PH value in urine | PH value in humans

PH value in urine

Depending on physical condition and time of day, the pH of urine can take on values between about 5 (slightly acidic) and 8 (slightly alkaline), but usually the pH of urine is around 6. In addition to exhaling carbon dioxide, the body can also get rid of excess protons through the urine. In urine, protons are found in the form of ammonium (NH4+) and phosphate ions.

Depending on the amount of free protons in the final urine, the urine can assume a pH value of up to 4.5. A function of the kidney in the acid-base balance is the reabsorption of bicarbonate from the urine.Depending on how the blood pH is (acidic or alkaline), the uptake of bicarbonate from the urine can be increased or decreased, thus changing or buffering the blood pH. The pH value in urine is used diagnostically to determine kidney function.

In the case of diseases such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections, the pH changes. Some kidney stones, for example, tend to develop at very low or very high pH values. In urinary tract infections due to bacterial infestation, the pH of the urine can become very alkaline.

How do I use the measuring strip/test strip correctly?

It is best to measure the pH value on three consecutive days before and after each meal to avoid a mere snapshot of the pH value. In this way a daily profile can be created and compared. If you want to measure the pH in urine, hold the test strip directly under the urine stream for a few seconds. The pH measurement does not work correctly with urine left standing, as the urine becomes spontaneously alkaline at room temperature. The color change of the pH test strip is then compared with the color scales in the package insert and the corresponding pH value is read.

PH value of the skin

One of the most important tasks of the skin is to protect the organism from bacteria and harmful substances. To ensure this, the optimal pH value of the skin is just under 5, i.e. in the acidic range. This slightly acidic environment prevents the growth of most pathogenic bacteria and promotes the development of the skin flora.

Bacteria that would harm the organism cannot develop. In addition, some enzymes of the skin surface function better at an acidic pH. These enzymes mainly serve to maintain the skin barrier, which also has a protective function.

Since the acid pH of the skin serves in many ways to protect the body, it is also called the “acid mantle”. This protective mantle of the skin depends on sex and age and is influenced by the use of cosmetics and skin cleansing products. Too frequent washing and some cosmetics, drugs or chemicals can, in addition to damaging the protective barrier, also cause the skin to become alkaline. If the pH value becomes too alkaline, the acid mantle no longer functions and the skin becomes particularly susceptible to dehydration and infections.