How Does Homeostasis Affect pH Level?

The human body is mainly water. The water is what assists in keeping the body in homeostasis so that the bodily processes function optimally. The pH can be tested to measure how well a body is staying in equilibrium. The pH, or potential hydrogen, is a scale between 0 to 14. If a body is functioning at its best, the pH will be close to 7, which is neutral. If a body is too acidic, it will be between 0 and 6.9, and if too alkaline, between 7.1 and 14. The pH level may change temporarily after such activities as eating, but the actual pH will be evident over several periods of testing and getting close to the same results. Homeostasis affects the body's pH level, and therefore the health a person can maintain.

The human body is designed to heal itself. This cannot occur unless it is in a state of homeostasis, so the body will do what is necessary to try to maintain this balance. Calcium, potassium and sodium, which are alkalizing minerals, will be taken from other areas of the body to keep this balance. Therefore, a person may end up with problems due to the decrease of these minerals, such as osteoporosis from the leeching of calcium.

After some time of taking minerals from other areas, the body will not be able to maintain homeostasis. The result is an acidic pH. A person who is consistently testing in the acidic range will not be able to achieve homeostasis and will be prone to health problems. An increase in colds, fatigue and digestive problems are sometimes due to being too acidic.

A person's diet and stress level are major factors in how healthy she can be. Some foods will increase acidity, and some will alkalize the body. The more alkaline the food, the better the body will be able to stay in homeostasis. Foods that some may think of as acidic are actually alkaline, such as lemons and onions. Some foods that are considered healthy are more acidic, such as walnuts and cranberries. Generally meats are acidic, while most vegetables are alkalizing. Homeostasis is also affected by stress level. A stressful lifestyle will lead to a more acidic pH level. Dealing with stress by getting more sleep, exercising and eating more alkaline foods will help the body sustain a more neutral pH, thus affecting homeostasis and health.