What is the pH value and how does it work in horse nutrition?

The pH is the degree of acidity, or acidity levels. You may have had to measure this in a liquid using litmus paper in high school. The pH can vary from 0 to 14. A pH of about 7 is considered neutral. In nutrition – for humans and for horses – we talk about acidic and alkaline foods. Natascha explains: "Humans naturally consume acidic and alkaline foods. For example, animal products and grains are acidifying, while leafy greens and fruit are alkaline. You do not look at the pH value of the food itself, but the PRAL value. This is the acidifying effect in the body. A banana, for example, has a pH value of 4.85, which is acidic, but a PRAL value of -7.8, which means it actually has a very neutralizing effect on the body. The more negative the PRAL value, the more alkaline the effect in the body. A horse naturally eats only alkaline foods, such as grass, stems, leaves, branches, and other plants. Additionally, wild horses also intake a lot of minerals, which are also alkaline."

What is the function of the pH value in horses?

Natascha explains why the pH plays an important role in horses: "All organs are affected by the acidity. In the horse's body, many biochemical processes take place. There are many conversions happening. Your horse eats fibers, and everything he needs must be made from those: enzymes, hormones, red blood cells... This occurs in the biochemical processes in the cells. And this cell activity can only work well when the pH in and around the cells is optimal. For example, the stomach must be acidic to break down food particles and kill pathogens, but the intestines should be much less acidic for proper digestion. Each organ has its own optimal pH. Cells can only perform optimally if the acidity level is optimal for those specific cells."

How does the acid-base balance work?

The acid-base balance in the blood is crucial. Acids have a low pH and basic substances have a high pH. The body tries to maintain an optimal blood pH between 7.34 and 7.48. If the blood becomes too acidic, the body will work to add basic substances. The kidneys play a key role in this process. Basic substances can come from bones, muscles, and amino acids. While it is beneficial that the horse's body can prevent excessive acidification, constant correction can have negative consequences on the bones, muscles, and tissues that need to release minerals and amino acids. Prevention of acidification is important.

The crucial pH of blood

"The most critical pH value in a body is that of blood," further explains Natascha. When blood becomes too acidic in horses, the body will use 'basic reserves' to correct it, such as minerals from bones and amino acids from muscles. Signs of acidification are important to recognize and prevent as they can have a significant impact on the horse's health and performance.

How and why do horses become acidified?

There are several causes of acidification in horses. Horses can become acidic due to factors such as their diet or stress. Intensive training, improper diet, and chronic stress can all contribute to acidification in horses. It is important to manage these factors to maintain the horse's well-being.

Common acidification in horses

Acidification is often a combination of various factors such as improper training, nutrition, and chronic stress. Acidification arises from excessive loss of basic substances. Recognizing the signs of acidification in horses can be challenging, but observing symptoms such as fatigue, slow recovery, and strong odors can give insight into the horse's health.

Preventing acidification in horses

Prevention of acidification is essential for a horse's health and well-being. By focusing on nutrition, training, and management, you can help your horse maintain a healthy pH balance. Incorporating alkalizing foods, supplements, and proper training techniques can contribute to preventing acidification in horses.

Tips to prevent acidification in your horse

• Avoid acidic foods and focus on providing alkalizing foods.

• Incorporate supplements with minerals and trace elements.

• Ensure the horse has ample time for free movement and social interaction.

• Train strategically to promote recovery and prevent acidification.

Natascha Bos is the pioneer of manual lymphatic drainage in horses in the Netherlands. She works as a therapist and educates others through her company Blauwe Hengst.