What is Metabolic Acidosis?
Metabolic Acidosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the acidity of the body's fluids and tissues. This condition occurs when the body's potential hydrogen (pH) drops below a normal range, which is typically around 7.35 to 7.45 for the pH of arterial blood. When the pH level drops below 7.35, it indicates that the body is becoming more acidic. This rise in acid can be in the blood stream, cells and lymphatic system. In order to keep the acid level from rising in your body it’s important to keep skin, muscles, organs and glands alkaline. By proactively doing this, you will dramatically slow down the aging process.
What are Short-Term the Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis?
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis can vary depending on the level of acid present in your body, and there will also be a varying degree of severity in individuals with metabolic acidosis. Some of the most common short-term symptoms are the following:
Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea) is often one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms. The body tries to compensate for the increased acidity by increasing the rate of breathing to blow off excess carbon dioxide (CO2). In some cases (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis) individuals may exhibit deep and rapid breathing patterns, known as Kussmaul respirations.
Muscle weakness and generalized fatigue, abdominal pain or discomfort, gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, and skin may appear flushed or warm due to blood vessel dilation.
Dehydration due to increased urination and fluid loss and irregular heart rhythms and fluctuations in blood pressure.
As acidosis worsens, it can affect the brain, leading to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, lethargy, and even coma in severe cases.
What are the Long-Term Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis?
If left uncontrolled or untreated, chronic or severe metabolic acidosis can lead to a range of health complications and issues over time. Some potential long-term effects and complications of metabolic acidosis are the following:
Chronic kidney disease impairing their ability to filter waste products and regulate acid-base balance.
Osteoporosis because the body will leach calcium from the bones (e.g. reduce bone density) in an attempt to buffer excess acid.
Severe muscle breakdown and weakness over time.
Cardiovascular issues such as arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), increased heart rate, and changes in blood pressure.
Cognitive problems such as extreme confusion, memory problems, and altered mental status.
Increased risk of infections due to the immune system's ability to function optimally.
Digestive issues such as gastritis, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal problems.
In children and adolescents, untreated metabolic acidosis can interfere with growth and development.
What is the Treatment for Metabolic Acidosis?
Management strategies may include addressing kidney function and correcting acid-base imbalances in the body. The body's natural regulatory systems, primarily the kidneys and lungs, play a crucial role in maintaining proper alkaline pH balance in the body. They help eliminate excess acids or bases to keep the body's pH within a healthy range, and control the pH levels of skin, muscles, organs, and glands.
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help the body maintain a slightly alkaline pH. Aim for a variety of colorful and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.
Limit your intake of foods that tend to be acid-forming, such as processed foods, red meat, dairy products, sugary foods, and highly refined grains.
Drink plenty of alkaline ionized water throughout the day to help maintain the body's pH balance. Drinking when your body is thirsty is better than trying to force your body to drink one gallon of water a day. If you are drinking water that will ultimately hydrate you better than other tap or bottled water, you won’t have to force yourself to drink more than what your body actually needs.
Strive for a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive consumption of any one macronutrient and be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Stress can lead to the release of stress hormones, which can affect the body's pH balance. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or exercise to help manage stress.
Regular consistent exercise can help support overall health and may contribute to maintaining a balanced pH in the body.
Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine because they can be acid-forming in the body when consumed in excess.
