Identify and explain what could go wrong if your blood pH goes below, 7.0. And, what could go wrong if your blood pH were to increase above 7.8.

The ideal pH for blood is from 7.3 - 7.4, or slightly alkaline. The body has several mechanisms for regulating blood pH. If blood pH is too low (which is typical, as most of what we eat is acidic) the body introduces minerals (particuarly potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium) to buffer the blood. If your diet contains enough of these minerals, all is well; if not, the body leaches them from wherever it can - particularly from your bones and muscles.

If the blood pH is low, early symptoms may include skin eruptions, headaches, allergies, cold- and flu-like symptoms, and sinus problems. If the blood pH remains low, orgains such as thyroid glands, adrenal glands, and the liver may begin to fail. Low blood pH decreases oxygen levels in the blood, slowing or even stopping cellular metabolism. Ultimately, this could lead to death.

The blood can become too alkaline as well (from lack of acidic foods, ingesting alkaline products such as antacids), resulting in alkalosis. Symptoms include dizziness and lightheadedness, and (like acidosis) decrease in oxygen levels in the blood.