1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="VnZPJNQsI9"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/acid-base-balance/">Acid-base balance</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/acid-base-balance/embed/#?secret=VnZPJNQsI9" width="600" height="338" title="“Acid-base balance” — Glossary" data-secret="VnZPJNQsI9" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> The balance between acid and base, i.e. the pH level, in plasma.Minute to minute regulation of the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the body; this is accomplished through the action of the bicarbonate buffering system, the phosphate buffering system, and the body proteins.A state of equilibrium between acidity and alkalinity of body fluids. The acid-base balance keeps body fluids at or near a neutral pH (neither acidic nor basic) for normal body function. Such a balance is necessary because most of the body's metabolic processes produce acids, while vital cellular activities require a somewhat alkaline, or basic, body fluid. Acid- base balance requires a body fluid pH of between 7.35 and 7.45 if enzyme systems and other metabolic activities are to function normally. If the body fluid pH falls below 7.30, acidosis is said to exist; if it rises above 7.50, a state of alkalosis exists. Both acidosis and alkalosis are considered serious.The balance between the amount of carbonic acid and bicarbonate in the blood, which must be maintained at a constant ratio of 1:20 in order to keep the hydrogen ion concentration of the plasma at a constant value. Any alteration in this ratio will disturb the acid-base balance of the blood and tissues and cause either acidosis or alkalosis. The lungs and the kidneys play an important role in the regulation of the acid-base balance.The chemical equilibrium that maintains the body’s pH at about 7.40; i.e., at the concentration of hydrogen ions that is most favorable to routine cellular metabolic processes. The equilibrium is maintained by the action of buffer systems of the blood and the regulatory (homeostatic) functions of the respiratory and urinary systems. Disturbances in acid-base balance result in acidosis or alkalosis.It pertains to the equilibrium between acidity and alkalinity observed in the body fluids, ensuring that the pH level of blood remains within the range of 7.35–7.45.The body employs a complex array of mechanisms to maintain the optimal balance of acidity and alkalinity in its fluids. Alkaline substances, also known as bases, are involved in this regulatory process. It is crucial for the body to operate within a narrow range of chemical neutrality in order to maintain normal physiological functions.Metabolic processes give rise to variations in the pH levels of the blood and other bodily fluids. The human body employs three mechanisms to ensure the maintenance of a balanced acid-base equilibrium: buffers, respiration, and renal activities. Buffers are substances present in the bloodstream that counteract the effects of acidic or alkaline waste materials. Increased respiratory rate facilitates the elimination of carbon dioxide from the blood, leading to a decrease in blood acidity, whereas reduced breathing rate produces the opposite effect. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating the acid or alkaline waste levels in the urine to uphold a consistent pH level in the blood.Disturbances in the equilibrium of acid and base levels within the human body lead to the manifestation of two distinct conditions: acidosis, characterized by an abundance of acidic components in the bloodstream, and alkalosis, marked by an excessive presence of alkaline substances in the blood.