pH Balance

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

Optimal health depends on the body’s ability to maintain internal balance, and one of the most fundamental of these balances is pH—the acid-base equilibrium that affects every cell, enzyme, and biochemical process. The human body is designed to maintain a slightly alkaline blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45, a tightly regulated range essential for proper oxygen transport, cellular energy production, and metabolic function.
Disruption of this balance can manifest as acidosis (too much acidity) or alkalosis (excess alkalinity), both of which carry significant implications for organ health, mineral metabolism, and overall well-being. At Intercoastal Health, our functional medicine approach to pH balance emphasizes identifying root causes, using biomarker-guided diagnostics, and promoting nutritional and lifestyle interventions to restore and sustain physiologic harmony.

What Is pH and Why Does It Matter?

The term pH stands for “potential of hydrogen” and measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is. A lower pH reflects greater acidity, while a higher pH indicates increased alkalinity. The body uses multiple systems—respiratory, renal, and buffering mechanisms—to keep the blood pH within its optimal range.
Even small deviations from this range can impair enzyme activity, electrolyte balance, oxygen delivery, and detoxification. As a result, maintaining pH is not only a laboratory metric but a foundation of metabolic health.

Signs and Symptoms of pH Imbalance

pH imbalances are often silent in their early stages but can produce a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms as they progress. These symptoms are typically categorized based on whether the imbalance is acidic (acidosis) or alkaline (alkalosis) in nature.

Symptoms of Acidosis:

• Fatigue, especially in the morning
  
• Restless legs
  
• Muscle weakness or cramps
  
• Occipital or frontal headaches
  
• Nervousness, anxiety, or insomnia
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Poor digestion or nutrient assimilation
  
• Dry mouth or warm, dry hands and feet
  
• Joint pain, arthritis, and skin irritations
  
• High blood pressure (hypertension) and palpitations
  
• Autoimmune disorders
  
  

Symptoms of Alkalosis:

• Morning fatigue with difficulty waking
  
• Cold, clammy extremities
  
• Slow pulse and low blood pressure
  
• Constipation or sluggish digestion
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• Leg cramps or muscle twitching (tetany)
  
• Mood changes: depression, introversion
  
• Poor retention of essential minerals
  
• Migraine-type headaches
  
  

Laboratory Assessment and Biomarkers

At Intercoastal Health, we use functional and conventional diagnostics to understand each patient’s acid-base status. The following tests are central to evaluating pH balance:

Tracking pH-related biomarkers provides insight not only into the current state but also potential stressors on the kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Causes of pH Imbalance

pH imbalance is not a diagnosis in itself but a manifestation of underlying dysfunctions. These may be related to dietary patterns, respiratory issues, metabolic disorders, toxic exposure, or organ insufficiency.

Causes of Metabolic Acidosis:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress
  
• Incomplete digestion leading to acidic byproducts
  
• Kidney dysfunction impairing H⁺ excretion
  
• Anaerobic respiration and lactic acid buildup
  
• Chronic stress and sympathetic overdrive
  
• Nutrient deficiency (magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate)
  
• Liver congestion impairing urea cycle
  
• Microbial imbalance increasing acid load
  
• Toxin exposure (heavy metals, alcohol)
  
• Diet high in coffee, alcohol, soda, processed foods
  
  

Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis:

• Diuretic use causing H⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻ loss
  
• Excess vomiting or gastric suction
  
• Overuse of antacids or alkaline water
  
• Hyperaldosteronism promoting H⁺ excretion
  
• Mineral deficiencies impairing buffers
  
• Chloride depletion from low-salt diets
  
  

Clinical Conditions Associated with pH Imbalance

Persistent acid-base imbalances contribute to or exacerbate a wide range of chronic conditions:

• Osteoporosis: Chronic acidosis draws calcium from bones
  
• Kidney stones: Acidic urine promotes stone formation
  
• Hypertension: Linked to sodium retention and vascular stiffness
  
• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin signaling disrupted by lactic acidosis
  
• Autoimmune disorders: Inflammation thrives in acidic environments
  
• Cognitive decline: Neurotransmitter function impaired at low pH
  
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia: Related to mitochondrial inefficiency
  
  

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

A functional medicine protocol for pH balance emphasizes restoring cellular function, enhancing detoxification, and correcting nutritional deficiencies that impair buffering capacity.

1. Nutrient Repletion
   
   • Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, and Bicarbonate support nerve conduction and buffering
     
   • Vitamin D and K2 optimize calcium utilization
     
2. Anti-Inflammatory and Alkaline-Supportive Diet
   
   • Increase alkalizing vegetables and plant-based proteins
     
   • Reduce acid-forming processed foods and beverages
     
3. Breathwork and Oxygenation
   
   • Diaphragmatic breathing for respiratory pH regulation
     
   • Oxygen-supportive exercise to offset lactic acid production
     
4. Stress and Lifestyle Management
   
   • Mindfulness, prayer, and grounding to reduce cortisol
     
   • Adequate sleep and movement for hormonal balance
     
5. Detoxification Support
   
   • Bowel regularity, sweat therapies, and hydration
     
   • Liver support herbs (milk thistle, NAC) to enhance urea cycle
     
     

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Restoring pH balance requires consistent tracking and fine-tuning:

• Quarterly serum bicarbonate, ABG, and electrolytes for at-risk patients
  
• Regular urine pH assessments to guide diet changes
  
• Biannual nutrient panels for magnesium, calcium, and potassium
  
• Periodic lifestyle and digestive health reviews