The world is filled with acids and their counterparts, bases. These substances are in our foods and beverages, as well as throughout nature. An acid is any molecule that has the potential to release a hydrogen ion (H+) when mixed into a water-based fluid. A hydrogen ion is a hydrogen atom that breaks away from a molecule but in the process leaves an electron behind. Because it has lost an electron, it will have a positive charge and because it has a positive charge, it easily dissolves into water.
When an acid is added to water, the hydrogen-ion content of the water will increase. On the other hand, a base is any substance that when dissolved in water will take up hydrogen ions from the fluid. Simply stated, an acid will increase the hydrogen ion content of a water-based fluid whereas a base will decrease it. Therefore, acids and bases are opposites.
We often indicate the level of acidity or alkalinity (basicity) to refer to the amount of hydrogen ions dissolved in water or a water-based fluid. Our body can be considered a container of water-based fluid, and, as will soon become more obvious, the concentration of hydrogen ions in our body fluid will greatly influence function and health.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar