Calcium acts as an alkali, which neutralizes excess acid.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Calcium as a Base: Calcium is an alkaline earth metal, meaning it behaves as a base. Bases neutralize acids.
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Neutralization: When calcium reacts with an acid, it neutralizes the acid, raising the pH level towards neutral (pH 7).
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Diet and pH Balance: Some theories suggest that consuming calcium-rich foods can help neutralize excess acidity in the body. This is based on the idea that diet can influence the pH of the blood.
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Bone Health: One concern is that if the body needs to neutralize excess acid, it might draw calcium from bones. This could potentially weaken the bones over time. This is a controversial idea with limited scientific support, but it's a key argument made by those who advocate for an alkaline diet.
In summary, calcium neutralizes acids, and some believe it plays a role in maintaining the body's pH balance and bone health.