Class 10 Science: Do We Consume Acids and Bases, Or Do They Form Inside The Body?

Acids and bases are the two important chemical substances present in nature and in our bodies that exhibit different essential properties. The former donates the hydrogen ion, which is accepted by the latter, and these are responsible for acidic and basic conditions, respectively. As the acid bases work in nature, they also react in a similar way inside our body to give rise to acidic and alkaline conditions, excesses of either are harmful to the body. The pH scale has a range of 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly basic or alkaline). This scale's neutral point, pH 7, is in the middle.

This Story also Contains

1. Acidity And Alkalinity In The Body
2. Do We Directly Consume Acids And Bases?
3. Formation Of Acids And Bases In The Body
4. Acidic And Alkaline Diets
5. Beware of Acids

Acidity And Alkalinity In The Body

Measuring pH levels gives an idea of the acidity and alkalinity of the body. On the pH scale, the range below 7 is considered acidic, while above 7, it is alkaline. Distilled water has a pH of 7, which is considered neutral. The addition of minerals, impurities, and other compounds can alter the standard pH of solutions.

Our body systems have different pH levels depending on their functioning. The digestive system, responsible for the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and the formation of waste products, has a range of pH within it. The stomach has an optimal pH, while the large intestine has an alkaline pH. A pH of around 2 is required in the stomach so that HCl breaks down the food into smaller particles.

Other than this, another important body fluid – blood is alkaline in nature. Usually, the body maintains the pH of blood close to 7.40. Any alteration in the standard pH of the substances can drastically affect the physiology of the body.

Do We Directly Consume Acids And Bases?

All foods break down and react in a certain way inside our bodies. On their breakdown, they can either promote acid formation or alkali formation. Optimal intakes of both types of food will not hinder the physiology; however, excessively acidic and basic diets will promote more acid and alkali formation. When excessive limits are surpassed, homeostasis will be unable to compensate, and thus these particles will accumulate in the body, breeding varied diseases.

Some acid-formation-promoting foods are meat, coffee, carbonated drinks, nuts, alcohol, and more. In contrast, some alkaline foods are fruits and vegetables.

It is also necessary to note that acids and bases can be weak or strong in nature. Strong acids and bases must be strictly avoided and never tasted or touched without proper precautions. Acids like toilet cleaners and bases like detergents are examples that should never be tasted and can potentially cause severe health hazards.

Formation Of Acids And Bases In The Body

Once the food is taken, its metabolization starts right in the mouth. Gradually, as the food progresses down the gastrointestinal tract, it breaks down into smaller particles, releasing acid or alkalis, depending on its nature and interaction inside the body.

Apart from metabolization, our body also automatically secretes acids and bases depending on the body's requirements. For example, pepsin is the main protein-digesting enzyme that works in an acidic environment, and hence the stomach’s pH is acidic. The parietal cells in the proximal two-thirds (body) of the stomach secrete acid. By establishing a pH that is ideal for pepsin and gastric lipase as well as by encouraging pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, gastric acid helps with digestion.

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Acidic And Alkaline Diets

Most people are often unaware of the nature of the food they consume. Background information regarding the acidic or basic nature of diets must be obtained to ensure that the food does not alter or impact the acid-base balance of the body. This information is also required in order to decide which foods are beneficial or harmful instead of avoiding them without any solid base.

High consumption of acid-forming foods will lower the pH of the blood, thereby impacting its flow and function across the body. The stomach’s pH will stoop more, leading to various diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, and even cancer infections.

On the other hand, the consumption of a highly alkaline diet can disrupt the stomach’s pH, thereby affecting the secretion of digestive enzymes and food breakdown. However, an excessively alkaline diet is believed to cause fewer harmful effects than a highly acidic diet. Though it definitely does not imply that acidic foods must be completely avoided, variety in diets is extremely important.

Beware of Acids

Many articles and studies have proposed and proved that acidity can cause many diseases, and hence one must be aware of their food intake. Except for the stomach, our bodies are naturally slightly alkaline. Therefore, excessive acid-forming substances are far more harmful than an alkaline diet.

The most typical issues brought on by higher levels of acid in the body include acid reflux, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD), and various types of acidosis.

Conclusively, it can be stated that acidity exhibits the highest hydronium ion concentration, while alkaline conditions have a lower hydronium concentration. Both acidity and alkalinity are found in human bodies at different sites. Acids and bases are not safe compounds; hence, they are never consumed directly, especially strong acids and bases. The foods we consume are acidic or alkaline in nature, depending on the products they generate during metabolization.

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