PH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. In the human body, the pH levels must be maintained within a narrow range. Acids are a product of normal metabolic processes, and, when the body is functioning properly, they are buffered or excreted to prevent the body’s fluids from becoming too acidic. When pH levels rise or fall outside of normal levels, however, a number of adverse effects can occur.
Acid-Base Regulation
There are several natural mechanisms to maintain the proper acid-base balance in bodily fluids. The buffer, respiratory and renal systems all play independent roles in acid-base regulation. The buffer system produces compounds to counteract pH imbalances in both intracellular and extracellular fluids, such as blood plasma. The respiratory system can affect pH levels within one to three minutes, making it more efficient than the buffer system in triggering rapid change in the body’s acid-base balance. The renal system, on the other hand, is much slower, taking days to compensate for acid-base imbalances using the kidneys.
Acidosis
When body fluids become excessively acidic, with arterial blood pH falling below 7.35, a condition called acidosis is the result. There are two main categories of acidosis, metabolic and respiratory acidosis. They occur when the kidneys or the lungs can’t maintain the proper levels of acids in the body. When the body can’t expend enough carbon dioxide, an acid, through effective breathing, respiratory acidosis occurs. Metabolic acidosis is the result of either overproduction of acid or the inability of the kidneys to efficiently remove acid from the bodily fluids.
Alkalosis
The opposite of acidosis, alkalosis occurs when the blood’s pH rises above 7.45. Like acidosis, alkalosis can be triggered by respiratory or metabolic dysfunction. Respiratory alkalosis is the result of low carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can occur because of fever, lack of oxygen, high altitudes, liver disease or lung disease, while metabolic alkalosis happens when the blood contains too much bicarbonate. Other causes of alkalosis are low levels of potassium or chloride, which can occur after vomiting or as a side effect of diuretic medications.
Effects of Acid-Base Imbalance
In a study published in the “European Journal of Nutrition” in 2001, author David A. Bushinsky reported that metabolic acidosis triggers a release of calcium from the bones, ultimately weakening them and making them more vulnerable to fractures. He noted that this occurs even with mild acidosis, which may be caused by eating acid-rich foods, and the effect becomes more pronounced with age, as the kidneys become less efficient. More acute symptoms of acidosis and alkalosis include hand tremors, confusion, light-headedness, nausea and muscle spasms.
