Normal Urine pH Levels

Urine pH indicates whether your urine is acidic or alkaline. On the pH scale, 7 is neutral. The lower the pH number, the greater the acidity, while a higher pH indicates more alkalinity.

Normal pH levels

• Urine normally tends to be slightly acidic. Normal values range between 4.6 up to 8.0.

Factors affecting pH

• Diet can have a significant impact on urine pH. Eating lots of citrus fruits, legumes and vegetables produces urine that is more alkaline and has a higher pH. A diet high in meat or cranberries tends to decrease urine pH. Urine is also highly acidic upon waking because of slower breathing when you sleep.

Conditions associated with low pH

• Acidic urine (urine with a low pH number) can be an indication of several conditions or diseases. These include acidosis, uncontrolled diabetes, gout, starvation and dehydration. Acidic urine can contribute to the formation of kidney and bladder stones.

Conditions associated with high pH

• Urine with a high pH can be an indication of a urinary tract obstruction, pyloric stenosis, urinary tract infection, kidney failure and aspirin overdose.

Testing urine pH

• Testing urine pH is simple and can even be done at home using inexpensive pH indicator strips. It’s important to remember that urine pH alone is not enough information on which to base a diagnosis.