Acidic urine itself isn't necessarily serious, as the normal pH range is 4.5 to 8.0. However, consistently acidic urine (pH below 4.5) can indicate an underlying medical condition. Several factors contribute to urine pH, including diet and medications. A persistently low pH might require medical attention.
What Causes Acidic Urine?
Several factors can cause acidic urine. These include:
- Diet: A diet high in protein and low in fruits and vegetables can lead to more acidic urine.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes) can result in acidic urine. [Reference: This rids the body of stomach acid, which can make body fluids more basic. Acidic urine can also create an environment where kidney stones can form. If a person has low urine pH, meaning that it is more acidic, it might indicate a medical condition, such as: diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a complication of diabetes.]
- Medications: Some medications can alter urine pH.
- Kidney Stones: Acidic urine can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional acidic urine isn't usually cause for concern, persistent low pH warrants medical evaluation. This is especially important if accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
A urine pH test is a simple and non-invasive way to assess your urine's acidity. Your doctor can interpret the results within the context of your overall health and determine if further investigation is needed. The normal range for urine pH varies slightly between sources, typically between 4.6 and 8.0. [References: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/urine-ph-test; https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/urine-ph-test; https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-ph; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323957; https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-a-urine-ph-test ]
