Ph of urine is 5 0. What does increased acidity of urine indicate? Why is it important to control pH, and what are the dangers of acid-base shifts in the body?
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24.10.2018
Index ph in urine analysisdetermines its acid-base balance and makes it possible to determine the patient’s health status and diagnose diseases of the urinary organs.
Urine removes metabolic products from the body. It is formed in the kidney tubules (nephrons) when filtering blood plasma. Urine consists of 97% water and 3% salts and nitrogenous compounds formed during the breakdown of proteins.
The kidneys retain in the body substances necessary for normal metabolic processes and regulateacid-base balance. Waste substances with different acid-base properties are excreted in the urine. If substances with acidic properties predominate in urine, this means that it is acidic (pH below 7), with alkaline properties - alkaline (pH greater than 7) and neutral (pH = 7), if it has equal amounts of alkaline and acidic substances. Normal the indicator is a slightly alkaline reaction (7.35-7.45).
This pH value urinary sediment depends on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in it and is called the reaction or acidity of urine. In newborns children (during breastfeeding) the norm is considered to be neutral or slightly alkaline pH = 7.0 - 7.8 units. With artificial feeding for a child, the urine reaction should be 6.0-7.0; The child has premature - 4.8-5.5.
Hormonal and physiological changes in the body among women during gestation (in translation from Latin - wearing) leads to fluctuations in acidityurine during pregnancy.This is justified if the indicators are within the range of 5.3-6.5.Urine during pregnancytested repeatedly to control pH.
What determines the reaction of urine
The reaction of urine depends on:
- nature of nutrition;
- metabolism;
- stomach acidity;
- the presence of pathologies that cause acidification of the blood (acidosis) or alkalization (alkalosis);
- inflammatory diseases of the urinary organs;
- functional activity of the renal tubules.
Aciduria
Aciduria (acid reaction) - pH below 7, can be explained by the following reasons:
- the predominance of meat and high-protein foods in the diet;
- intense physical and sports activities, work in hot production, hot climates contribute to an increase in acidity due to dehydration of the body;
- diabetes mellitus (diabetic ketoacidosis);
- various pathologies with metabolic or respiratory acidosis (increased acidity in the body): leukemia, gout, uric acid diathesis, treatment with cytostatics (while the kidneys are strenuously trying to restore balance);
- taking medications that “acidify” urine (ascorbic acid, Ca chloride);
- renal failure;
- inflammatory kidney diseases (tuberculosis, pyelonephritis);
- septic condition, a large number of bacteria in the blood (“blood poisoning”);
- prolonged fasting, lack of carbohydrates in the diet;
- alcohol abuse.
Alkaluria - alkaline urine reaction
Alkalinization of urine (alkaluria) - a shift in urine reaction to the alkaline side, urine ph above 7. Increase alkaline and in urine may cause the following reasons:
- the predominance of only plant and dairy products in the diet (the pH can be normalized by adjusting the diet);
- alkaline urine indicates infectious diseases of the urinary organs, except those caused by Escherichia coli or mycobacteria - tuberculosis, pyelonephritis;
- excessive consumption of alkaline mineral water;
- urinary tract diseases with the appearance of blood in the urine;
- stomach diseases with high acidity;
- profuse vomiting or diarrhea, accompanied by loss of chlorine ions and fluid;
- other diseases (adrenal glands, thyroid gland, bladder).
Long-term deviation from the norm kschb in any direction means that pathological processes occur in the body. Must passgeneral urine analysis for laboratory research (with determination of urine reaction) patients with the following pathologies:
- infectious processes in the urinary organs (bladder, urethra, kidneys);
- acidosis (excess acids in the blood - pH< 7,35) или алкалоз (переизбыток щелочи в крови рН >7.35) renal, respiratory, metabolic nature;
and to assess the effectiveness and dynamics of treatment.
If the norm is ph 5- 7 goes beyond these limits (up or down) and these shifts are long-term, then when this Stones (concretions) of various types can form:
- oxalate - from salts of oxalic acid (pH 5-6);
- urate - from salts of uric acid (pH less than 5);
- phosphate based on phosphates (pH greater than 7).
