pH value

The pH value is a measure of the strength of the acidic or basic effect of an aqueous solution. At 22°C, the following classification applies:

pH < 7 solution with acidic effect

pH = 7 neutral solution

pH > 7 alkaline solution (basic effect)

Chemically speaking, an acid forms protons in aqueous solution, i.e. H+.
A base, on the other hand, forms hydroxide ions in aqueous solution, i.e. OH-
Due to its negative charge, the base can absorb protons. Acids and bases therefore neutralise one another, which comes into play in buffer systems.

If a part of the body is too acidic or too alkaline, this results in tissue damage in both cases. This is because acids and bases attack substances and lead to chemical burns or cell death.

Keeping the pH value constant in the blood or other body fluids is vital for survival! Even the smallest pH shifts would be fatal without a buffer system.
The pH value must also be continuously buffered in the stomach or gut, as this would otherwise lead to colic, gastric ulcers or gas build-up.