By: Clairene R.J. McDavid-Adams, MSc., BS.
In chemistry, a buffer can resist change in the pH of a solution by absorbing excess hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The amount of hydrogen ions in a solution determines the pH (power/potential hydrogen). Buffers are generally comprised of weak acids or bases. The amount of hydrogen or hydroxide ions present in an aqueous medium can affect the acidity or alkalinity in the body. The increase or decrease in these ions from various metabolic processes will essentially affect the pH of a system, which in the case of the human body can affect the function of enzymes and proteins, and can be detrimental in either direction. The blood’s pH is around 7.35-7.45 which is considered slightly acidic. At this pH level, various metabolic processes are facilitated and homeostasis is maintained. So what happens if an imbalance is created due to respiratory or metabolic interference? The body has some chemical buffering systems that assist with pH shifts to either acidity or alkalinity. These include the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer, the phosphate buffer and some protein buffers.
The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer is critical to blood pH homeostasis because it quickly utilizes waste carbon dioxide from cellular respiration in a reaction with water to make carbonic acid or dissociate into hydrogen and bicarbonate ions as needed. Within cells, plasma proteins critically function as blood pH buffers. They can do so as proteins contain a positively charged amino group and a negatively charged carboxylic acid group in their structure. This allows for the binding of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions which function as buffers. Phosphate buffers are important intracellularly and in urine or renal tubules. As their concentration is too low in extracellular regions, they help the kidneys maintain acid-base balance. They also resist changes in blood pH by initiating acid reactions or base reactions, as needed, based on incoming acid or base into the blood. If there is incoming acid, the base part of the buffer will accept protons and if there is incoming base, the acid part of the buffer will release protons to cause neutralization. These reactions are limited and therefore, if excess stress is placed on the system it can cease to function optimally.
Essential Buffers
If we compare the blood’s chemical buffering capacity to our social lives, we will see numerous social buffering systems that can help us navigate extreme circumstances and trauma. Social support includes material, financial, psychological and emotional resources that help us deal with life’s stresses. Having a community or network of supportive and strong individuals we can rely on in tough times is critical to our survival. When we experience the loss of a loved one or a job, a change of location, marriage or divorce, having someone to lean on, who will listen and/or encourage us helps us bounce back quickly and move forward positively. It is emotionally rewarding and also critical to our long-term well-being and physical health.
Spiritual buffering systems are also important, and dare I suggest, one such essential buffer is having a spiritual connection that helps build and sustain our security, comfort and resilience in situations and events that threaten to send us into deep mental despair and physical distress. Intimate and affectionate therapy from a spiritual relationship with God and relationships with others can help persons navigate challenging events. Spiritual support systems include the singing of hymns, listening to or playing praise music, meditating, and fellowship with spiritually-minded individuals. There is a level of calm and resolve in hearing a comforting word, receiving a call, being prayed for or receiving a praise basket.
References
Biga M., L et al. 2019. Anatomy and Physiology. Oregon State University. Retrieved
21/05/2023 from: https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/26-4-acid-base-balance/
Mubria-Mwalili, A. Types of Social Support in Public Health. Retrieved 10/08/2023 from: https://onlinedegrees.unr.edu/blog/types-of-social-support/
Nourian, F. 9 Ways to Provide Spiritual Care to Your Patients & Their Families. Retrieved 14/08/2023 from: https://www.adventhealth.com/careers/blog/9-ways-provide-spiritual-care-your-patients-their-families
Study .com. 2023. What are Buffers. Retrieved 21/5/2023 from:
https://study.com/learn/lesson/buffers-chemistry.html
The University of Western Australia. 2012. Buffering Systems in the Human Body.
Retrieved 21/05/2023 from: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/-
/media/Faculties/Science/Docs/Buffering-systems-in-the-human-body.pdf
