Acids are things that taste sour, like vinegar or lemon juice. Bases taste bitter, like mustard and medicine. This is why cough syrup is always flavoured – to hide the bitter taste.

Most drugs are either weak acids or weak bases. In alkaline urine, acidic drugs are more readily ionised. In acidic urine, alkaline drugs are more readily ionised. Ionised substances (also refered to as polar) are more soluble in water so dissolve in the body fluids more readily for excretion.

Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan, can neutralize the acid from your stomach. But they may cause diarrhea or constipation, especially if you overuse them.

The results of this study have shown that green tea can have an antimicrobial effect on E. coli bacteria that cause UTIs. This is the first time that green tea has been reported to have this kind of effect.

Drinks with high inorganic acid content (such as Coca-Cola) or high sulfur-bound amino acid content such as yoghurt and buttermilk will result in acidification of the urine.

A new study suggests drinking soda might raise the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For the study, published in the Feb. 7 issue of Respirology, Australian researchers surveyed nearly 17,000 people asking about their soft drink habits.

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, or non-cheese dairy products can increase your urine pH. A diet high in fish, meat products, or cheese can decrease your urine pH.

The kidneys maintain normal acid-base balance primarily through the reabsorption of sodium and the tubular secretion of hydrogen and ammonium ions. Urine becomes increasingly acidic as the amount of sodium and excess acid retained by the body increases.