What dietary factor can contribute to acidic urine?

A high protein diet can contribute to acidic urine due to the metabolism of protein-rich foods, which leads to the production of sulfuric and phosphoric acids. When proteins are consumed, they are broken down into amino acids, many of which contain sulfur. Upon metabolism, these sulfur-containing amino acids can produce sulfuric acid, ultimately leading to a decrease in urine pH, resulting in more acidic urine.

Contrarily, diets rich in vegetables, high fiber, or dairy products tend to have either neutral or slightly alkaline effects on urine pH. Vegetable diets often contribute to more alkaline urine due to their high potassium and magnesium content, while a high fiber diet can assist with metabolic processes that may also impact urine pH positively. Dairy products, though they contain protein, have a more balanced effect on urine acidity due to their calcium and lactose components.