Combination of aciduria (acid urine) with acidosis (acid blood) capable increase the risk of such complications:
- blood thickening (increased viscosity), which contributes to the formation of blood clots, deterioration of the heart and blood vessels;
- accumulation of toxins, waste and other substances in the body due to disturbances in biochemical processes;
- the occurrence of a chronic inflammatory process as a result of activation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Alkalinization of urine
It has been scientifically proven that cellular chemistry, beneficial gut bacteria, and the immune system function better at an alkaline level of 7.35-7.45. This level is maintained by a complex body system.
At these pH values, the body absorbs nutrients, removes toxins and waste, and performs all necessary functions. If a person consumes a lot of “sour” foods, suffers from a lack of oxygen and leads a sedentary lifestyle, this balance is disrupted.
To Wednesday the body was slightly alkaline, alkalization is necessary. You can achieve this by changing your eating habits and following simple recommendations. You can gradually achieve alkalization, at pH< 7 оам , если:
- In the morning, drink water with lemon on an empty stomach (200 ml of water + juice of half a lemon (lime) + 2 tsp of honey) or acidify the water with apple cider vinegar. This helps rid the body of excess acids;
- for hypertension and edema, add a little soda to a glass of drinking water;
- useful mix (mixture) - fizzy drink: in a glass of water with 2 tbsp. add 0.5 tsp lemon juice. soda, drink immediately;
- drink 2-2.5 liters of filtered water to neutralize acids;
- Minimize the consumption of refined sugar, baked goods, desserts, and carbonated drinks, which strongly acidify the body. Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose) are very harmful; they increase acidity and harm the nervous system;
- healthy vegetables (beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peppers) and greens (dill, lettuce, spinach, green onions) containing minerals, antioxidants, vitamins. Cucumbers and celery neutralize acids perfectly.
- Red meat, lamb, and pork are considered difficult to digest and increase acidity. Replace it with poultry meat (chicken, turkey), fresh fish. Replenish protein in your body by including lentils, beans, soybeans, and tofu in your diet;
- to maintain the gastrointestinal tract, drink fermented milk products, yoghurts rich in probiotics - bacteria beneficial for digestion;
- Avoid stressful conditions. When under stress, acidic waste and toxins accumulate in the body due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Physical exercises, breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation help to calm down.
You should consult with your doctor which of these recommendations is right for you.
You can determine the urine reaction at home. This do the research using litmus paper.
In urine simultaneously immerse 2 litmus papers with different reagents (red and blue). Result:
- the blue stripe turns red - the urine is acidic;
- the red stripe turned blue - alkaline pH balance;
- both strips have not changed color - neutral urine;
- both stripes changed color to the opposite -amphoteric urine pH (alkalinizing and acidifying components are simultaneously present in the urine).
Such indicator paper is sold in a pharmacy and on the wall of the tube there is a color scale, from which you can determine the pH level by applying the result obtained.
The rules for collecting urine for analysis must be followed to get the correct result:
- before the study, avoid physical and psycho-emotional overload;
- women should not be tested during menstruation;
- flush the first and last portions of urine down the toilet, taking the middle one for analysis;
- Before collecting the analysis, women need to wash themselves (from front to back), men should thoroughly wash their penis;
- To collect urine, purchase a sterile container (special container) from the pharmacy.
Under the influence of pathological or physiological factors, the pH of urine can change. AND Which Whatever the level of deviation from the norm, it cannot be ignored. We need to determinecauses and treatmentpathologies undergo in a timely manner.
If you notice problems with your urine such as:
- foreign impurities in the urine (mucus, streaks of blood or others);
- unpleasant pungent odor;
- color change
The pH value of urine is one of the chemical criteria of human health and is of no small importance. meaning. It shows the effectiveness of the urinary system in removing metabolic products and toxins from the body. And a shift in pH levels indicates pathological processes. This means that an examination is necessary and treatment .
For a healthy man, the pH norm is 5.3-6.5, the reaction is slightly acidic or acidic. A shift towards acidification can be caused by taking calcium supplements, aspirin, vitamin C), diarrhea, vomiting, and heavy metal poisoning.
Alkalinization can occur with excessive consumption of alkaline water and abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland.
The normal pH value for women is the same 5.3-6.5. Depends largely on diet. With an abundance of meat (animal protein) and high-protein foods, the pH shifts towards an acidic reaction. urine alkaline , if a woman eats more dairy and plant products. With toxicosis of pregnancy, the pH level decreases.
