What is acidosis?
Acidosis is a pathology that is defined as an abnormal state produced by an excess of acids in the blood tissues. There are two types of acidosis:
- Diabetic acidosis: which occurs when known substances (e.g. ketone bodies or acids) accumulate in our body. And hyperchloremic diabetes, resulting from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body.
- Lactic acidosis: a consequence of the accumulation of lactic acid in the body caused by certain unhealthy habits (e.g. excessive drinking of alcohol or certain health disorders and problems).
Symptoms of acidosis
It should be noted that many of the symptoms of acidosis are actually due to the disease or health disorder that is causing the onset of acidosis. Some of the symptoms are:
- Rapid breathing, along with hyperventilation, deep and agitated breathing
- Chronic fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in bones and joints.
- Irritability
- Gastric disorders
Irritability may be a symptom of acidosis.
What are the causes of acidosis?
There can be many causes of acidosis. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Drinking alcohol in access
- Hepatic insufficiency
- Prolonged physical exercise
- Intense diarrhea
- Cancer
Can it be prevented?
Prevention depends on the cause of the acidosis. Many causes of acidosis are preventable, including diabetic ketoacidosis and some causes of lactic acidosis. Generally speaking, people with healthy kidneys and lungs do not experience severe acidosis.
What is the treatment?
The treatment will depend on its cause and will be oriented to the disorder or disease that has originated its appearance. In some cases it is possible to administer sodium bicarbonate in order to reduce the acidity of the blood.
It is also essential to follow a diet as varied, healthy and balanced as possible. The foods to promote would be: vegetables, legumes (soybeans and derivatives), fruits, alkaline water, miso, honey and kefir. On the other hand, avoid certain beverages such as coffee or alcohol, processed products, sugar and refined flour, saturated fats from animal meat, milk, among others.
Finally, it is advisable to practice physical exercise regularly, between 30 and 40 minutes a day. In addition, there are certain nutritional supplements that can be effective, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium or potassium, as well as some vitamins, such as those of the B group.