Acidosis

Introduction

For optimum health, the body must maintain a balance of acidity. Too much acidity or alkalinity in the body can have detrimental effects on health. Acidosis may result from specific health problems, prescription medicines, and dietary choices. While some types of acidosis are treatable, severe acidosis can be lethal if left untreated.

What is Acidosis?

Acidosis is a condition in which the body's fluids contain an excessive amount of acid. Alkalosis is just the opposite where there is too much base in the body fluids.

When the body has too much acid, it attempts to remove it as a way of balancing things out. Most of the time, the kidneys and lungs can remove extra acid from the body. These organs may experience major consequences if acidosis exerts too much strain on them.

Types of Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

When the metabolism is disrupted, metabolic acidosis—a condition where too much acid accumulates in the body—occurs.

This can be brought on by a number of various health conditions, such as −

• diabetes

• diarrhea

• fistula

• insulin resistance

Some common symptoms may include −

• an increased heartbeat

• headaches

• fatigue and weakness

• nausea and vomiting

• a loss of appetite

• confusion

Renal Tubular Acidosis

The kidneys' functions include eliminating excess acid from the body, which is expelled through urine. The kidneys' ability to adequately expel acid from the body is compromised if there is an issue with them. Renal tubular acidosis is a term frequently used to describe kidney disease or kidney failure brought on by acidosis.

Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory acidosis develops when the body is unable to expel enough carbon dioxide, which subsequently accumulates in the body and raises the blood's acidity levels.

Respiratory acidosis can be caused by -

• stroke

• drugs such as opioids

• muscular dystrophy

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Some common symptoms of respiratory acidosis may include −

• wheezing

• difficulty breathing

• anxiety

• disturbed sleep

• a blue-tinge skin due to a low level of oxygen in the blood.

Diet-induced acidosis

Some foods and beverages can make the body more acidic. The impact of the food on the body's internal pH balance between acid and alkaline is what determines this.

An acidic diet contains lots of −

• Amino acids, which are present in meat, eggs, and dairy products, contain sulfur.

• Salt, which could make it more difficult for the kidneys to eliminate more acid

• The phosphoric acid present in soda drinks.

Drug-induced acidosis

The body's acidity can rise as a result of some medicines.

Examples of these include −

• antibacterial drugs

• anti-viral drugs.

Acidosis can lead to serious complications, including −

• Osteoporosis

• improper growth in children

• kidney damage

• muscle loss

• high blood sugar.

Causes of Acidosis

The body's pH level (balancing of acids and bases) is maintained by the kidneys and lungs. When acid accumulates or when bicarbonate (a base) is removed acidosis results. Acidosis can either be respiratory or metabolic in nature.

• RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS develops when there is too much carbon dioxide (an acid) in the body. This kind of acidosis is typically brought on by the body's inability to exhale adequate carbon dioxide.

• METABOLIC ACIDOSIS develops when the body produces too much acid The kidneys' inability to appropriately remove acid from the body is another possibility

• DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS develops due to build-up of acidic molecules called ketone bodies caused due to diabetes.

• HYPERCHLOREMIC ACIDOSIS develops when the body loses too much sodium bicarbonate, which might happen due to severe diarrhea.

• LACTIC ACIDOSIS develops due to accumulation of lactic acid in red blood cells and muscle cells which are the principal producers of lactic acid. Low oxygen levels cause this to occur.

Symptoms of Acidosis

Individuals experiencing mild acidosis usually report the following symptoms −

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Deeper and slightly faster breathing.

People start to feel very tired and sleepy as the acidosis increases. They may also feel disoriented and get more and more nauseated. In extreme circumstances, heart issues may eventually arise and blood pressure may drop, resulting in shock, coma, and death.

Acidic Foods vs. Alkaline Foods

The acidity or alkalinity of a substance is assessed using the pH scale. The pH scale has a range from between 0 to 14.

• Acidic substances range in pH from 0 to 7. Battery acid and stomach acid are examples of highly acidic substances.

• Alkaline substances range in pH from 8 to 14. Bleach, liquid drain cleaner, and ammonia are examples of very alkaline substances.

• Neutral substances have a pH of 7. The pH of pure distilled water is zero.

Except for a few foods, most food is mildly to moderately acidic before consumption. On the pH scale, fruits normally range from 2.8 to 4.6, veggies from 5.0 to 7.0, and meats from 5.1 to 7.1. Even milk has a pH range of 6.5 to 6.8, which is on the somewhat acidic side.

The quantity of free hydrogen ions, which are molecules produced by acids in food, is what determines a food's pH level. These hydrogen ions are what give acids like vinegar or lemon juice their characteristic sour taste.

Foods that cause a positive acid load include −

• Meat of all varieties

• Seafood of all kinds

• Dairy products

• Grains

Treatment for Acidosis

Acidosis may result from diets that are heavy in salt, soda, and animal protein. Depending on its form and cause, acidosis may require different treatments. The body's acid levels can be kept from rising by eating a diet that is higher in plant-based protein than animal protein. Further, consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables each day can raise the body's alkali levels, which is another benefit.

FAQs

Qns 1. If acidosis is not treated, what results?

Ans. Kidney stones are one of the health issues that may result from acidosis if it is not treated quickly.

Qns 2. What types of food can cause acidosis?

Ans. Acidosis may result from diets that are heavy in salt, soda, and animal protein.

Qns 3. What effects does acidosis have on the body?

Ans. Acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of acid in the body, which puts the pH out of equilibrium. If the kidneys and lungs are unable to rid the body of excess acid, serious health problems may result.