Why Is My Urine More Acidic?

In modern society, people attach great importance to their health. Therefore, they often go to the hospital for physical examination to keep track of their physical condition. Some people may feel confused when facing various test results and do not know how to deal with them. For instance, some may worry about their health when they find that their urine is acidic. So, what causes acidic urine? It could be physiological or pathological.

What Does Acidic Urine Indicate?

1. Physiological Reasons: There are several situations where acidic urine may occur, including physiological and pathological reasons. Occasional positive test results may be related to diet, such as eating too much meat or acidic food, which can lead to acidic urine and changes in pH value. Additionally, pH may decrease after intense exercise, hunger, or excessive sweating.

2. Pathological Reasons: Pathological reasons for acidic urine include alkalosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, gout, fever, and other diseases. Deposition of uric acid salt, urinary tuberculosis, infection, nephritis, and the use of certain drugs, such as calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, or potassium chloride, can also lead to changes in urine pH. Specific analysis should be based on the patient's condition.

What Does Alkaline Urine Indicate?

Alkaline urine can also be divided into physiological and pathological reasons. Physiological alkaline urine is mostly caused by the consumption of alkaline food or excessive gastric acid secretion, which reduces the secretion of uric acid and increases the pH value of urine. Alkaline food is generally plant-based, and eating too much lemon can make urine alkaline. Pathological reasons include respiratory or metabolic acidosis, which can cause bacterial decomposition and renal tubular acidosis. Loss of gastric juice, intense vomiting, loss of intestinal and gastric juice, or nephritis can also lead to alkaline urine.

In conclusion, both acidic and alkaline urine can be caused by physiological or pathological reasons. Physiological changes are often due to dietary preferences, while pathological changes are often caused by lesions in the urinary system or other parts of the body. Therefore, special attention should be paid when such changes occur.