Home Remedies and Herbs for Acidosis

Acidosis is a condition that occurs when your body fluids are too acidic. ^1,2 In a healthy body, the lungs and kidneys work to keep your body’s pH around 7.4. If a person’s body pH drops below 7.35, they have acidosis. ⁴

Acidosis is treatable. Without treatment, acidosis can lead to serious health issues including chronic kidney problems, impaired organ function, respiratory failure, shock, or even death. Acidosis is usually associated with lung disease, kidney disease, or diabetic ketoacidosis. ^1,2

There are two main types of acidosis: 

• Respiratory acidosis is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body due to an inability to breathe.
• Metabolic acidosis is an inability to eliminate enough acid or to maintain base in the body.

There is a link between metabolic acidosis and potassium and magnesium levels in the body. When potassium and magnesium are deficient, they cannot neutralize the acidity produced by metabolic activity. This creates a buildup of acid and impairs certain physiological functions. ³

What Causes Acidosis?

There are multiple acidosis causes depending on the type of conditions. Respiratory acidosis causes include:

• Chest deformity or injury
• Weakness in the chest muscles
• Chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma
• Overuse of certain types of sedative drugs

Metabolic acidosis causes include severe dehydration, diabetes or kidney disease. Because of the connection between acidosis and potassium, additional metabolic acidosis causes can include a potassium or magnesium deficiency. This often occurs in conjunction with dehydration and a buildup of lactic acid. ¹

Acidosis Symptoms

Acidosis symptoms include fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, sleepiness, and headache. Additional metabolic acidosis symptoms include jaundice, lack of appetite, and increased heart rate. ^1,2

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Acidosis

Acidosis is a treatable condition that can often be managed using known acidosis natural treatments. The following are acidosis natural treatments for managing and preventing this condition:

• Spinach - Spinach is an alkaline food that can help to restore a neutral pH balance in the body when suffering from acidosis.
• Carrot Juice - Carrots are another alkaline food that can help to lower acidity levels in the body. Drinking carrot juice can help to neutralize acidosis and reduce symptoms.
• Lemon - The high acidity levels of lemons actually have an alkalizing effect on the body’s acidity levels. Consuming lemon can help to balance out pH levels and reduce acidosis symptoms.
• Raisins (Golden) - Raisins are high in potassium. Acidosis and potassium are linked and a high intake of potassium can help to neutralize pH levels and lower acidosis symptoms.
• Baking Soda - Baking soda is an alkaline product. Taking baking soda for acidosis can help reduce symptoms and restore a normal pH balance throughout the body.
• Olive Oil - Olive oil is an alkaline product that can help to reduce acidosis symptoms. Adding olive oil to your diet can help to restore a pH balance and add base back into the body.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001181.htm 
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/acidosis 
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/461483-potassium-and-acidosis/ 
4. https://draxe.com/balancing-act-why-ph-is-crucial-to-health/