ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Acid-base physiology

Acid-base physiology is like a game of balancing act where we need to keep a perfect balance between acids and bases in our body to stay healthy. Think of it like a see-saw where the point in the center is where we want to be, not too much on one side or the other.

Our body produces many acids and bases naturally while breaking down food and performing other activities. If there are too many acids in our body, it can make us sick, like when you eat too many sweets and your tummy hurts. Similarly, if there are too many bases, it can also cause problems.

So, to balance the acids and bases, our body has some helpers like our lungs, kidneys, and buffer systems. Our lungs help to get rid of carbon dioxide (a type of acid) by making us breathe faster or slower. Our kidneys help us to get rid of excess acids or bases by filtering our blood. Finally, the buffer system in the body helps to keep the pH level in our body (the measure of how acid or basic something is) normal.

So, to keep this balancing act going, we need to eat healthy foods, drink water, and exercise. This way, our body will function properly, and we can avoid getting sick.