It is necessary to control the acid-base balance and, if necessary, eliminate the resulting imbalance with the help of certain products. When the body does not receive enough necessary nutrients, it begins to borrow them from its own organs and bones, which worsens health.
In order to identify the presence of an inflammatory process or disease, a laboratory test of urine is used, namely the Ph of urine: the norm determines the absence of pathologies in the body, and a deviation indicates their presence.
We will find out further what type of research we are talking about and what standards are considered acceptable for a healthy person.
What does urine Ph mean?
The excretory system in the human body is designed not only to remove harmful and unnecessary substances, but also determines acid balance.
An indicator called Ph means the total number of ions in a solution, that is, in a urine sample collected for analysis.
The study shows the physical properties in the composition of urine, and also evaluates the balance of acid and alkali in it. Constantly high acidity harms body tissues. In this case, if no effort is made, then processes important to life will be suspended.
What's the norm?
The hydrogen index, that is, Ph, characterizes hydrogen ion concentration in the human body. Ph concentration levels are affected by acid as well as alkali.
The normal pH level in urine depends on the physiological state of the person, what he eats, as well as his age and gender. An important factor is the time at which urine is collected.
The main standards established for determining Ph are the following indicators:
- For a person over 18 years of age, the norm is Ph from 5 0 to 7;
- on average, the urine of adult women and men collected in the morning is in the range of 6.0-6.4 Ph;
- in the evening it increases slightly and can reach 6.4-7.0;
- for infants receiving breastfeeding, the norm is determined to be 6.9-8;
- with an artificial type of feeding, an infant should have a Ph in the range from 5.4 to 6.9.
Reasons for deviation from normal indicators
If the pH of urine exceeds 7, then it is considered alkaline, and if it stays at 5 or below, then it is acidic.
There are many reasons for an increase or decrease in the pH level in the urine, however, you need to consider the main ones in order to understand what deviation can change the indicators and how to avoid it.
If urine acidity is increased, then this can be explained by a number of reasons leading to this phenomenon:
- With prolonged fasting and lack of food containing carbohydrates, an increase in acidity is observed. In this case, the human body starts the process of breaking down fats in the body’s reserves. This process is carried out to replenish the necessary energy.
- Constant overload of the human body and grueling physical exercises lead to fluid leaving the body, and acidity increases.
- In situations where you have to stay in a stuffy room, hot countries or workshops with high temperatures.
- Excessive levels in diabetes.
- Long-term intoxication of the body, including alcoholic beverages.
- Inflammatory processes in the renal system, including, as well as cystitis.
- Septic condition in the human body.
All of the above reasons for increased acidity are only the main ones, but there are also other factors that can only be determined by the attending physician, based on research results.
Low acidity often observed when there are one or more causes for this phenomenon. These include:
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- when eating excess amounts of animal protein;
- excessive consumption of alkaline mineral water;
- high level of stomach acidity;
- Availability ;
- active proliferation of infection in the urinary system.
During pregnancy, a woman experiences changes in the metabolic processes of the body, which also affects the Ph state, therefore, acidity is considered normal during this period in the range of 5.3-6.5. Low acidity levels are often observed during periods of vomiting and diarrhea.
The pH value of urine in a child may vary depending on the type of feeding and the time of day at which urine collection is carried out. Therefore, the final diagnosis can only be made by a pediatrician, based on other tests and other studies.
Determining the acidity of urine at home
You can determine the acidity of urine not only in the laboratory, but also at home. The option of performing an analysis at home is suitable for those patients who must independently monitor their Ph level due to the presence of diabetes mellitus or uraturia.
These are often used types of research How:
- Litmus paper.
- Magarshak method.
- Test strips, used both in most laboratories and at home, when conducting independent tests for Ph level. They can be purchased at pharmacies and used as needed.
It is impregnated with a special reagent that reacts with the liquid and then changes the paint. The essence of the method comes down to the fact that it is necessary to lower two types of strips, blue and red, into urine at once and check how the shade changes.
If the two stripes remain in the same state, then the reaction is considered neutral. If both stripes change color, then it is generally accepted that there are both alkaline and acidic reactions in urine.
If the red color changes to blue, then an alkaline reaction is present. When the color changes from blue to red, the reaction is considered acidic.
