Acid - Base Balance - dietucate

Acid - Base Balance 

Acid - Base balance refers to the regulation of the hydrogen ion concentration of body fluids.  From metabolic process acids are continuously produced and have to be eliminated. Lungs and kidney are the major agents in carrying out this function in our body. 

Normally the body is maintained in neutrality. In some pathological conditions like diabetes mellitus or fasting for weight reduction and in renal failure the acid - base balance is affected.  Acidosis occurs in this condition. 

Carbonic acid is the main form of acid formed in the body from metabolic.  Carbohydrates, proteins and fats yield carbon dioxide and water during their metabolism. The hydrated from of carbon dioxide in carbonic acid.

Intermediary produces like lactic acid, pyruvic acid , keto acids , uric acids ,  phosphoric acid from phosphoproteins are acidic in nature.

Certain foods in the body produce alkaline ash as the cations ( Na+ , K+ ) allow the body to retain more bicarbonate ions thus producing alkaline effects. 

The neutrality of the body is maintained through the body fluids and their circulation, the acid buffer system like bicarbonate carbonic acid, through haemoglobin content and its capacity to form carbonate, regulation and the final effort from kidney on emergencies.

Acidosis 

It is a condition in which the hydrogen ion concentration is increased or there is an excessive loss of base. The ratio of bicarbonate and carbonic acid is less than 20 : 1 and the pH is 7.35 .

Alkalosis

This is a condition in which the hydrogen ion concentration is decreased or the base is increased. The ratio of bicarbonate or carbonic acid is greater than 20 : 1 and the pH is 7.45  .