Acidosis
Description
Acidosis is a disturbance of the body's acidity balance, of the blood, gastric juices and cells for example. There is either an accumulation of acid, or a loss of alkali.
Two main types are recognized: metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.
Acidity and alkalinity are at opposite ends of the continuum, with water at neutral (7.0 pH).
Below a pH of 7.0 is the acid range. Above 7.0 is alkaline. The human body is naturally slightly acidic, although certain fluids will vary.
Causes
Metabolic acidosis
An increased amount of acid is produced by a metabolic process. The best-known is ketoacidosis which accompanies uncontrolled diabetes or starvation.
Severe diarrhea may also cause acidosis by depleting bicarbonate (alkali) resources.
A local form of acidosis also occurs in athletes, when a muscle uses up stores of bicarbonate but lactic acid continues to build up. Hence, some athletes have taken bicrabonate supplements in an atempt to delay this reaction and prolong their workout and its intensity by "buffering" the acid.
Acidosis may also be provoked by an overdose of aspirin.
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory diseases, including asthma, may cause a carbon dioxide build-up in the blood through inefficient exchange. The resultant carbonic acid constitutes respiratory acidosis.
Strangely enough, in cases of hyperventilation, re-breathing expired air from a brown paper bag increases carbon dioxide and decreases oxygen to restore homeostasis.
Rapid breathing increases the rate at which carbon dioxide is eliminated from the blood, which, thereby, becomes less acidic. Re-breathing carbon dioxide acidifies.
Signs & Symptoms
Acidosis is usually determined by laboratory tests, for the blood or urine. High risk groups, like diabetics, may like to keep some home urinalysis kits in order to monitor themselves.
This can be as simple as a piece of litmus paper, or more sophisticated test kits designed specifically for ketoacidosis.
Such tests are fairly reliable when used properly. Within an hour of a meal may yield a false reading, especially if the meal was particularly acidic, or alkaline. Supplements, like niacin and vitamin C will also affect the results.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Intestinal Health
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General Supplements
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| Adult | |
| B complex | 100 mg b.i.d. |
| Kelp | 1,000 - 1,500 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
| Vitamin A | 50,000 iu |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
If the body is too acidic (below 6.3 pH) choose alkaline-forming foods.
If the body is too alkaline (above 6.8 pH) choose acid-forming foods.
Acid-forming foods include:
Flour-based products;
Vegetables e,g, asparagus, brussels sprouts, saurkraut;
Beverages (cocoa, milk, tea)
Sugar and sweetened foods;
Protein: poultry, fish, eggs.
Seeds and nuts form low-levels of acid.
Note: citrus fruits contain citric acid which has an alkalinizing effect.
Alkaline-forming foods include:
Fresh fruits and vegetables;
Honey, maple syrup and molasses;
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Acidity from nervous excitement | Argentum nitricum tinct. |
| Acidity with food | Lycopodium Clavatum |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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The following have been recommended for acidosis:
Chlorophyll (including barley green and spirulina)
Elder bark
Ginger*
Hops
Potato broth (made from the potato peel)
Willow
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
The ginger may be eaten, taken as a supplement and even applied as a compress to the kidney areas (Low back).
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
Cramp (muscle)
Diabetes Mellitus
Hypotension
Ulcers
References
Balch, J.F. & Balch, P.A.: Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Second Edition. Avery, New York. 1996.
Ballmer-PE & Imoberdorf-R: Influence of acidosis on protein metabolism. Nutrition. 1995 Sep-Oct; 11(5): 462-8; discussion 470.
Bengmark-S; Gianotti-L: Nutritional support to prevent and treat multiple organ failure. World-J-Surg. 1996 May; 20(4): 474-81
Classen-HG et al: Different effects of three high-dose oral calcium salts on acid-base metabolism, plasma electrolytes and urine parameters of rats. Methods-Find-Exp-Clin-Pharmacol. 1995 Sep; 17(7): 437-42.
Coast-JR: Lactic acidosis and diaphragmatic function in vitro. Am-J-Respir-Crit-Care-Med. 1995 Nov; 152(5 Pt 1): 1648-52.
Dunlevy-CL: Physiologic and psychologic responses of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the Chairobics exercise program The-Canadian-Journal-of-Respiratory-Therapy (RRT) 1995 Fall; 31(3): 109-13 (21 ref).
Hanna-JD et al: Effects of uremia on growth in children. Semin-Nephrol. 1996 May; 16(3): 230-41.
Kitamura-K: Two cases of thiamine deficiency-induced lactic acidosis during total parenteral nutrition. Tohoku-J-Exp-Med. 1993 Oct; 171(2): 129-33.
Mitch-WE: Low-protein diets in the treatment of chronic renal failure. J-Am-Coll-Nutr. 1995 Aug; 14(4): 311-6
Mitch-WE: Uremic acidosis and protein metabolism. Curr-Opin-Nephrol-Hypertens. 1995 Nov; 4(6): 488-92.
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Nakasaki H et al., Clinical and biochemical aspects of thiamine treatment for metabolic acidosis during total parenteral nutrition. Nutrition, 1997 Feb, 13:2, 110-7.
Palange-P: Nutritional state and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. Chest. 1995 May; 107(5): 1206-12.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Remer-T; Manz-F: Potential renal acid of foods and its influence on urine pH Journal-of-the-American-Dietetic-Association (J-AM-DIET-ASSOC) 1995 Jul; 95(7): 791-7 (32 ref)
Trinder-TJ et al: Low gastric intramucosal pH: incidence and significance in intensive care patients. Anaesth-Intensive-Care. 1995 Jun; 23(3): 315-21.
Zurkirchen-MA et al: [Reversible neurological complications in chronic alcohol abuse with hypophosphatemia]. Schweiz-Med-Wochenschr. 1994 Oct 15; 124(41): 1807-12
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