ACIDOSIS (ACID BODY) AND TREATMENT

ACIDOSIS (ACID BODY) AND TREATMENT

When your body fluids contain too much acid, it’s known as acidosis. Acidosis occurs when your kidneys and lungs can’t keep your body’s pH in balance. Many of the body’s processes produce acid. Your lungs and kidneys can usually compensate for slight pH imbalances, but problems with these organs can lead to excess acid accumulating in your body.

CAUSES OF ACIDOSIS 

There are two types of acidosis, each with various causes. The type of acidosis is categorized as either respiratory acidosis or metabolic acidosis, depending on the primary cause of your acidosis.

Respiratory Acidosis:

Respiratory acidosis occurs when too much CO2 builds up in the body. Normally, the lungs remove CO2 while you breathe. However, sometimes your body can’t get rid of enough CO2. This may happen due to:

*chronic airway conditions, like asthma injury to the chest

*obesity, which can make breathing difficult

*sedative misuse

*overuse of alcohol

*muscle weakness in the chest

*problems with the nervous system

*deformed chest structure

Metabolic Acidosis:

Metabolic acidosis starts in the kidneys instead of the lungs. It occurs when they can’t eliminate enough acid or when they get rid of too much base. There are three major forms of metabolic acidosis:

Diabetic acidosis occurs in people with diabetes that’s poorly controlled. If your body lacks enough insulin, ketones build up in your body and acidify your blood.

Hyperchloremic acidosis results from a loss of sodium bicarbonate. This base helps to keep the blood neutral. Both diarrhea and vomiting can cause this type of acidosis.

Lactic acidosis occurs when there’s too much lactic acid in your body. Causes can include chronic alcohol use, heart failure, cancer, seizures, liver failure, prolonged lack of oxygen, and low blood sugar. Even prolonged exercise can lead to lactic acid buildup.

Renal tubular acidosis occurs when the kidneys are unable to excrete acids into the urine. This causes the blood to become acidic.

Acid-base balance »

Risk factors

Factors that can contribute to your risk of acidosis include:

*a high-fat diet that’s low in carbohydrates

*kidney failure

*obesity

*dehydration

*aspirin or methanol poisoning

*diabetes

Symptoms of acidosis

Both respiratory and metabolic acidosis share many symptoms. However, the symptoms of acidosis vary based on its cause.

Respiratory acidosis

Some of the common symptoms of respiratory acidosis include the following:

*fatigue or drowsiness

*becoming tired easily

*confusion

*shortness of breath

*sleepiness

*headache

Metabolic acidosis

Some of the common symptoms of metabolic acidosis include the following:

*rapid and shallow breathing

*confusion

*fatigue

*headache

*sleepiness

*lack of appetite

*jaundice

*increased heart rate

*breath that smells fruity, which is a sign of 

*diabetic acidosis (ketoacidosis).

Complications

Without prompt treatment, acidosis may lead to the following health complications:

*kidney stones

*chronic kidney problems

*kidney failure

*bone disease

*delayed growth

Acidosis prevention

You can’t completely prevent acidosis. However, there are some things you can do to lower your risk.

Respiratory acidosis

You can do the following to reduce your risk of respiratory acidosis:

*Take sedatives as prescribed and never mix them with alcohol.

*Stop smoking. Smoking can damage your lungs and make breathing less effective.

*Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can make it harder for you to breathe.

Metabolic acidosis

You can do the following to reduce your risk of metabolic acidosis:

*Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.

*Keep control of your diabetes. If you manage your blood sugar levels well, you can avoid ketoacidosis.

*Stop drinking alcohol. Chronic drinking can increase the buildup of lactic acid.

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Foods that may help reduce your symptoms

Reflux symptoms may result from stomach acid touching the esophagus and causing irritation and pain.

If you have too much acid, you can incorporate these specific foods into your diet to manage symptoms of acid reflux.

None of these foods will cure your condition, and your decision to use these specific foods to soothe your symptoms should be based on your own experiences with them.

1. Vegetables

Vegetables are naturally low in fat and sugar, and they help reduce stomach acid. Good options include green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and cucumbers.

