system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5:How can Wim Hof raise his blood pH through the use of a breathing technique, directly influencing the immune system?

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gpt
I have no idea who/what Wim Hof is, but breathing absolutely influences your blood pH. When carbon dioxide is in your blood, it is converted to H+ (protons) and HCO3 (bicarbonate), which are both dissolved in your blood. H+ (protons) is what determines pH (more H+=lower pH, less H+=higher pH). When the bicarbonate reaches your lungs, it is converted back into CO2, which can be exhaled. 

Therefore, if you increase your breathing rate (hyperventilate), you will blow off more CO2, which will decrease the amount of HCO3 and H+ in your blood, which will increase your blood pH. If you decrease your breathing rate (hypoventilate), you will retain CO2, which will increase the amount of HCO3 and H+ in your blood, and decrease your blood pH. 

This is a well documented phenomenon in diseases that involve acidosis (decreased blood pH). One of the best examples of this is Diabetic Ketoacidosis, in which the low insulin levels result in a low blood pH. One of the classic clinical presentations of Diabetic Ketoacidosis is hyperventillation, because the body is trying to blow off extra CO2 in order to raise the blood pH.