Metabolic acidosis – what is it and how to prevent it?

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Metabolic acidosis is a disorder of the acids and alkalis in the body. It is a serious disease, the symptoms of which are often confused with other diseases. Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of illness, an improperly balanced diet, lack of physical activity, and even stress. See what the symptoms of metabolic acidosis are and how you can mitigate its effects.

Metabolic acidosis – characteristics

Metabolic acidosis is a state of acid-base imbalance. As a result, there is an increase in the amount of acidic substances (waste products) in the blood or a decrease in the concentration of alkaline substances (supplied with food). To balance your diet, eat 80% of alkaline foods (fruits and vegetables). An inadequately balanced diet can be identified by the urine pH, which changes from acidic to alkaline. This condition promotes the growth of bacteria and urinary tract infections.

Metabolic acidosis – causes

There are many factors that can lead to an acid-base imbalance:

1. eating too much acid-forming food (in particular animal protein),
2. stress,
3. nicotine,
4. alcohol.

Scientists, however, reassure you that metabolic acidosis cannot be caused by yourself. A healthy body keeps an eye on the acid-base balance itself.

Acidosis occurs when the disease damages or impairs the functioning of an organ (lungs and kidneys) responsible for removing toxins from the body. Toxins build up in tissues and blood, bringing the blood pH below 7,35.

Metabolic acidosis occurs as a result of:

1. liver, lung and kidney diseases,
2. untreated diabetes
3. a drastic change in the diet,
4. starvation,
5. tissue hypoxia,
6. shock of the body,
7. poisoning with alcohol, glycol or aspirin,
8. long-term diarrhea.

Metabolic acidosis – overt and latent

When blood pH is elevated in tests, metabolic acidosis is manifest. We also distinguish hidden acidosis. It occurs when organs function properly but are overloaded with acid-base balance. Since the blood test results are still normal or near the normal range, the patient is unaware of the dangers and leads a normal life. Latent acidosis leads to the slow development of serious diseases in the body.

Metabolic acidosis – complications

There are 2 forms of metabolic acidosis:

1. acute metabolic acidosis (lasting from a few minutes to several days) – results from the overproduction of keto acid or lactic acid,
2. Chronic metabolic acidosis (lasting from several weeks to several years) – indicates kidney disease.

Metabolic acidosis – symptoms

Metabolic acidosis is accompanied by non-specific symptoms: chronic fatigue, hunger, itchy skin, hair loss, apathy, skin deterioration, nail brittleness, excessive sweating, as well as headache, joint or muscle pain.

Metabolic acidosis – complications

With metabolic acidosis, the risk of developing diseases such as:

1. osteoporosis – if the pH of the blood is acidic, in order to maintain balance, the body releases minerals from the bones, which results in the development of osteoporosis,
2. degeneration of joints – cartilage is damaged,
3. gout (gout) – increases the level of uric acid in the blood,
4. diabetes,
5. hypertension,
6. kidney damage and development of kidney stones,
7. abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system.

Metabolic acidosis – treatment

Contrary to appearances, metabolic acidosis is a dangerous condition for human health and life. Its effects can be fatal. Therefore, the disease that contributed to the development of metabolic acidosis is treated.

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