The essence of this method of determining the Ph level comes down to the fact that they take two solutions of red and blue color, which are gradually added to the material being tested.
Next, check the color: if the urine has become bright purple, then the acidity is approximately 6; if it turns gray, the acidity should be considered 7.2. Light purple urine indicates a level of 6.6. Green urine is a sign of acidity at 7.8.
The advantage of such a study is its simplicity, since anyone can determine the acidity in urine in a similar way. The strip is dipped into a fresh portion of urine, and then the result is viewed on a special scale with a designated color scheme.
Ways to reduce and increase acidity levels
There are medicinal methods to lower or increase acidity levels, as well as recommendations for introducing certain foods into the diet, helping to normalize pH.
Doctors prescribe intravenous solutions to the patient. They are made on the basis of potassium bicarbonate, as well as products sold in pharmacies for the successful normalization of acidity.
In order to significantly reduce the high acidity of urine, it is recommended to consume low protein foods. Those foods that have a neutral alkaline load should be consumed.
You also need to eat foods with zero acid formation. These include:
- cucumbers;
- ice cream;
- vegetable oil;
It is allowed to introduce foodstuffs having negative acid formation. These are fruits, mushrooms, fresh herbs, fruit juices, and white wine.
The fact is that the division of food according to acidity is quite arbitrary. Each human body is individual and digests food differently. However, you need to gradually adjust the menu in accordance with the recommendations of your doctor.
Important to remember about normalizing water balance, since people who lead a healthy lifestyle, as a rule, are less likely to suffer from increased acidity of urine. Water not only normalizes the acidity state in the human body, but also improves the functioning of the renal system.
In order to increase acidity, on the contrary, it is necessary to slightly reduce the amount of water consumed, since it significantly increases the level of acidity in the body.
The determining Ph level is important because it can provide an informative picture of many internal diseases. Therefore, doctors recommend getting tested in a laboratory setting and monitor acidity levels at home using test strips.
It is important to study the basic methods of increasing and decreasing acidity and apply them to adjust this indicator.
Learn how to use litmus paper to determine acidity from the video:
Urine pH (acidity) reaction - the presence of ions in human urine. This indicator helps in establishing the physical properties of secretions. With the help of this component, it is possible to assess the balance of acids and alkalis, the general well-being of a person, diagnose the disease in a timely manner, and undergo a course of treatment.
First, you should familiarize yourself with the basic properties of urine. Its other name is often used - “urine”; it is formed as a result of the normal functional functioning of the body, after which metabolic products are removed from it. Thanks to the removal of urine outflow, the body rids itself of unnecessary substances and normalizes the normal metabolic process with the help of the kidneys.
If the urine level is below 7, then it is considered to have acidic properties; if the urine level is greater than 7, it is considered to have alkaline properties. If the pH level is 7, this indicates that the discharge is neutral, that is, 50% has acidic properties and the other 50% has alkaline qualities.
The pH indicator serves as an indicator of how efficiently the mineral complex is processed, in particular magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium. When the normal level increases, the acid is neutralized independently: for these purposes, the body takes a certain amount of minerals and nutrients from other organs and tissues. Often the body borrows this vitamin complex from bones, as a result of which they become brittle in their structure. The reason for this type of deviation lies in poor nutrition, for example, insufficient consumption of meat products or fresh vegetables.
Changes in the level of normal indicator can occur due to 7 main reasons:
- Characteristic features in the metabolic processes of the body;
- Inflammatory processes in the human genitourinary system;
- Stomach acidity level;
- Individual characteristics in the diet;
- Special points in the functionality of the renal canals;
- Oxidative, alkaline processes in the blood;
- Drinking regime.
Normal pH of urine
The range from 5 – 7 indicates normal functioning in the human body. Small deviations per unit are also not considered critical if they are a short-term process. The indicator is low at night, namely from 4.9 to 5.2. The lowest pH value is observed in the morning, on an empty stomach. The highest rates are typical for the period when a person has just taken food.
The acidity level, which is characteristic of the normal functioning of the body, is around 6.5. Deviations that do not go away for a long time indicate disturbances in the functionality of the body; for diagnosis and accurate determination it is necessary to take a urine test.
