pH balance is a topic that often comes up in health discussions. Understanding what pH actually means for your body can help separate fact from fiction.
What Is pH?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, pH measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is on a scale from 0-14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.
Your Body's pH Regulation
The National Library of Medicine (StatPearls) explains that your body maintains blood pH within a very narrow range (7.35-7.45) through sophisticated buffering systems involving:
- The lungs (regulate CO2)
- The kidneys (excrete acids or bases)
- Chemical buffers in the blood
Different pH Zones in the Body
The Merck Manual notes that different body parts have different pH levels:
- Blood - 7.35-7.45 (slightly alkaline)
- Stomach - 1.5-3.5 (highly acidic, for digestion)
- Skin - 4.5-5.5 (slightly acidic, protective)
- Urine - 4.5-8.0 (varies based on diet and health)
Diet and pH
While some foods are acidic or alkaline, the Harvard Health Publishing notes that food does not significantly change blood pH due to the body's powerful regulatory mechanisms.
Supporting Your Body's Balance
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases emphasizes that healthy kidneys naturally maintain proper pH balance. Supporting kidney health includes:
- Staying well-hydrated
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Not overusing certain medications
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