| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Acidosis Information
Acidosis of the blood occurs when the body is overly acidic and has lost its alkaline reserves. Acidosis occurs when blood pH drops below 7.4. Dietary measures are critical because the body is more susceptible to illness and disease in an overly acidic state.
Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide (a normal by-product of metabolism) produced by the body. This causes a disturbance of the acid-base balance in which body fluids become excessively acidic.
In chronic respiratory acidosis, mild impairment of the ability of the lungs to remove carbon dioxide occurs over a long period of time, leading to an unstable situation. This is because the kidneys increase their retention of bicarbonate to maintain an acid-base balance in the blood that is almost normal. In severe cases, the carbon dioxide builds up very quickly, leading to severe disturbances in the acid-base balance of the blood, i.e. blood acidosis.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Acidosis
Acidosis of the blood and bodily fluids often occurs as a result of improper diet. High animal protein, processed junk foods and many cooked foods all become acid in the body. Other causes of acidosis include: disorders of the kidneys, liver and adrenal glands; malnutrition; obesity; ketosis; emotional upset; stress; anorexia; toxemia; high fever or body temperature; and excess niacin or aspirin. High intake of vitamin C may also be a contributing factor to acidosis. Environmental pollutants and acids in the water and air may also contribute to low blood pH (high acid) levels.
Respiratory acidosis can be a consequence of any lung disease that prevents removal of carbon dioxide. Common lung diseases that lead to respiratory acidosis include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma and airway obstruction.
Other diseases that may lead to respiratory acidosis include obesity hyperventilation syndrome, excessive fatigue of the diaphragm or muscles of the rib cage, and severe deformities of the spine and/or rib cage. Nearly any lung disease may lead to respiratory acidosis.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Acidosis
Some symptoms of acidosis may include insomnia, water retention, migraines, constipation with diarrhea, burning sensation of the tongue and mouth, halitosis (bad breath), lightheadedness, fainting and nausea. Excessive respiratory acidosis may lead to confusion, lethargy or poor organ function. In extreme cases, low blood pressure and shock may result.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Acidosis
To rebalance and raise the blood pH, it is beneficial to eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (with the exception of plums, prunes, and cranberries which remain as acid in the body). Carrot juice is beneficial to re-establish balance. Deep breathing may be included in the treatment program. Smokers should stop smoking as soon as possible. Not smoking can prevent the development of many severe lung diseases that can lead to respiratory acidosis.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Acid and Alkaline Self Test
Purchasing litmus paper and applying saliva to the paper will indicate whether your body fluids are to acidic or too alkaline. Litmus paper will change color to indicate pH levels of body fluids. Red litmus paper turns blue in alkaline and blue litmus paper turns red in an acid. These tests should be performed before eating or one hour after eating.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Supplements
Alkalizers assist in raising blood and body fluid pH levels. These may be formulated supplements or individual nutrients.
Sulfur acts as a buffer to maintain proper pH levels.
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps convert food to energy.
Kelp (Seaweed) is high in alkaline and other healthy nutrients.
Coral Calcium contains natural mineral alkalizers.
Ionized Oxygen supports cell oxygen levels and increases energy and stamina while reducing acidity levels.
Coenzyme A supports the immune system and detoxifies the body of many dangerous substances.
Elder Bark, Hops and Willow reduce stress.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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