Does lemon juice make my body more alkaline?

24

Replies

  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    In, because I have to see this beat down....

    IDK, everyone exposed the 'secret' of the OP's credentials so I'm not sure the beat down is gonna happen. It's so much better if you draw it out then come out swinging with the "BOOM, SCIENCE! This is what I do for a living!!!" on page 4 or 5.

    plus she's be soooo mad when she finds out its actually my chemistry book, not my buddy's! BWAHAHAHA.
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    uyAQ1eN.jpg
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    In, because I have to see this beat down....
    7mTVVrg.gif
  • Synchronicity
    Synchronicity Posts: 82 Member
    :love: science
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    I'm still waiting on how the TCA cycle is magically different if you eat a lemon as opposed to say, bacon (which is listed as an 'acidifying' food).

    ETA: OMG I am going to dive into my buddy's bio book and maybe I can find a way to respire bacon. IMMA BE RICH.
  • Bebubble
    Bebubble Posts: 938 Member
    I got lost at :noway: ThickMcRunFast. :huh:

    I like lemons and water!
  • Alairissa
    Alairissa Posts: 160 Member
    Do we know the definition of alkaline? Also I am enjoying this post. :drinker:
  • VBnotbitter
    VBnotbitter Posts: 820 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    Let me just run around to intensive care to tell them to hold the lemons for bed 6! :noway: :huh:

    OP simply marvellous post
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    Do we know the definition of alkaline? Also I am enjoying this post. :drinker:

    Alkaline is simply pH>7

    Alkalinity of a liquid is the ability to neutralize hydrogen ions.

    Edited because the formula comes with all kinds of caveats that trip my OCD
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    So unbelievably in.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    So it gets into my respiratory system how?

    In the citric acid cycle, it is broken down into ATP (energy) and molecular building blocks (i.e. your Vitamin C). ATP goes through a process called glycolysis that further breaks the molecule down to a chain containing CoEnzyme A (CoA) and an acetyl group. CoA is the waste product. It is oxidized, converting it to CO2, which is carbon dioxide. Every time you exhale, you expel the rudiments of the citric acid that your body discards as waste.

    This process is more commonly known as the Krebs Cycle.
    It's the citric acid cycle, not citrolysis. It doesn't destroy citrate and expel it, it uses (and regenerates) it during the cycle.
  • _John_
    _John_ Posts: 8,646 Member
    Hydronium was just checking into this thread to make sure everyone was still unaware of his existence...back to being goth...
  • Some_Watery_Tart
    Some_Watery_Tart Posts: 2,250 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    So wait....it will give me lemon breath? In!!! :drinker:

    Also, in for the chem debate.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    So it gets into my respiratory system how?

    In the citric acid cycle, it is broken down into ATP (energy) and molecular building blocks (i.e. your Vitamin C). ATP goes through a process called glycolysis that further breaks the molecule down to a chain containing CoEnzyme A (CoA) and an acetyl group. CoA is the waste product. It is oxidized, converting it to CO2, which is carbon dioxide. Every time you exhale, you expel the rudiments of the citric acid that your body discards as waste.

    This process is more commonly known as the Krebs Cycle.
    It's the citric acid cycle, not citrolysis. It doesn't destroy citrate and expel it, it uses (and regenerates) it during the cycle.

    sshhh with your correctness. I was hoping I could use my acid breath to melt through walls soon
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    I got lost at :noway: ThickMcRunFast. :huh:

    I like lemons and water!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFHlJ2voJHY
  • QueenBishOTUniverse
    QueenBishOTUniverse Posts: 14,121 Member
    Lets just take this down to the most basic of basics. Everyone say it together now:

    HOMEOSTASIS

    Because screwing with it is bad, and you're body doesn't like that, so no, lemon's ain't gonna change your internal pH.
  • Some_Watery_Tart
    Some_Watery_Tart Posts: 2,250 Member
    Lets just take this down to the most basic of basics. Everyone say it together now:

    HOMEOSTASIS

    Because screwing with it is bad, and you're body doesn't like that, so no, lemon's ain't gonna change your internal pH.
    So...no lemon breath? That's it. I'm out.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    I can't get rid of the image of moles crammed into a one liter bottle.

    I also read that as 20 Mole Team Borax. Which would be a ridiculous team. Unless maybe they were Morocco Moles.


    Other than those two things I found this post to be both fascinating and thought provocative.

    I think you would enjoy this

    http://what-if.xkcd.com/4/

    Now THAT was truly awesome. :drinker:
  • psfr
    psfr Posts: 25 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    Where did you get this information?

