usually available at your local health food store, or you can purchase it here)
  • 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice mixed with 1 Tablespoon of water
  • A watch or timer that can measure 1 minute intervals.

What’s ideal?

sample_ideal_saliva_ph_graph.jpgThe initial response to the lemon juice challenge should be an immediate lowering from a normal saliva pH level, followed by a gradual recovery period. The final reading should be at least as high as the baseline reading, and preferably higher.