Why do citric acids increase your bodys alkalinity?

[wasteofo2]

I was reading through a physiology book and it stated that oranges and other citric fruits actually increase the alkalinity of your body, even though they're acidic themselves.

Does anyone have an explanation for this?

Thanks,
Jacob

 

[hitssquad]

http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020126shelton.orthotrophy/020126.ch8.htm

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Carque says: "The combined organic acids or salts consumed in food are generally changed in the body into alkaline carbonates, thereby increasing the alkalinity of the blood and secretions. The uncombined acids either form alkaline carbonates, or are oxidized into carbon dioxide and water."

The terminal product of the combustion, the acid radical of calcium salts of combustible organic acids, is carbonic acid and is excreted through the lungs and requires no bases to assist in its excretion. The entire calcium content of the salt remains at the free disposal of the body as a base. The same is true of the potassium, sodium and magnesium contained in the salts.

Blatherwick and Long found that drinking even large quantities of orange juice always results in producing an alkaline urine. They say: "It was impossible to over-reach the organism's ability to oxidize the contained citric acid," even though the. amount drunk was the equivalent of twenty-four large oranges eaten daily.
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[ravenprp]

Citric acid, like other acids, is composed of hydrogen ions (H+) and anions (negatively charged ions). When consumed, these ions are metabolized by the body and can either increase or decrease the body's pH level. However, citric acid also contains special compounds called alkalizing minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals have a higher alkaline pH and can neutralize the acidic effects of the hydrogen ions in citric acid. As a result, consuming citric fruits can actually have an alkalizing effect on the body. Additionally, citric fruits are also rich in water and electrolytes, which help to flush out acidic waste products from the body and maintain a more balanced pH level. So while citric fruits may be acidic in nature, their overall effect on the body is alkalizing.