Depending on age, the level of normality varies. So, in a newborn this indicator fluctuates around 5.4 – 5.9. For babies born earlier than expected, the acidity level is 4.8 - 5.4 units. A short period of time passes and the indicator stabilizes.
When breastfeeding or formula feeding, the acidity level is different. In the first option it is 6.9 - 7.8 units, in the second case it is slightly lower - 5.4 - 6.9.
Acidic properties of urine pH
Due to disturbances in the functioning of the body, the level of acidity increases. The reasons that provoke this condition are:
- Excessive consumption of meat and bakery products, as well as those foods that contain large quantities of fats, acids, proteins;
- Inflammatory processes in the kidneys, chronic diseases of this organ;
- Excessive amounts of intravenous sodium chloride solution entering the body during the course of treatment;
- Children's allergic reaction;
- Consumption of food additives with high acidity.
The situation can be aggravated if a person has diabetes, abuses alcohol, or is in a state of shock for a long time. The indicator is also affected by excessive physical activity to which the body is exposed, and fasting for a long period of time.
Deviations from the norm in the direction of oxidation indicate a malfunction, poor nutrition, or indicate the negative effects of an unknown factor. For a more accurate determination, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics in the near future, after which a specialist will be able to accurately determine the cause. Then, prescribe an effective course of treatment.
Urine in diabetes mellitus
The disease itself is characterized by a large amount of discharge. Hyperglycemia causes glucose levels in the human body to increase. An increased urine value in the presence of this disease indicates acetonuria, glucosuria. Urine is an indicator of universal action, which accurately determines functional malfunctions in the body.
Alkaline properties
In this case, a person’s diet and food preferences are considered more carefully. For example, a diet with a predominant consumption of dairy and vegetable products significantly affects the pH value.
With a balanced diet, we can draw a conclusion about infectious diseases in the urinary system. An alkaline environment is favorable for the life of microorganisms and their reproduction. This level of pH in urine analysis provokes an inflammatory process in the urinary system and kidneys.
The reasons that provoke changes of this kind:
- Presence, active development of serious diseases in the body;
- Blood particles in human urine;
- Drinking mineral water in large quantities;
- overuse of certain medications;
- Increased acidity in the stomach;
- Attacks of vomiting, which causes the body to lose water and chlorine elements;
- Increased intake of dairy products and foods of plant origin;
- Infectious processes in the genitourinary system. This condition is provoked by the presence of tuberculosis, or the presence of E. coli.
An unbalanced diet significantly affects the normal pH value. Vegetarianism, that is, the predominant consumption of vegetables, black bread, fruits, and dairy products also provokes such changes. Pregnant women also observe such changes. Collected urine that has not stood for two hours is perfect for determining the level of acidity in the body.
Determination of urine pH
A urine test can determine the level of acidity in the body. This analysis helps in diagnosing diseases, the presence or absence of characteristic elements. In laboratory conditions, microscopy of urinary sediment is performed, which is capable of qualitatively assessing the physicochemical and biochemical properties of urine and diagnosing possible pathological changes.
To determine the reaction of urine with bromothymol blue, you will need 0.1 g of indicator, which is ground in a porcelain mortar, then mixed with 20 ml of ethyl alcohol brought to a warm state. After this, you should dilute it with 80 ml of water.
You need to take 3 ml of urine, dilute it with 2 drops of the resulting solution. If the color is yellow, then this indicates acidity, a brown tint indicates a slightly acidic reaction, and the neutral state has a herbal tint. If the color is dark green, then this indicates a weak alkaline reaction, green and blue shades indicate a significant alkaline indicator.
In order to determine the nature of the reaction, it is enough to carry out this procedure. It doesn't take much time and is easy to do. The problem is that normal or pathological levels cannot be determined in this way; only the nature of the reaction can be determined.
conclusions
The pH indicator is important, because the general condition of a person depends on its level. Deviations from the norm indicate changes in health, the possible presence of pathology. Changes are characteristic both upward and downward, which indicates infectious processes. Metabolic features can be observed by the pH level in the urine.
Reactions in human urine are determined using laboratory analysis. There are different methods, some available for independently determining the nature of the reaction: acidity, or the predominance of alkaline characteristics.
The components that make up the urinary sediment not only determine its cellular composition, but they can also influence its acid-base properties (urine reaction). The level of acidity in a person’s urine corresponds to the norm, one can judge the functioning of the organs of the urinary tract and the entire body as a whole.
