The human body ensures a tight regulation of balance between the acid and alkaline levels using certain mechanisms. The normal pH levels in human beings are between 7.35 and 7.45 (Feher, 2017). Both kidneys and lungs play a major function in acid-base balance. Cells in the human body must retain alkalinity for them to function normally and remain alive. A normal pH balance is the first defense mechanism against illness/infection (Feher, 2017). However, there are times when the balance is interfered with and this results into negative outcomes which in some cases can be severe. Disease can only survive in a body environment that is acidic because it offers a favorable environment for the survival of disease causing microorganisms such as bacteria (Feher, 2017). Therefore maintaining a proper acid-base balance is important as presented in the concept map below.
Body pH (Normal pH=7.35-7.45
Mechanisms for maintaining normal blood pH
Consequences of pH imbalance
Respiratory control (breathing is slow during alkalosis in order to increase CO 2 amounts and minimize alkalinity. In acidity, breathing is faster to reduce CO 2 and reduce acidity.
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Acidosis: Too much acid in the blood. Characterized by rapid and shallow breathing, fatigue, headache, elevated heart rate, jaundice etc.
Renal regulation (production of H+ ions when acidity is high or produce HCO 3 when pH is high above normal.
Buffer systems (proteins act as H+ receivers or donors when there is an imbalance in body pH in order to bring it back to normal.
Alkalosis –Too much base in the blood. Characterized by confusion which can turn into coma, tetany, hand tremor, vomiting, lightheadedness, twitching of muscles and a feeling of numbness.
Reference
Feher, J. (2017). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Acid–Base Balance. Quantitative Human Physiology , 765–767. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800883-6.00076-8
