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The pH value is a central factor in the body, and the smallest deviations can have serious health effects. There is an assumption circulating that you can control this value through certain diets or supplements. Let's take a moment to debunk this misconception.

What Is the pH Value?

The pH value is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Anything below 7 is classified as acidic, while values above 7 are alkaline. 

Here's a list of various body systems and their typical pH levels:

• Blood:
  Arterial: 7.4 (Normal range: 7.35–7.45)
  Venous: 7.35 (Normal range: 7.32–7.42)

• Saliva: 6.2–7.6 (varies based on various factors like time of day and diet)

• Stomach: 1.5–3.5 (can be higher right after a meal)

• Small Intestine: 6–7.4

• Large Intestine: 5.5–7 (varies depending on microbiome and diet)

• Urine: 4.6–8.0 (varies widely depending on fluid intake and diet)

• Bile: 6–8.6

• Breast Milk: 7.0–7.5

• Female Genital Environment: 3.8–4.5 (can vary during menstruation and pregnancy)

While many areas of the body tolerate a certain range of pH fluctuations, this is not the case for blood. Here, the pH value must be strictly maintained within a range of 7.35 to 7.45. Deviations from this narrow range can cause severe, sometimes even life-threatening, health problems. The body uses a series of complex mechanisms, including respiratory regulation and kidney function, to keep the blood's pH value stable. Even the smallest changes can trigger a chain reaction of issues, as enzymes crucial for biological processes are very pH-sensitive. The body uses a number of complex mechanisms, such as regulation of respiration and kidney function, to keep blood pH stable. Even the smallest changes can set off a chain reaction of problems, as enzymes crucial to biological processes are very sensitive to pH.

The Myth of Acidosis Due to Improper Diet or Exercise

Since the pH level is regulated by buffer systems, bicarbonates, and organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and liver, and these mechanisms ensure that the body's pH level remains stable, it cannot be influenced by diet or any supplements. It would be catastrophic if our body could be thrown off balance by such simple factors. 

Even during intense physical exertion, the blood's pH level is maintained stable. Minor fluctuations are usually temporary and not a health risk for otherwise healthy individuals. The body immediately initiates various regulatory mechanisms, such as adjusting breathing frequency and kidney function, to quickly restore an optimal pH range. Therefore, it would be misleading to believe that exercise could sustainably alter the blood's pH level in a way that is medically concerning. This type of pH fluctuation is a normal part of the physiological response to physical activity and not a cause for concern.

So, is it impossible to become overly acidic?

Actually, it is possible to experience acidosis, but these cases are generally due to extreme circumstances and not everyday activities or dietary habits. Medical conditions such as metabolic or respiratory acidosis can occur; however, they are often the result of severe health problems like kidney failure, diabetes, or breathing issues, and not normal physical activity or an average diet. In healthy individuals, the risks of acidosis are extremely low. The body's ability to regulate pH levels is so robust that acidosis under normal conditions is highly unlikely.

Closing Words

Alkaline powders, detox teas, and similar products that claim to regulate the body's pH value are unnecessary. The body already has effective mechanisms to regulate the pH value itself. Additionally, the pH value in urine does not provide information about the body's acid-base balance but only about the type of recently consumed foods. Tests to check the pH value and the use of detox powders are therefore not only unnecessary but also a waste of money.