An alkaline reaction of urine or a change in its pH towards the acidic side, as a rule, indicates various metabolic shifts, especially if these values are sharply changed relative to normal values.
Determining the reaction of urinary sediment is not an independent diagnostic method, since without an objective and laboratory-instrumental study its information content is not so high. However, the situation changes when it comes to a comprehensive examination of the patient.
Normal indicators
The concentration of free hydrogen ions (H+) in the urinary sediment determines what reaction the urine will have (neutral, acidic, slightly alkaline or alkaline). To simplify the terminology in medicine, the concept of “pH” is used, which implies nothing more than the reaction or acidity of urine.
Hydrogen ions are constantly formed in the body during a huge variety of biochemical processes. They are excreted by the kidneys both in free form and in the form of compounds (for example, in the form of ammonia or phosphates).
Normally, the urine reaction in a healthy person and children of the older age group does not go beyond the range of 5.5-7.0 (on average, these indicators are 6.0-6.5)
A urine reaction of 7.0 is considered neutral. A decrease in this indicator indicates a change in urine towards the acidic side, and an increase, on the contrary, indicates an alkaline shift.
If we are talking about newborn children who are breastfed naturally, then a slightly alkaline or neutral pH (7.0-7.8) is considered normal for them. When the baby switches to artificial feeding, the urine reaction decreases to 6.0-7.0 (approaching the values of an adult).
In premature babies, the acidity of urinary sediment can range from 4.8 to 5.5. During pregnancy, more frequent changes in acidity are observed, as a woman’s body undergoes restructuring at the hormonal and physiological level. Normally, urine pH during gestation is in the range of 5.3-6.5.
Changes in urine reaction and conditions that lead to this
Acid urine reaction
If the urine pH is 4.6-5.0 or less, then we are talking about an acidic urine reaction (aciduria). The reasons for this condition may be due to the following processes:
- the patient’s dietary habits (the predominance of meat and high-protein foods in the daily diet);
- high level of physical activity, intensive sports, living in countries with hot climates, working in a hot shop, etc. (severe dehydration of the body occurs, which increases the acidity of urine);
- pathological conditions leading to metabolic or respiratory acidosis, such as gout, various forms of leukemia, uric acid diathesis, the consequences of radiation therapy or treatment with cytostatics (while the kidneys try to restore the acid-base balance);
- insufficient intake of carbohydrates from food or prolonged fasting;
- alcohol abuse or taking their substitutes;
- treatment with medications that can change the acidity of the urinary sediment towards its “acidification” (for example, calcium chloride or ascorbic acid);
- diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation (diabetic ketoacidosis);
- renal failure (acute or chronic form);
- septic condition of the patient;
- kidney diseases caused by Escherichia coli or mycobacteria (for example, pyelonephritis or renal tuberculosis).
All alcoholic products change the pH of urine to the acidic side
Alkaline urine reaction
When urine pH exceeds 7.0, this means that the patient's urine reaction is shifted to the alkaline side (alkaluria). Elevated pH may indicate the following conditions:
- eating mainly products of plant origin (in this case, changes in the urine reaction are reactive in nature, that is, they go away on their own after appropriate dietary adjustments);
- a persistent alkaline reaction of urinary sediment should prompt the doctor to think about infectious processes in the organs of the urinary tract, even in the absence of other symptoms of the disease (except for diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or E. coli);
- a large volume of alkaline mineral water consumed throughout the day;
- profuse vomiting, which results in loss of fluid and chlorine ions;
- stomach diseases accompanied by high acidity;
- diseases of the urinary system, in which blood appears in the urine (for example, the disintegration of a kidney or bladder tumor);
- diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and others.
Quite often, alcaluria is observed in patients who practice vegetarianism.
Pathological conditions leading to shifts in blood and urine pH
The table below presents diseases in which not only shifts in urine pH in one direction or another are observed, but also corresponding changes in the blood reaction.
Urinary sediment pH | blood pH | Pathological process |
5.0-6.0 (sour) | pH<7,35 (ацидоз) | Diabetic coma or pre-coma state, prolonged fasting, severe renal failure, fever, leukemia and others. |
8.0-9.0 (alkaline) | pH<7,35 (ацидоз) | Chronic bacterial infections of the urinary tract, increased levels of chloride ions in the blood serum. |
5.0-6.0 (sour) | pH>7.35 (alkalosis) | Insufficient content of potassium ions in the blood (hypokalemia), the consequences of infusion therapy with a large volume of saline solution ( NaCl). |
8.0-9.0 (alkaline) | pH>7.35 (alkalosis) | Consequences of prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, taking alkaline mineral waters or soda, the process of resorption of exudates or transudates in the body cavities, the inflammatory process in the walls of the bladder (cystitis) and others. |
A long-term change in the pH of urinary sediment in any direction indicates the onset of a pathological process.
Why is it important to control pH, and what are the dangers of acid-base shifts in the body?
It is mandatory to determine the urine reaction in patients with the following pathological conditions:
- infectious processes in any part of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder or urethra);
- alkalosis or acidosis of various origins (respiratory, renal, metabolic);
- assessment of the positive dynamics and effectiveness of the therapy.
If in urine tests for a long time the pH of urine deviates from normal values in one direction or another, then there is a threat of the formation of calculi (stones).
They can have a different nature of their origin:
- urate stones are formed from uric acid salts (the acidity of the urine of such patients is below 5.0);
- oxalate stones are formed from oxalic acid and its salts (urinary sediment reaction in patients ranges from 5.0 to 6.0);
- phosphate stones arise from compounds containing phosphates (urine acidity in patients exceeds 7.0).
Concretions can have a very different nature of origin
If a patient has aciduria combined with acidosis, this means that there is a risk of developing the following complications:
- changes in blood viscosity, increased formation of blood clots, deterioration of the cardiovascular system, decompensation of heart failure;
- disruption of all biochemical processes and reactions, increased accumulation of toxins, waste products and other metabolic products in the patient’s body;
- activation of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms, which leads to chronic inflammation in the urinary tract.
Methods for determining urine reaction
Currently, there are research methods through which the patient can independently determine the presence of a number of components in urine, as well as their concentration (leukocytes, erythrocytes, protein, ketone bodies and other indicators).
The reaction of urine (pH) can be easily monitored at home. This does not require special skills and abilities from the patient, and also deprives him of the need to constantly visit the clinic and laboratory where the research is performed.
To determine the pH of urine, the following methods are used.
Application of litmus paper, impregnated with a special active substance (reagent) that can interact with the components of urine, as a result of which its original color changes.
Two litmus papers soaked in different reagents (blue and red) are simultaneously lowered into the urine being tested. The reaction of the urinary sediment is judged by the change in their color:
- If the blue stripe turned red, then they talk about the acidic pH of urine;
- If the red stripe turned blue, then they talk about the alkaline pH of urine;
- If both stripes did not change their color on the contrary, this means that the urine pH is neutral;
- If both stripes changed color on the contrary, then we are talking about the amphoteric pH of urine (that is, the presence in it at the same time of components capable of alkalizing and acidifying it).
Using test strips impregnated with a special reagent. With their help, you can not only identify changes in urine pH, but also establish numerical values in the resulting analyzes.
Test strips can be purchased at any pharmacy; they are approved for use by patients of any age and gender, and the rules for their use are very simple.
After the strip is lowered into the urine, a biochemical reaction occurs, due to which the indicator part acquires a color corresponding to the patient’s pH values.
In order to determine the pH level, it is enough to compare the result obtained with the color scale shown on the wall of the tube
Rules for collecting urine to accurately determine its acidity
The test results obtained do not always reflect the real picture of the processes occurring in the organs of the urinary system, since there are errors when collecting urine or storing it.
Therefore, before you begin deciphering the urine test, you need to make sure that the patient has followed all the rules for collecting urine and preliminary preparation for the procedure, namely:
- On the eve of the study, it is better to limit yourself to physical activity and also avoid psycho-emotional situations. In this case, you need to ensure that the day before urine collection the volume of fluid consumed is sufficient.
- It is not recommended to donate urine to women during menstruation, as well as to patients who have experienced repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, or whose body temperature has risen to febrile levels (the results will be deliberately false).
- To collect urine, an average portion of urine is required (the first and last portions of urine are flushed into the toilet, and the middle portion directly into a sterile container).
