Let’s talk about Urine ph!

What is the function of a Urine ph level test and why is it important?

The urine pH level test looks at how acidic or alkaline your urine is via a urine sample. Various disorders, diseases, your nutrition and medications you are on can influence the ph level of your urine. That’s the reason why the urine ph level is a good indication of your body’s overall health.
Your health care professional may check your urine ph levels to find out whether or not it is likely if your body will form kidney stones. Kidney stones are usually formed in both, inappropriately alkaline or acidic environments [R].
Your doctor may order a urine ph level test to figure out if a) the medications you are taking make your urine too acidic and/or b) which medication to prescribe if you have a urinary tract infection.

How to interpret results of the Urine ph level test?

The average urine ph level result at around a ph of 6.

The lower the number, the more acidic your urine is. The higher the ph level, the more alkaline your urine is.

What if my Urine ph level is lower?

A lower level of Urine ph level could be a environment for kidney stones.

Other conditions that prefer a low urine ph level (acidic level) are:

acidosis (when your body fluids in general contain too much acid)
dehydration
diabetic ketoacidosis (body starts breaking down fat at a rate that is too fast)
diarrhea
starvation

What if my Urine ph level is higher?

Urine with a high pH level can be an indication of a urinary tract obstruction, pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the opening from the stomach to the first part of the small intestine ), urinary tract infection, kidney failure or aspirin overdose.

Sources:

Urinary pH and stone formation (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170875)
Urinalysis (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907)

Disclaimer: The information on healthmatters.io is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.