    Sam Houston State University, BS in Food and Nutrition Science. Not my buddy's first-year chemistry book, Chapter 4, How to Calculate a Mole.

    U mad bro?:laugh:

    The Krebs cycle goes on in our cells, all the time, whether or not lemon water is ingested.

    so...congrats on describing respiration (also from what looks to be a beginners text book)? Not sure what that has to do with the wacky claim about blood pH and lemon water. Also not sure why you think common elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc have anything to do with pH or alkalinity.

    Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are the previously referred to minerals that play a role in alkanization of the urine (not blood, urine) after eating certain foods.

    I don't see what the showdown is about, really. You both said true things, and neither of you fully addressed the effects of lemon juice on pH of bodily fluids.
    Oh, right, MFP forums aren't the place for constructive conversations about science, we'd rather beat each other down and try to prove how much more knowledgeable we are than anyone else.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    Where did you get this information?

    Sam Houston State University, BS in Food and Nutrition Science. Not my buddy's first-year chemistry book, Chapter 4, How to Calculate a Mole.

    U mad bro?:laugh:

    The Krebs cycle goes on in our cells, all the time, whether or not lemon water is ingested.

    so...congrats on describing respiration (also from what looks to be a beginners text book)? Not sure what that has to do with the wacky claim about blood pH and lemon water. Also not sure why you think common elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc have anything to do with pH or alkalinity.

    Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are the previously referred to minerals that play a role in alkanization of the urine (not blood, urine) after eating certain foods.

    I don't see what the showdown is about, really. You both said true things, and neither of you fully addressed the effects of lemon juice on pH of bodily fluids.
    Oh, right, MFP forums aren't the place for constructive conversations about science, we'd rather beat each other down and try to prove how much more knowledgeable we are than anyone else.

    So what's your take on it?
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    OK. I just saw a dietician tell someone on these boards that they needed to cut out refined carbs because they cause inflammation. I'm pretty sure someone just handed her a degree upon enrollment.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    Where did you get this information?

    Sam Houston State University, BS in Food and Nutrition Science. Not my buddy's first-year chemistry book, Chapter 4, How to Calculate a Mole.

    U mad bro?:laugh:

    The Krebs cycle goes on in our cells, all the time, whether or not lemon water is ingested.

    so...congrats on describing respiration (also from what looks to be a beginners text book)? Not sure what that has to do with the wacky claim about blood pH and lemon water. Also not sure why you think common elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc have anything to do with pH or alkalinity.

    Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are the previously referred to minerals that play a role in alkanization of the urine (not blood, urine) after eating certain foods.

    I don't see what the showdown is about, really. You both said true things, and neither of you fully addressed the effects of lemon juice on pH of bodily fluids.
    Oh, right, MFP forums aren't the place for constructive conversations about science, we'd rather beat each other down and try to prove how much more knowledgeable we are than anyone else.

    So what's your take on it?

    I would also like to know how calcium from lemons affects the pH of your urine.

    I'll I've gotten so far is a (bad) description of part of the respiratory cycle.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    So it gets into my respiratory system how?

    In the citric acid cycle, it is broken down into ATP (energy) and molecular building blocks (i.e. your Vitamin C). ATP goes through a process called glycolysis that further breaks the molecule down to a chain containing CoEnzyme A (CoA) and an acetyl group. CoA is the waste product. It is oxidized, converting it to CO2, which is carbon dioxide. Every time you exhale, you expel the rudiments of the citric acid that your body discards as waste.

    This process is more commonly known as the Krebs Cycle.
    It's the citric acid cycle, not citrolysis. It doesn't destroy citrate and expel it, it uses (and regenerates) it during the cycle.

    Whose chem book did *you* borrow???

    :huh:
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    OK. I just saw a dietician tell someone on these boards that they needed to cut out refined carbs because they cause inflammation. I'm pretty sure someone just handed her a degree upon enrollment.

    I'm willing to put money on that being the person with the eDegree in some holistic nutrition.

    to paraphrase Johnny earlier....that's the beauty of for-profit education.
  • VBnotbitter
    VBnotbitter Posts: 820 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    Where did you get this information?

    Sam Houston State University, BS in Food and Nutrition Science. Not my buddy's first-year chemistry book, Chapter 4, How to Calculate a Mole.

