Certain drinks can increase the acidity of urine. According to research, drinks with high inorganic acid content or high sulfur-bound amino acid content tend to make urine more acidic.
Drinks That Acidify Urine
The following types of drinks can contribute to more acidic urine:
- Drinks with High Inorganic Acid Content:
- Example: Coca-Cola is a common example of a drink high in inorganic acids that can acidify urine.
- Drinks with High Sulfur-Bound Amino Acid Content:
- Examples: Yoghurt and buttermilk are dairy products high in sulfur-bound amino acids. These, when metabolized, can increase urine acidity.
Why Some Drinks Increase Urine Acidity
The primary reason these types of drinks increase urine acidity is due to their chemical composition. When consumed, these substances are metabolized by the body, which results in an increase in acidic byproducts. The kidneys then excrete these byproducts through urine, which lowers its pH (making it more acidic).
Understanding Urine pH
Urine pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) urine is. A pH of 7 is neutral. Lower than 7 is acidic, and higher than 7 is alkaline. The kidneys regulate the body's acid-base balance. The pH can vary based on diet and health conditions.
In summary, both inorganic acids and sulfur-containing amino acids in certain drinks cause urine to become more acidic.