- Before you start collecting analysis, you need to take care of the toilet of the genital organs. The woman should wash herself from front to back, and the man should thoroughly clean the penis.
- Urine is collected in a special sterile container (capacity), which can be purchased at any pharmacy. This eliminates the pathological reproduction of infectious agents in an insufficiently sterile container.
After the analysis has been collected, it must be transported to the nearest laboratory no later than two hours
Conclusion
The reaction of urine can change under the influence of various factors of both physiological and pathological origin. Even a single increase or decrease in its acidity should not be ignored, despite the fact that the patient’s overall health remains satisfactory.
With timely diagnosis of changes in the pH of urinary sediment, a number of pathological conditions can be treated or corrected in time, as well as possible complications can be prevented.
A general urine test (UCA) is a simple, informative method of laboratory diagnosis. It is used to judge pathological processes in the kidneys and urinary tract and the condition or diseases of the entire human body. The acidity of urine or urine is the most important indicator of OAM.
In a healthy person, urine pH fluctuates between 5.0-7.0 and averages 6.0, that is, the urine reaction is normally slightly acidic. In some cases, it may briefly change from 4.0 to 8.0. This is a borderline state between normal and pathological. It may be associated with an underlying disease, for example, inflammation, bronchial asthma, stomach diseases, vomiting, etc. Or with physical overload, fasting, dehydration, insufficient intake of salt into the body or its excessive loss, for example, with sweat.
The acidity of urine changes during pregnancy, especially when accompanied by toxicosis. The acidity of urine in newborns and breastfed children before complementary feeding is neutral.
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Why is urine slightly acidic?
In a healthy body with a balanced diet, urine should be slightly acidic! At a urine pH of 6.0, the kidneys most effectively remove metabolic products of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. And at the same time, this level of acidity is the least favorable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria and for the formation of crystals and stones.
Mechanisms of regulation of acid-base balance
Breath
The most important regulatory mechanism! When the pH of the blood shifts to the acidic side, breathing becomes more frequent and deeper, while to the alkaline side, breathing slows down and becomes shallow.
Urination
By increasing or decreasing the acidity of urine, the pH of the blood and the body as a whole is also regulated. But 1-2 liters of urine per day only has minor effect on acid-base balance even with a sharp shift in urine acidity.
Blood buffer systems
Blood buffer systems dampen physiological fluctuations in acidity in the body. The inclusion of other pH regulators occurs when there is excessive acid or alkali formation.
Urine pH in vegetarians and meat eaters
Why is urine acidic when there is an excess of protein in the diet, slightly acidic when eating a normal diet, and alkaline when eating a protein-free (vegetarian) diet? It's simple! Plant foods contain almost no protein. And carbohydrates and vegetable fats are converted into carbon dioxide and water during metabolism. Protein molecules contain large amounts of nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. To remove them from the body, an acidic environment is necessary, and the kidneys provide this by purifying the blood of phosphates, sulfates and nitrogen compounds. (This is why, with a vegetarian diet, when the urine is alkaline, phosphate stones form!)
Thus, it is not plant food that alkalinizes the urine, but the kidneys, in the absence of the need to remove protein metabolic products, do not release hydrogen ions H + into the urine, and the urine becomes alkaline.
And now attention, question! If the kidneys do not produce acids on a vegetarian diet, where do they remain? Right! In organism. The conclusion is paradoxical: plant foods ACIDIFY the body as a whole!
What does a shift in urine acidity to acidic and alkaline lead to?
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conclusions
Attempts to obtain a rejuvenating apple by grossly disrupting the natural acid-base balance of the body in anticipation of, for example, a miracle or from candidiasis with lemons are doomed to failure. And a thoughtless attempt to increase urine pH with diet or medications is more likely to contribute to the formation of kidney stones and other pathological processes than to be beneficial.
Interpretation of the result of a urine test and, in particular, pH of urine must necessarily be carried out taking into account the clinical picture (symptoms), data from instrumental and laboratory studies (clinical and biochemical blood tests, analysis of physical properties and the presence of low molecular weight substances in urine, microscopy of urinary sediment for leukocytes, red blood cells, cylinders, bacteria), as well as the dynamics of changes in blood and urine parameters! And the prescription of an alkalizing or acidifying diet or medications should be carried out according to indications, and not for general “health-improving” reasons.