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Your body naturally maintain pH through various reactions. Mostly, it can maintain pH through cravings. Your body may need to lower its' acidity, so you would have cravings for something that's more neutral or leaning toward being a base. Or the other way around. The same thing happens for nutrition. If your body is severely deficient in some vitamin or mineral, you would have cravings for something with high concentrations of that vitamin or mineral. i.e. low in potassium could result in cravings for bannas.

The paragraph above was written by someone else and explains an idea that has been popular for thousands of years, but which has never been shown in objective research. For example, many iron deficient people tend to crave ice, which usually has very little iron.

ANYway, our bodies control pH very carefully. Just a small deviation either way can kill us. One way we add acid is by producing hydrochloric acid in our stomachs and then absorbing that from our intestines. One way we add base is to produce sodium bicarbonate in our pancreas, also absorbed from our intestines. Breathing deep and hard will RAISE body pH; holding breath or breathing too little can LOWER it. There are a lot of other things at play here. Generally, our bodies take care of this without our attention. Thank Goodness!

^^^Sooo complicated

There are two main ways our body controls pH

Respiratory system via CO2 (carbon dioxide - acidic)

Metabolic (renal) system via HCO3 (bicarb - alkalotic)

P.S.

Previous editor, breathing deeply blows off your CO2 which raises pH making you more alkalotic

Holding your breath retains CO2 lowering pH making it more acidic

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What do buffers do to help maintain a stable pH level in a solution?

Buffers help maintain a stable pH level in a solution by resisting changes in pH when acids or bases are added. They can absorb excess hydrogen ions (H) or hydroxide ions (OH-) to prevent drastic shifts in pH.


What role does a buffer play in chemistry and how does it help maintain a stable pH level in a solution?

A buffer in chemistry helps maintain a stable pH level in a solution by resisting changes in pH when an acid or base is added. It does this by containing a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can react with any added acid or base to prevent drastic changes in pH. This helps keep the solution's pH stable and within a desired range.


What is the pH range of bicarbonate?

The pH range of bicarbonate is typically between 8.3 and 10.6. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer in the blood to help maintain a stable pH level.


What are naturally occurring chemicals that help keep our body's pH level stable?

Buffers are naturally occurring chemicals that help maintain the body's pH level within a narrow range. They can either accept or release hydrogen ions to prevent drastic changes in pH. Examples of buffers in the body include bicarbonate ions in the blood and proteins in cells.


Why is it important to maintain a stable pH level in your body at all times?

Maintaining a stable pH level in your body is crucial for proper functioning of enzymes, proteins, and other cellular processes. Fluctuations in pH can disrupt these processes, leading to potential health issues. The body has built-in mechanisms, such as buffers and kidney function, to help regulate pH levels within a narrow range to support optimal health.

Related Questions

What do buffers do to help maintain a stable pH level in a solution?

Buffers help maintain a stable pH level in a solution by resisting changes in pH when acids or bases are added. They can absorb excess hydrogen ions (H) or hydroxide ions (OH-) to prevent drastic shifts in pH.


What role does a buffer play in chemistry and how does it help maintain a stable pH level in a solution?

A buffer in chemistry helps maintain a stable pH level in a solution by resisting changes in pH when an acid or base is added. It does this by containing a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can react with any added acid or base to prevent drastic changes in pH. This helps keep the solution's pH stable and within a desired range.


What is the pH range of bicarbonate?

The pH range of bicarbonate is typically between 8.3 and 10.6. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer in the blood to help maintain a stable pH level.


What is the pH of disodium phosphate?

The pH of disodium phosphate is around 9-9.5. It acts as a buffer in solution, helping to maintain a stable pH level.


What is PH up?

pH Up is a chemical solution used to raise the pH level of water in aquariums or hydroponic systems. It helps maintain a stable and healthy pH level for the aquatic or plant life in the environment.


What are naturally occurring chemicals that help keep our body's pH level stable?

Buffers are naturally occurring chemicals that help maintain the body's pH level within a narrow range. They can either accept or release hydrogen ions to prevent drastic changes in pH. Examples of buffers in the body include bicarbonate ions in the blood and proteins in cells.


Why is it important to maintain a stable pH level in your body at all times?

Maintaining a stable pH level in your body is crucial for proper functioning of enzymes, proteins, and other cellular processes. Fluctuations in pH can disrupt these processes, leading to potential health issues. The body has built-in mechanisms, such as buffers and kidney function, to help regulate pH levels within a narrow range to support optimal health.


How does a buffer work in chemistry to maintain a stable pH level?

A buffer in chemistry works by resisting changes in pH levels. It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can react with added acid or base to maintain a stable pH. The buffer system can absorb or release hydrogen ions to prevent drastic changes in pH.


What are three examples of homeostasiss?

Body temperature regulation: sweating when hot and shivering when cold to maintain a stable internal temperature. Blood sugar regulation: release of insulin to lower blood sugar levels after a meal and glucagon to raise levels when they are too low. pH balance in the blood: buffers in the body help to maintain a stable pH level in the blood despite changes in diet or metabolism.


How do buffers work in chemistry to maintain a stable pH level?

Buffers in chemistry work by resisting changes in pH when an acid or base is added. They contain a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. When an acid is added, the base in the buffer neutralizes it, and when a base is added, the acid in the buffer neutralizes it. This helps maintain a stable pH level in a solution.


How do buffers work to maintain a stable pH level in a solution?

Buffers work by resisting changes in pH levels in a solution. They do this by either accepting or donating hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH. When there are too many hydrogen ions, the buffer will absorb them. When there are too few, the buffer will release hydrogen ions. This helps to keep the pH level within a specific range, preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.


What is the role of the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in maintaining the body's pH balance?

The bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) acts as a buffer in the body, helping to regulate and maintain the pH balance by neutralizing excess acids or bases. It helps to keep the blood and other bodily fluids at a stable pH level, which is crucial for proper functioning of cells and organs.