Acid & Alkaline Balance
Acid & Alkaline Balance
The BENEFITS of maintaining an alkaline body is fabulous health, high energy, mental clarity, and vitality!
pH (potential of hydrogen) is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 1-14. The lower the number the more acidic, the higher the number the more alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral – neither acid nor alkaline. Body tissues and fluid, specifically blood needs to maintain a slightly alkaline pH of 7.365 to keep you alive. If your blood goes outside this range, you will die. The body knows this and will do everything it can to maintain the correct blood pH. Resources available to do this are oxygen, water, and acid-buffering minerals. Encouraging acid wastes to be eliminated efficiently also helps keep the body alkaline.
If the body is too alkaline, it will buffer by increasing the acidity of the saliva. If there is not enough alkaline reserves and acid forming foods and drinks are continuously consumed, the body will pull alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the bones and muscles. The correct ratio of alkaline to acid foods is 4:1, so try to have 80% alkaline food with each meal.
As an interesting side note: Fresh cow’s milk has a pH between 6.5 – 6.7 which is acidic. It contains calcium however the body needs to counteract the acidity so will take the calcium straight from the milk to the blood. The idea that cow’s milk will give you strong bones is incorrect because the calcium does not go to the bones.
Signs your body may be acidic: Bloating, tiredness, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and headaches.
Signs your body may not be efficiently removing toxic wastes: Tiredness, bloating, headaches, shortness of breath, skin conditions, sinus, flatulence, irritable bowel, weight gain, muscle and joint pain.
Lifestyle habits which can affect the acid / alkaline balance
Oxygen: Oxygen alkalises the body. Poorly ventilated rooms, shallow breathing and lack of exercise can lead to low oxygen levels and increased acidity in the body. Side note: Do you think covering your nose and mouth with a fabric is good practice for increasing oxygen in your body?
Food: Alcohol, caffeine in all forms, sugar, tobacco, drugs and chemicals can affect the acidic condition of the body. How we cook our food also can determine whether it will leave an acid or alkaline residue in our body. For example, a baked potato, eaten with the skin on and chewed well, is alkaline. The same potato, eaten hurriedly and washed down with water will not be digested properly and will be acid forming.
Rest: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a good man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Good sleep will allow the body to rid itself of toxins built up during the day. A minimum of 6 hours of sleep is required every night for a healthy adult.
Water: Dehydration is one of the most prominent causes of an acidic body. Pure water is very alkalising. The average adult loses 2 -3 litres of water every day through normal function. This loss needs to be replaced. Hot days and physical activity increase the demand for water. Tap water is acidic and full of chemicals which additionally contribute to acidity in the body so drink only well filtered water.
Anxiety: A negative mental state can create metabolic acid at a rate 2 to 3 times more than eating acidic foods. Your thoughts are critical. Anger, resentment and fear are the most powerful and acidifying of all the emotions. A positive attitude, merry heart and trust that everything is okay, will help maintain an alkaline condition.
Many of today’s diseases are now considered to be lifestyle diseases brought about when the body gets out of balance and science has proven that cancer CANNOT live in an alkaline body. This is fantastic news!!! When an alkaline environment is maintained in the body, our metabolism, enzymes, immune system and repair processes function at their best.
Monitoring the pH of your urine and saliva: You can check the pH levels of your urine and saliva 1-2 times per week.
A healthy urine pH in the morning is between 6.0 and 6.5 and in the evening between 6.5 and 7.0. If your average pH is consistently below 6.5 then it is advisable to look to ways to alkalise.
A healthy saliva pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. It is best checked an hour before a meal or two hours after.
A pH consistently below 6.5 can suggest the body is overwhelmed by acids and cannot remove them adequately in the urine. A high pH may result in excess gas, constipation and overgrowth of yeast or fungus.
Karen Thorley
Karen Thorley
Naturopath & Sclerologist
What others are saying
Deep gratitude
I will always be grateful for the coaching I did with Karen. At the time I suffered from severe reflux that was damaging my oesophagus and bloating that left me feeling uncomfortable and unable to wear my ‘normal’ wardrobe. Karen worked with me to change my diet and lifestyle at a manageable pace, and I can now say that I am symptom free and no longer suffer burning when I eat spicy foods or any foods. Linda M NSW
Bloating and lethargy
I first went to Karen with a feeling of bloating and lethargy. I had had a heart attack with resulted in lasting problems with my heart. After our initial consult, Karen started me on a plan of juices, diet and cognitive therapies. After a few months I noticed changes in my skin, nails and my overall energy levels. Today, 18 months on, I am in a better place mentally and physically. I would highly recommend Karen for all your wellness and healthcare needs. She is thorough, caring is highly accredited. Ruth R NSW
Insulin be Gone
I’m totally off insulin! Blood sugars still a bit high but mostly stable. Thanks beyond words for your wisdom and encouragement. I can see light at the end of this tunnel. I will tell all who will listen what a legend you are. Nicky V VIC
Caring and Knowlegable
Karen was my health coach. She shared her wealth of knowledge about nutrition, whilst supporting my physical and emotional needs. I felt better within days and by three weeks I felt like a new person. I highly recommend Karen as she’s caring, motivating and has inspired me to be my best self. Janet J QLD
FAQS
About Me & Plantiful Health
What qualifications do you have as a naturopath and health coach?
