The human body maintains a remarkably stable pH, typically ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. This slightly alkaline pH is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including oxygenation of the blood. Slight deviations from this range can have serious health consequences.
Understanding pH
pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline (or basic). The human body employs sophisticated buffering systems to maintain its pH within the narrow therapeutic window of 7.35 to 7.45.
Variations in pH Across Body Fluids
While the overall body pH is generally 7.35-7.45, different body fluids have slightly varying pH levels. For example, blood pH is meticulously regulated within this range, whereas other fluids, like stomach acid, are significantly more acidic (around pH 2).
- Blood: 7.35 - 7.45 (slightly alkaline)
- Stomach Acid: ~2 (highly acidic)
- Urine: 4.5 - 8 (variable depending on diet and health)
- Saliva: 6.2-7.4 (slightly acidic to neutral)
The precise pH of various body fluids is vital for the optimal function of enzymes and other biological processes. Maintaining this balance is essential for overall health. Significant deviations, like acidosis (pH below 7.35) or alkalosis (pH above 7.45), indicate serious medical conditions requiring immediate attention.
The Role of pH in Health
Maintaining the correct pH balance is essential for proper bodily functions. Several systems work in concert to achieve this, including the respiratory and renal systems. While the concept of an "alkaline diet" is popular, scientific evidence supporting its significant health benefits is still limited. Further research is needed to conclusively determine the impact of dietary changes on long-term health outcomes. More research is needed to better understand the influence of an alkaline diet on overall health and disease risk.
Sources:
- StatPearls, News-Medical.net, NCBI Bookshelf, Verywell Health, Healthline, PubMed, Cleveland Clinic, Health.com, MD Anderson Cancer Center consistently report the normal human physiological pH to be in the range of 7.35 to 7.45.
