A basic start into anatomy & physiology that will help explain bodybuilding & weight gain & loss & muscle building & fat burning.

"pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. pH is defined as the negative log of the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. This mathematical manipulation allows us to measure acidity on a convenient scale of 0 to 14. Neutral pH (that is, the same number of hydrogen ions as hydroxyl, OH-, ions are present in the solution) is 7.0. pH in the plasma and most body fluids is maintained within a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. Only in severe diseases does the pH get slightly below 7.0 or close to 8.0. More dramatic variation is incompatible with life. The body maintains the pH within this narrow range by using buffers, that is, a chemical such as a weak acid or base which can exist in 2 forms; these alternative forms are interconvertible through the absorption or release of hydrogen ions. The most important buffer in the body is the bicarbonate buffer system: H+ + HCO3- <--> CO2 + H2O. HCO3- is controlled by the kidneys and CO2 is controlled by the lungs. If there is a problem with the kidneys, the lungs will try to compensate and visa versa. However, this balance can be upset, for example, in the presence of excessive organic acids which neutralize HCO3-.

Urine pH is not as rigidly controlled as blood pH and can be affected by various factors after collection. Standing in an uncovered container allows CO2 to escape. Bacteria usually increases the pH because they contain enzymes which can break down urea to ammonia, which then combines with hydrogen ions.

In most cases serum pH is a better measure of acid-base imbalance than urine pH, but in some cases urine pH is also helpful. For example, in a respiratory acidosis resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the kidneys (if they are normal) will attempt to counterbalance the increased pH by re-absorbing and synthesizing more bicarbonate, which will then result in a more acidic urine."

Be glad to answer questions when folks start posting & asking them.

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Edward F Sutton