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Normal ph Hallo again, As mentioned last week, today we will learn what needs to be done in order to maintain a normal pH. To maintain the right pH in the body fluids, 3 major physiological control systems exist within the body. The first mechanism involves a buffer system for the hydrogen ion fluctuation. All bodily fluids are supplied with acid-base buffers, which combine with any acid or alkaline substance and prevent excessive change in the hydrogen ion concentration. Another mechanism the body uses to maintain normal pH is within the respiratory system. When the hydrogen ion concentration (H+) changes measurably, the respiratory system is immediately stimulated to alter the rate of pulmonary ventilation. This brings about a change in the quality of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the system. High levels of carbon dioxide in the system, as created when holding the breath or due to physiological impairments of respiration, increase the acidity of the bloodstream. Any disease that interferes with normal breathing, such as emphysema or asthma, will impede the release of CO2 from the lungs and subsequently, this CO2 will combine with water to form carbonic acid. This increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, and thus the acidity of the blood is simultaneously increased. The last of the 3 major physiological control systems of the body to maintain the normal pH involves the kidneys. When the hydrogen concentration deviates from normal value, the kidneys excrete either an acid or alkaline urine. This serves to help readjust the (H+) of the bodily fluids back to the normal value. To summarize: If either acidosis or alkalosis occur within the bodily fluids, the buffer system; namely the lungs, kidneys, the organs that influence the acceptance or excretion of hydrogen ions, will attempt to regulate the imbalance. In a normal, healthy individual, any increase or decrease in (H+) will be modified so that the pH of the blood does not fluctuate from its normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. If, however, either the lungs or kidneys fail to function properly, the end result is often acidosis or alkalosis. Also, acidosis or alkalosis may result because of improper respiration, improper diet or both. Next week we will explore the dietary influences upon the body's acidity and alkalinity. Until then, stay well and have a wonderful week, The Crazy Nut Team