Ion is a molecule or atom having an electrical-charge. Based on number of electrons and protons, net charge varies. Protons possess a positive electrical charge and it is negative for electrons. pH is a log-scale to denote basicity or acidity of water-soluble substances / liquids. Acidic substances have more Hydrogen ions (+) and hence have lesser pH values. Alkaline or basic solutions have higher values of pH. In this light, what does high pH in urine mean?
pH values measure acidity and alkalinity. pH stands as a measurement of how much acidic / basic a substance / liquid is. pH denotes acidic / basic properties of water-based solvents. Items with low pH are gastric acid, battery acid, baking soda, bleach, etc. pH of higher values are in items like lemon, tomato and orange juices, soda, vinegar, bananas, seawater or pure water.
pH value of your urine
pH of urine shows its acidity level. This is detected through a urine-pH test. A normal urine pH value can denote a range from 4.5 to 8.0. However, these values may vary from one clinical lab setting to another.
Normal pH value of urine i.e., between 4.5 to 8.0 – means your kidneys are functioning well. It also means your renal system is balancing your body's acid-base levels quite well. In general, pH of urine may hover at ~ 6.0; this is seen as an average. Fluctuation of pH depends on how hydrated your body is, types of foods you take and your overall health.
pH level-ratings of urine are as follows -
- Acidic urine - pH value of less than 4.5
- Basic / alkaline urine – pH value is above 8.0
- Normal is when it hovers in between 4.5 and 8.0
High pH in urine
Your urine may have high pH i.e., more basic / alkaline – due to several reasons. Of reasons known to medical science, renal dysfunction / Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a prime cause. Such conditions stand in the way of your kidneys from removing acids off blood. This is termed as renal tubular acidosis. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) remain another cause for high pH in urine.
In addition, several other factors contribute to a high urine pH i.e. alkaline urine. Your diet could be one of the major contributors for a high urine pH. Diet intake of high fruit / vegetable do naturally have alkaline. This can cause high urine pH. In addition, some foods produce alkaline – e.g. dairy products can even result in an increase of your urine pH.
However, a slightly alkaline pH can be a normal thing after meals. This can even be the case for some individuals who follow a vegetarian diet. However, you should never experience a persistent high urine pH condition, as it could be the sign of any underlying medical condition.
Some medications may also have a role to play in making pH value of urine to go high. Antacids such as sodium bicarbonate or other carbonates may lead to high pH in urine.
Potassium citrate is an effective med to treat kidney stones, which physicians prescribe. This med is also known to raise pH value of bodily fluids like urine. Additionally, a few types of diuretics / water pills can make pH value to get spiked-up. Meds like acetazolamide you use to treat glaucoma is another case in point.
Symptoms of high pH in urine
At times, you may not be able to detect high urine pH in your system. This is because of symptoms not showing up. There may also be no visible / palpable signs of high pH in your urine. Most cases are asymptomatic; many people may not know if their urine is of high pH. At times, a diagnostic test may accidentally identify an elevated urinary value.
On the contrary, few individuals may experience symptoms relating to an elevated urinary pH. These symptoms include being confused, mood shifts, being nauseated, incessant spells of vomiting, inexplicable episodes of fatigue, numbness, digestive issues, or appetite changes, etc.
In some, discomforts such as acid reflux / heartburn, altered sense of taste or smell / loss of such olfactory function, etc. are observed. Excessive fluid retention or inflammation is also possible due to high urine pH in urine. It can also lead to muscular spasms / convulsions, cold hands and feet, etc.
If your pH level is worrying you much, or if the symptoms persist, it can be indicative of an acid-base imbalance. It is essential for you to consult a healthcare provider.
How to avoid high pH in urine?
To avoid high urine pH level, you can alter your food intake i.e. dietary modification as needed. Moreover, to stay hydrated, drink ample water at regular intervals. By keeping yourself hydrated throughout, you can maintain a lower pH value.
Consuming a more protein-rich diet with a mix of carbohydrates, fruits, and veggies can even help maintain a lower pH value. Addition of animal-based proteins helps. Healthy fats, berries, and nuts can be a part of your diet regimen.
Dangers of high pH in urine
High pH in urine - also known as alkaline urine - can increase risks of your getting a few medical conditions. A high value increases risks of developing kidney stones; particularly stones of calcium phosphate. These stones more-likely form when your urine turns alkaline (basic).
A few bacterial strands in your urinary tract may make ammonia. This elevates pH values of urine and may form struvite / phosphate-based -stones. As a few bacterial strands thrives in alkaline solutions, high pH in urine may significantly contribute to onset of UTIs.
How to treat high pH value in urine?
It can be treated making changes to your daily diet and increased fluid intake. You can opt for a low-purine diet, add acidifying foods to your diet. Foods like citrus fruits, cranberry juice, and limited intake of sodium can suppress pH value.
When to consult your caregiver?
If high pH in urine persists and does not go away, approach your caregiver. Your caregiving team knows how to diagnose the underlying cause(s) – be it a UTI or a renal condition. Conservative treatments include prescription of medications to bring down alkalinity of your urine.