Why do citric acids increase your bodys alkalinity?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Citric acids, particularly from fruits like oranges, increase the body's alkalinity despite their acidic nature. According to Carque, organic acids consumed are converted into alkaline carbonates, enhancing blood alkalinity. Research by Blatherwick and Long confirms that even substantial intake of orange juice consistently results in alkaline urine, demonstrating the body's capacity to oxidize citric acid effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic acids and their metabolic pathways
  • Basic knowledge of human physiology and acid-base balance
  • Familiarity with the concept of alkalinity in biological systems
  • Awareness of the effects of dietary components on urine pH
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the metabolic conversion of citric acid in the human body
  • Study the role of alkaline carbonates in maintaining blood pH
  • Explore the physiological effects of high citric acid intake on urine pH
  • Investigate the health benefits of citrus fruits beyond alkalinity
USEFUL FOR

Nutritionists, health enthusiasts, and individuals interested in the effects of dietary acids on body alkalinity will benefit from this discussion.

wasteofo2
Messages
477
Reaction score
2
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
 
Biology news on Phys.org
http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020126shelton.orthotrophy/020126.ch8.htm

--
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.
--
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
27K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
21K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
9K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K