    U mad bro?:laugh:

    The Krebs cycle goes on in our cells, all the time, whether or not lemon water is ingested.

    so...congrats on describing respiration (also from what looks to be a beginners text book)? Not sure what that has to do with the wacky claim about blood pH and lemon water. Also not sure why you think common elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc have anything to do with pH or alkalinity.

    Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are the previously referred to minerals that play a role in alkanization of the urine (not blood, urine) after eating certain foods.

    I don't see what the showdown is about, really. You both said true things, and neither of you fully addressed the effects of lemon juice on pH of bodily fluids.
    Oh, right, MFP forums aren't the place for constructive conversations about science, we'd rather beat each other down and try to prove how much more knowledgeable we are than anyone else.

    So what's your take on it?

    I would also like to know how calcium from lemons affects the pH of your urine.

    I'll I've gotten so far is a (bad) description of part of the respiratory cycle.

    All I've got, though you would need a lot of lemons to match prescribed dosage of potassium citrate, and its irrelevant to anyone without renal calculi

    J Urol. 1985 Jul;134(1):20-3.
    Prevention of recurrent calcium stone formation with potassium citrate therapy in patients with distal renal tubular acidosis.
    Preminger GM, Sakhaee K, Skurla C, Pak CY.
    Abstract
    Distal renal tubular acidosis is a common cause of intractable calcium nephrolithiasis. We examined the effect of oral potassium citrate therapy in 9 patients with incomplete distal renal tubular acidosis diagnosed on the basis of an abnormal response to an oral ammonium chloride load. Patients were studied during a control phase and after 3 months of potassium citrate treatment (60 to 80 mEq. daily). Potassium citrate caused a significant increase in urinary pH and urinary citrate, and a decrease in urinary calcium. The urinary relative saturation ratio of calcium oxalate significantly decreased during treatment, while that of bru****e did not change. Potassium citrate also was shown to inhibit new stone formation. During a mean treatment period of 34 months none of the 9 patients had new stones, although 39.3 plus or minus 79.7 (standard deviation) stones per patient formed during the 3 years preceding treatment. The results support the potential clinical advantage of potassium citrate therapy in patients with distal renal tubular acidosis and recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    OK. I just saw a dietician tell someone on these boards that they needed to cut out refined carbs because they cause inflammation. I'm pretty sure someone just handed her a degree upon enrollment.

    I'm willing to put money on that being the person with the eDegree in some holistic nutrition.

    to paraphrase Johnny earlier....that's the beauty of for-profit education.

    Oh, I'm sure. My point simply was that unfortunately, almost anyone can call themselves a nutritionist these days. Heck, I think I'LL hang out a sign. I aught to get paid for all the good advice I dole out here, and for all the grief I get for it. :laugh:
  • VBnotbitter
    VBnotbitter Posts: 820 Member
    And incidentally I work with a lot of dietitians who are very knowledgable in their field but they would be very low down on my list of people to consult in cases of acidaemia or alkadaemia
  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    Simple answer. Homeostasis = no
  • QueenBishOTUniverse
    QueenBishOTUniverse Posts: 14,121 Member
    Great job using your buddy's chemistry book, but you've entirely overlooked the human body's respiratory system. Lemon does not alkalize itself. The citric acid is expelled via the respiratory system as a person exhales, and also via the kidneys as uric acid. What is left after the body quickly does away with the citric acid is calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Selenium to name the largest quantities, also known as "alkaline ash." If someone said lemons alkalize the blood, they are wrong. But to say lemons do not have an alkalizing ash is equally wrong.

    There is a reason dietitians don't take Chemistry 101 and get a degree handed to them their sophomore years.

    OK. I just saw a dietician tell someone on these boards that they needed to cut out refined carbs because they cause inflammation. I'm pretty sure someone just handed her a degree upon enrollment.

    I'm willing to put money on that being the person with the eDegree in some holistic nutrition.

    to paraphrase Johnny earlier....that's the beauty of for-profit education.


    I really try very hard since I teach high school students in a Title I school to be supportive of ANY form of education some body is willing to follow through with after high school. I do have to admit to getting a little cranky, however, when my masters in an advanced science based on real field research at a major university gets the same consideration as my friend down the hall who did 18 months of online classes for a masters in education. As she says, damn, you did one of those REAL masters. Hey, she said it, not me.:tongue:
  • psfr
    psfr Posts: 25 Member
    A couple places to start (unfortunately not all that helpful if you don't have access to the full articles)

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/7797810/
    http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1525-139x.2000.00062.x/abstract

    Also, when we talk about Kreb's cycle, we're mainly talking about metabolism rather than respiration. Though the systems are linked.