The pH
Ideally, there is a balance between acids and bases, just as food intake should be balanced with the subsequent elimination of metabolic waste. The ratio of energy intake and energy consumption should also be balanced.
buffer substances in the blood
The blood in the human organism has a pH value of 7.35 to 7.45 – it is therefore slightly basic. This pH value must be maintained constantly so that the body can function optimally. Therefore, the blood has so-called buffer substances. These ensure that the pH of the blood does not change immediately as acids are released into the blood. With the help of the buffer substances, acids can be balanced (neutralized) and the pH value can be kept constant.
Acidic metabolic wastes reach the excretory organs via the blood. Carbonic acid is z. B. exhaled as carbon dioxide through the lungs. Other acids are eliminated by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The term acid-base balance describes the interplay of both components.
pH measurement
In the simplest case, you can determine your personal acid-base status by measuring the pH value in the urine. Suitable test strips are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Be sure to cover at least the pH range of 5.6 to 8.0. Please note, however, that one-time measurements do not allow any conclusions to be drawn.
| It is best to measure and record pH each time you go to the toilet for several (5-7) days initially. Also, make notes about what you eat and drink. Then enter the values ​​in a chart. |
The ideal pH value
Ideally, the pH values ​​should fluctuate throughout the day and fall within the white curve in the figure below. The pH values ​​should be above pH 7 (pH 7 is the neutral pH value). Not all pH values ​​over the course of a day always have to be above pH 7. In the morning the urine z. B. sour, ie, the normal pH value is then between 5 and 6, while after lunch it can often rise above 8, ie basic.
Personal daily profile
If your personal daily profile deviates significantly from the “ideal curve” indicated in the figure several times, or if your results are fundamentally outside the range of fluctuation of the optimal values, you should feel encouraged to change something. You’ll see, it’s easier than you might think at the moment!
Your personal daily profile helps you to control the course of your body’s acid excretion. But it is also a solid basis for discussions with your doctor or non- medical practitioner .
By the way:Â Almost all pharmacists recommend using pH test strips to measure the acidity yourself when they ask for alkaline preparations.