The acid-base balance is an endogenous regulation. This ensures that the pH value in the blood remains constant.
What is acid-base balance?
The acid-base balance is an endogenous regulation. This ensures that the pH value in the blood remains constant. Through the acid-base balance, the pH in the blood is 7.4. Acids are balanced mainly by the buffering properties of various elements, such as the blood, tissues, gas exchange and the work of the kidneys. Overall, the balance can be controlled by releasing carbon dioxide. Without such self-regulation, over- or under-acidification would occur. In acute cases, serious complaints cannot be ruled out. Over-acidification is also known as acidosis, under-acidification as alkalosis. In case of doubt, the acid-base balance can be measured with the help of a blood count. Various measures exist to balance an imbalance.
Function and task
The human body is dependent on energy. It needs it for each of its movements and for the work of all cells. In order for organs and muscles to function properly, an adequate intake of food is important. With the help of cellular metabolism, the energy found in all foods is utilized. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are particularly important. However, the body cannot process all elements. That is why metabolic end products are excreted via various routes, for example through the kidneys, skin or lungs. Most of these metabolic end products are acidic and must be neutralized until they are excreted. Otherwise, various symptoms can manifest themselves, such as pain and muscle cramps. Overall, the organism has three control mechanisms to maintain acid-base balance. Excess acid can be expelled from the body through the urine. The pH buffers in human blood help to keep all processes intact in the event of unexpected fluctuations in acid-base balance. Lastly, respiration plays an important role. It regulates the pH value to a large extent by allowing carbon dioxide to leave the organism through gas exchange via the lungs. The respiratory center is able to regularly check the pH value of the blood and change it by adjusting the speed and depth of the breaths. The more one breathes, the more the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases. The blood becomes alkaline. In the human organism there are both acids and bases. They differ mainly on their chemical component. While acids have more positive, free hydrogen ions, bases have negatively charged hydrogen and oxygen atoms. To determine the acid-base balance, the hydrogen ions present are examined. Ultimately, acids develop whenever proteins (albumen) are digested. Energy processes always lead to a release of carbonic acid. A lack of movement is responsible for the fact that the acids are not broken down, but are released into the connective tissue. Accordingly, the acid-base balance is significantly influenced by diet and physical activity. If sufficient fruit and vegetables are consumed, hyperacidity is unlikely. It is different if many animal products such as meat, milk and eggs are on the menu. Acid-base balance prevents hyperacidity. Here, the mechanisms focus on regulating the pH value in the blood. If this deviates, organ damage can become apparent.
Diseases and ailments
Various complaints can result from hyperacidity of the body. These include gout, for example. Gout involves uric acid crystals that have managed to accumulate in the joints. The joints become inflamed and trigger pain. Gout is often referred to as a disease of affluence. It develops due to a high consumption of animal proteins. The disease does not usually occur in vegetarians/vegans. Overall, hyperacidity can lead to symptoms that cause a general feeling of discomfort. These include, for example, muscle tension and back and neck pain. The discomfort is caused by the storage of acids in the connective tissue. In this way, blood circulation is reduced.If the acids no longer succeed in infiltrating the connective tissue, joints are attacked. Heartburn, gastritis, sleep disorders and the feeling of constant exhaustion are also indications that the body may be over-acidified. As we age, hyperacidity can lead to osteoporosis. The acids increase the likelihood that minerals will be released from the bones. This is because how active building and breaking down cells are is largely related to pH. Even a slight degree of acidosis leads to an increased reduction in bone density. Many other complaints arise from osteoporosis. Overall, animal products promote hyperacidity, which simultaneously increases the risk of various diseases. Therefore, it makes sense to adjust the diet and switch to vegetable proteins. For example, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, still mineral water and herbs are considered alkaline liferants. They can prevent hyperacidity. Meat, fish, curd cheese and meat broth, on the other hand, cause an excess of acids. In addition, the acid-base balance can be upset by stress and lack of exercise. Stress puts the body on alert. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are released, heart rate and blood pressure increase, breathing rate increases while the depth of breath decreases. In this way, less oxygen reaches the organism. Because of shallow breathing, the body can break down less carbon dioxide, leaving carbonic acid in the blood. In addition, the breakdown of stress hormones produces more acids, which also have a negative effect on the acid-base balance.
