The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14, with measures below 7.0 being acidic and those above 7.0 being alkaline. Measures of exactly 7.0 on the pH scale are considered neutral. Many of our body systems function best at certain pH levels, but the pH of the systems can fluctuate slightly throughout the day.
Blood
The normal range for blood pH is 7.3 to 7.4. Blood pH is a very delicate value that needs to stay within this tight range to maintain health and avoid sickness. Large fluctuations in the pH of our blood can be life threatening. Many of our organs, including our kidneys and lungs, work together constantly to help ensure that blood pH is maintained within the normal range.
Urine
The normal range of pH of urine ranges anywhere from 5.5 to 8. Urine pH is a good screening test to help predict a variety of disease states within the body. Our diet has a huge influence on the pH of our urine. Citrus fruits, legumes, and vegetables raise the pH, making the urine more alkaline. Meats and cranberry juice have the opposite effect, making urine more acidic.
Saliva
Salivary pH normally ranges from 6.3 to 6.7. The pH of our saliva has an impact on our dental health and can also be indicative of medical issues going on elsewhere in our body. There are a variety of over-the-counter tests available to test salivary pH if it is of concern. The foods we eat can impact salivary pH. If significant differences in pH are noticed that are not correlated with dietary components it is best to contact a doctor for further testing to determine exactly what is causing the fluctuation.
Stomach
The stomach is a very acidic environment with a normal pH range of 1 to 3. Stomach acid is an important component in proper digestion. This acid also functions as a first line of defense against infection. Germs generally cannot survive in such an acidic environment; therefore the stomach is sterile overall. Antacids function to make the pH of the stomach more basic, thus helping to soothe heartburn and an upset stomach.
Changes
Changes in pH can be indicative of a variety of disease states within the body, regardless of what solution is measured. Starvation, dehydration, respiratory diseases, and uncontrolled diabetes can all cause urine pH to become highly acidic. Chronic kidney failure, obstructions of the urinary tract, and some respiratory diseases can cause the urine to become more alkaline. Although this is not an exhaustive list of situations that can cause a fluctuation in pH, it is evident from these few examples that proper pH balance is an extremely important part of our overall health.
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