The acid-base balance (PRAL-value)

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The acid-base balance (PRAL value)

The abbreviation PRAL stands for the English term Potencial Renecal Acid Load, which refers to the estimated acid load on the body of a food per 100 g and the influence that the food has on the acid content of the urine. The PRAL value is based on scientific research conducted in the 1990s and published in many medical journals since then. The most important conclusion was that a good acid-base balance is important for a healthy body. We must ensure a good balance between acid-forming and base-forming foods in our diet. The problem of our Western society is that our current diet is predominantly acid-forming.

Disruption of the acid-base balance due to diet

Nutrition influences the acid-base balance. Acid-forming foods, such as grains, meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs, increase the PRAL value and thus the acidity of the urine. Base-forming foods, such as legumes, nuts, vegetables and fruit, on the other hand, lower the PRAL value. Whether something tastes sour, for example lemon juice, is not an indication of its acid-forming potential. Lemons are also base forming. A high positive PRAL value has a strong acidifying effect on the body, while a negative PRAL value has a neutralizing effect on the body and contributes to the restoration of the acid-base balance.

Possible health effects of too high an acid load.

Much research has been done into a possible link between a high acid load in the diet and all kinds of health complaints. Common complaints included muscle and joint pain, fatigue, increased blood pressure, skin complaints and inflammation. A high acid load can also contribute to the development of kidney stones.