Bases in Your Body: The Role of Bicarbonates

Bicarbonates are mild bases that help keep your blood’s pH steady at about 7.4.
They act as buffers, preventing your body fluids from becoming too acidic or too basic.
The kidneys regulate bicarbonate levels to maintain long-term acid–base balance.
The lungs also play a role—exhaling carbon dioxide lowers acid levels in the blood.
Bicarbonate in the stomach neutralizes excess acid as food enters the small intestine.
Saliva contains bicarbonate, helping protect your teeth from acid erosion.
Medical tests often measure bicarbonate levels to assess overall metabolic health.
Athletes sometimes use bicarbonate supplements to counter lactic acid buildup during exercise.
Too little bicarbonate can lead to acidosis, while too much can cause alkalosis.
This simple ion is one of the body’s unsung heroes, silently keeping chemistry in balance.