2. Ginger

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural treatment for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. You can add grated or sliced ginger root to recipes or smoothies or drink ginger tea to ease symptoms.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a breakfast favorite, a whole grain, and an excellent source of fiber. Oatmeal can absorb acid in the stomach and reduce symptoms of reflux. Other fiber options include whole-grain breads and whole-grain rice.

4. Noncitrus fruits

Noncitrus fruits, including melons, bananas, apples, and pears, are less likely to trigger reflux symptoms than acidic fruits.

5. Lean meats and seafood

Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, are low-fat and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Try them grilled, broiled, baked, or poached.

6. Egg whites

Egg whites are a good option. Stay away from egg yolks, though, which are high in fat and may trigger reflux symptoms.

7. Healthy fats

Sources of healthy fats include avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with these healthier unsaturated fats.

Finding your triggers

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux and (Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease)GERD. You may develop a burning sensation in your stomach or chest after eating a full meal or certain foods. GERD can also cause vomiting or regurgitation as acid moves into your esophagus.

Other symptoms include:

*dry cough

*sore throat

*bloating

*burping or hiccups

*difficulty swallowing

*lump in the throat

Many people with GERD find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. No single diet can prevent all symptoms of GERD, and food triggers are different for everyone.

  To control your symptoms, you could start by eliminating the following foods from your diet:

*High-fat foods

Fried and fatty foods can cause the LES to relax, allowing more stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. These foods also delay stomach emptying.

Eating high-fat foods puts you at greater risk for reflux symptoms, so reducing your total daily fat intake can help.

The following foods have a high-fat content. Avoid these or eat them sparingly:

French fries and onion rings

full-fat dairy products, such as;

* butter

*whole milk, 

*regular cheese, and 

*sour cream

*fatty or fried cuts of beef, pork, or lamb

bacon fat, ham fat, and lard

desserts or snacks, such as ice cream and potato chips

cream sauces, gravies, and creamy salad dressings

*oily and greasy foods

Tomatoes and citrus fruit

Fruits and vegetables are important in a healthy diet. But certain fruits can cause or worsen GERD symptoms, especially highly acidic fruits. If you have frequent acid reflux, you should reduce or eliminate your intake of the following foods:

*oranges

*grapefruit

*lemons

*limes

*pineapple

*tomatoes

*tomato sauce or foods that use it, such as pizza and chili

salsa

Chocolate

Chocolate contains an ingredient called methylxanthine. It has been shown to relax the smooth muscle in the LES and increase reflux.

*Garlic, onions, and spicy foods

Spicy and tangy foods, such as onions and garlic, trigger heartburn symptoms in many people.

These foods won’t trigger reflux in everyone. But if you eat a lot of onions or garlic, make sure to track your meals carefully in your diary. Some of these foods, along with spicy foods, may bother you more than other foods do.

*Caffeine

People with acid reflux may notice their symptoms acting up after their morning coffee. This is because caffeine is a known trigger of acid reflux.

*Mint

Mint and products with mint flavoring, like chewing gum and breath mints, can also trigger acid reflux symptoms.

(Other options

While the lists above include common triggers, you may have unique intolerances to other foods. You might consider eliminating the following foods for three to four weeks to see if symptoms improve: dairy, flour-based products like bread and crackers, and whey protein.

*Making lifestyle changes

In addition to controlling reflux symptoms with diet and nutrition, you can manage symptoms with lifestyle changes. Try these tips:

*Take antacids and other medications that reduce acid production. (Overuse can cause negative side effects.) Buy antacids here.

*Maintain a healthy weight.

*Chew gum that isn’t peppermint or spearmint flavored.

*Avoid alcohol.

*Stop smoking.

*Don’t overeat, and eat slowly.

*Remain upright for at least two hours after eating.

*Avoid tight clothing.

*Don’t eat for three to four hours before going to bed.

*Raise the head of your bed four to six inches to reduce reflux symptoms while sleeping.

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Contact us:

Mtonga Isaac Pharmacy,

Ng'ombe Township,

#16/24 Off Zambezi road,

Email: mtongaisaacpharmacy@gmail.com,

Tel: +260974272433/ +260966399444,

Lusaka, Zambia.

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Mtonga Isaac Pharmacy Zambia

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