The pH scale is used to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid. While 7.0 pH indicates neutral, values lower than 7.0 are acidic and those higher than 7.0 are alkaline. The fluids in our bodies also have a wide range of acidity related to their functions. For example, the pH of the stomach ranges from 1.3 to 3.5, while the skin and vagina are between 4.0 and6.5. The pH value of urine can be between 4.5 and 8.0, and values in this range are considered to be normal urine pH levels.
Optimal pH Value of Urine
When we look at the kidneys, we see that they work as a filter to neutralize the blood pH from acids and alkalies and keep the blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Excess water, salt, electrolytes, and chemicals are excreted, which makes the urine a good indicator of overall health.
An optimal urine pH is generally between 6.0 and 7.0. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry determines the average value of urine pH to be 6.0. As we mentioned in our Vivoo pH box blog, the daily nutritional consumption directly affects the acidity or alkalinity of your urine. Values lower than 7.0 are acidic, and values higher than 7.0 are alkaline. Generally, people tend to have more acidic urine due to their eating habits.
Having the optimal pH balance is critical for the peak performance of hundreds of enzymes in our bodies. If your urine is acidic, adding more alkalizing foods to your diet will have a significant benefit to your health. Remember that it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Acidifying foods:
- Grains
- Soda
- Protein-rich foods
- Foods high in sugar
- Fish
Alkalizing foods:
- Most vegetables
- Most fruits
- Nuts
- Herbs
Water consumption, exercise, kidney health, diseases, and medications also can change the pH of your urine.
A lower than optimal urine pH can be indicated by the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Starvation
- Dehydration
- Kidney stones
A higher than optimal urine pH can cause the following issues:
- Vomiting
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney-related disease
- Asthma
Why You Should Track Urine pH
Urine tests can give critical information about your overall health, showing whether you are living a healthy lifestyle or not. Protein intake, glucose intake, hydration, alcohol consumption, and exercise can affect your kidney function. With Vivoo strips, you can test your urine and get more precise information and nutritional recommendations to have a more balanced urine pH.
Why Make Urine More Alkaline
Changing your diet can cause urine pH to become less acidic, which can help support a healthy bladder. High acidity can lead to weakened body functions, causing inflammation, digestion problems, joint aches, muscle and bone loss, weight gain, sugar cravings, and brain fog. You can try these natural methods to make your urine more alkaline.
- Avoid alcohol and coffee.
- Reduce your red meat consumption.
- Increase hydration.
- Boost vegetable intake.
- Consume fewer fatty foods.
Keep in mind that these are general suggestions, and these foods can have different effects on different people. You can try a Vivoo test to get more personalized nutritional and lifestyle advice.
