Q: If you are trying to increase your alkalinity, drink some water with baking soda. Baking soda is one of the most alkaline foods. It helps reduce the acid in your system and increase your pH levels.   Drink an eight ounce glass of water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Make sure to mix it well. Do not drink baking soda water for more than a week or two. You should only drink 7 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda each day. If you are over 60, limit that to 3 1/2 teaspoons. You will need to drink more water daily while taking baking soda. Drink up to 96 ounces (about 3 liters) a day. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney issues, or urinary tract issues, talk to your doctor before drinking this. Use caution when ingesting baking soda. It is safe to ingest, and many people use it to help with heart burn or acid reflux because it has alkalizing and acid-reducing properties. However, you should not ingest too much baking soda. Too much baking soda can cause an electrolyte imbalance, the formation of too much gas too quickly in the stomach, and even stomach ruptures.  Children under 5, pregnant women, and people on certain medications should not drink baking soda water. Do not drink baking soda water before heavy physical activity. Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do to increase your alkalinity. Replace your daily beverages with water. Try to get at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day.  There is no medical evidence that supports alkaline water is any better than regular water. Drinking more water is healthy, so you don't really have to worry about the pH.  You can also add fresh lemon juice to a glass of water. Make sure the lemon is freshly cut and hasn’t been exposed to air. You can also buy alkaline drops at health food stores or online that will increase the pH of your water. Put one or two drops in each 8-ounce glass of water. Do not use alkaline drops if you are on any potassium medication for heart problems. Exercise helps balance your body. Aerobic exercise helps to get rid of acid from your body and restore pH levels in your system. Daily exercise can help your body stay at a natural, balanced pH level.  Try walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, cardio gym classes, or cardio machines. A massage can help increase the alkalinity of your body. Massages can manipulate your muscles in ways that release acid from your tissues. It also helps lower your stress levels, which is important since stress increases the acid in your body.  Book an appointment with massage therapist, and treat yourself to some relaxing, alkalizing time. Always drink plenty of water after a massage to rehydrate your body. Stress can cause acid to accumulate in your body. To help lower stress levels, and as a result your acid levels, find ways to reduce stress. This is different for everyone. Try taking a walk or other forms of exercise, listening to soothing music, or doing something you enjoy.  Spending time with people, reading a book, or burning a pleasant candle can reduce stress. Many people find yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises relaxing.
A: Ingest baking soda. Drink more water. Exercise. Get a massage. Reduce stress.

Q: Visit http://www.mayoclinic.org and click on "Request an Appointment" at the right of the page. You will then be transferred to a page where you can make an online request to see a physician.  If you are an international patient trying to request an appointment online, you will first need to select your language from the list under the "Request an Appointment" button, and follow the instructions on the subsequent page(s). Don't make an official appointment request until you have spoken with your insurance provider and primary care physician. The three main patient treatment centers are located in: Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Scottsdale, Arizona. Be aware that the best location for you might not necessarily be the one that is geographically closest to you, as some locations may lack certain specialties.  The Rochester, Minnesota campus is the flagship Mayo Clinic institution, offering the widest variety of services from the largest number of physicians. Due to the typically cold, harsh winter weather conditions, the Rochester, Minnesota campus is less likely to be busy than the other two during the winter season; this may mean a shorter waiting period. After selecting your Mayo Clinic location online, you will be asked to provide information about the prospective patient (whether this be you or a friend or family member). Be sure to provide as much information as possible when filling out this form; this will expedite the appointment scheduling process.  You will need to have relevant information readily available when completing the patient information form. This includes birth date, address, insurance information, and details regarding the patient's medical condition. Supporting information about tests, x-rays or other diagnostics is also requested. Once you have finished the form, click "Send Request" at the bottom of the page. A Mayo Clinic representative will contact you (usually within a few business days) to review additional financial and medical information before you're offered an appointment. This is an alternative to scheduling an appointment online. If you choose to do this, you will need to call the specific facility you wish to visit, as there is no central scheduling location. The appropriate phone numbers for the location of your choice can be found online.  When you call, be sure to have all relevant patient information ready, which includes the information listed for the online scheduling procedure. You are no more or less likely to get an appointment by calling versus scheduling online, and the waiting period is the same. Mayo Clinic waiting times can be as long as a few months, but will depend upon the severity of your condition and how busy your location of choice happens to be. In the meantime, continue to see your primary care physician and contact Mayo Clinic to inform them of any significant changes in your condition.  You may be able to see a doctor more quickly if you are a "walk-in" patient; these waiting times can still take a week or more (depending on how many people cancel and the severity of your illness). Don't wait to receive medical attention if you are seriously ill. If your condition worsens while you are waiting, see your doctor and request a referral to Mayo if you haven't already been given one. This could "fast-track" your appointment. Once your appointment date arrives, make sure you have your documented medical history and other pertinent information with you when you see the doctor. Mayo Clinic doctors will review your medical history as a part of the diagnosis and treatment planning process Previous X-rays, test results, and all other relevant information should also be included with your records.
A:
Schedule an appointment online. Select a medical campus. Provide required patient information. Call the Mayo Clinic. Be prepared to wait. Bring your pertinent information with you.