I hold formal qualifications in Naturopathy, Nutritional Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine, Live Blood Analysis, and Fitness Coaching. My approach is particularly focused on supporting women over 45 through age-specific health and lifestyle solutions. I combine evidence-based natural health with practical, personalised strategies that respect your body’s innate wisdom.
What makes your approach different from other health practitioners?
I blend modern science with nature’s foundational principles: breath, hydration, movement, nourishment, fun, sleep, nature, and relationships. With nearly 40 years in the workforce and over 50 years of life experience—including my own journey through injury, illness, and healing—I bring depth, empathy, and understanding into every consultation. My toolbox includes clinical training, intuitive insight, and a down-to-earth approach that isn’t for everyone—but the women I work with deeply appreciate the holistic, real-life support they receive. I also maintain a trusted network of specialist practitioners and will refer you if needed.
Do you work with clients in-person or online?
Most of my clients work with me online from across Australia and around the world. In-person appointments are available on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, when my schedule allows.
Working With Me
What does working with you involve?
I’ve recently restructured my offerings to make them more accessible and affordable. You can choose from three levels of support:
Free Plantiful Health Community – A space for conversation, inspiration, and connection, with regular input from me.
Next Level Wellness Group Coaching – We meet every second Thursday morning online. Can’t make it live? No problem—you can submit questions ahead of time and watch the recordings.
1:1 Coaching – For personalised, high-touch support. Includes access to the Group Coaching sessions. A quick Clarity & Connection Call is required to determine if we’re the right fit before starting.
Do you offer one-off sessions, or do I need to commit to a program?
Yes, one-off sessions are available and can help address particular concerns. They are most effective when paired with ongoing group coaching or one of my programs where there's space for deeper work, consistency and long-term results.
What’s included in the free Clarity Call?
A 15-minute, no-pressure chat to explore your current health concerns, goals, and whether my approach is right for you.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Do you provide tailored food plans?
In our communities, we discuss nutrition, fasting, detoxing, and share inspiration. For personalised food and lifestyle plans, 1:1 coaching is recommended.
Can you help with plant-based or whole food eating?
Absolutely. At Plantiful Health, we support a plant-forward approach that’s nourishing and sustainable—whether you're fully plant-based or simply want to eat more whole, living foods.
Can I still drink coffee or alcohol while working with you?
It’s all about balance. I help you understand how these choices affect your health, hormones and energy so you can make empowered decisions.
Do you recommend supplements?
Only when necessary. I use high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements to correct imbalances that can’t be addressed through diet alone, and always in conjunction with food-based solutions.
For Shift Workers
Can you help with sleep issues related to shift work?
Yes. As a former shift worker, I understand the unique challenges. I offer realistic, practical sleep strategies tailored to irregular rosters and changing demands.
How do I stay healthy with a rotating roster?
I’ll help you build simple, flexible systems for sleep, meals, movement, and self-care that work with your roster—not against it.
Pricing & Support
How much does it cost to work with you?
I offer several options:
Plantiful Health Community – Free JOIN HERE
Group Coaching (Next Level Wellness) – $99/month
1:1 Coaching – $499/month (includes group coaching access)
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. All plans are structured as monthly payments. If cost is a barrier, please reach out—we can chat to see what’s possible.
Is your program covered by health insurance or rebates?
Some of my 1:1 services may be eligible for rebates, depending on your insurer. Group coaching and community support are not covered.
Getting Results
Do I need to follow a strict diet or routine to get results?
Not at all. We work within your lifestyle and preferences to create a plan that’s realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable long term.
What kind of results have your clients seen?
Many of my clients have improved sleep, balanced hormones, clearer skin, weight loss, better moods, and even reduced or eliminated their need for medications. Most importantly, they feel more empowered and in tune with their bodies.
Do you offer support between sessions?
Yes. Ongoing support is a vital part of what I offer—because you shouldn’t have to do this alone.
What if I’ve tried everything and nothing has worked?
That’s often when people find me. We’ll return to the foundations of real health and start building again—one simple, powerful step at a time.
