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Acidosis is a condition where there is an overproduction of acid in the body. This can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues. (1)
Acidosis and alkalosis are two of the four primary forms of disturbances of hydrogen ion concentration and can be due to respiratory or metabolic causes.
The addition of excessive acid to plasma, such as in ketoacidosis and lactic acidosis, and poisoning by exogenous substances, such as methanol poisoning, are the common type of acidosis. It can cause failure to excrete acid at a normal rate and thus may cause acute and chronic renal failure. (2)(3)
This article will solely discuss acidosis, not acidemia. A blood pH of less than 7.35 is referred to as acidemia. Given that the body has several processes in place to maintain a highly constant blood pH, this is an extremely rare occurrence.
Acidosis only progresses to acidemia when compensatory mechanisms are exhausted. There are recent studies linking acidosis with osteoporosis, kidney stones, cancer, muscular atrophy, metabolic syndrome, and other conditions. (2)(3)
How to Reduce Acidity in the Body
Here are a few simple changes you can make to your lifestyle to help balance an acidic body.
1. Cut back on acid-forming foods
Acid-forming foods include animal protein, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Limiting your intake of acidic foods is one of the most important things you need to do to fix an acidic body. These foods can increase the acidity levels in your body and make your health problems worse.
Avoid eating processed foods, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and red meat. (4)
If you have diabetes, hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, talk to your doctor before introducing alkaline water, Epsom salt, or baking soda to your diet.
2. Consume alkaline water
Alkaline water is one of the best home remedies to fix an acidic body. It can help neutralize the acid in your body and restore your pH balance.
Drinking alkaline water can also help increase your energy levels and improve your overall health. It has even been suggested that alkaline water helps prevent cancer. (5)(6)
Start your day with a glass of warm water and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to it. Drink this on an empty stomach every morning. You can also drink alkaline water throughout the day.
3. Do intermittent fasting
If you’re interested in trying intermittent fasting, it’s important to speak with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you. Once you get the green light, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, when you’re fasting, you’ll want to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s also important to eat healthy foods when you’re not fasting so that your body still gets the nutrients it needs. (7)
Finally, be sure to listen to your body and stop fasting if you start to feel unwell.
4. Take an Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt is one of the most popular home remedies for an acidic body. It is a natural mineral that contains magnesium sulfate, which is known for its ability to neutralize acidity. (8)
To use Epsom salt as a remedy for an acidic body, simply add 2 cups of the salt to a warm bath and soak in it for at least 20 minutes. You can also add a cup of Epsom salt to your nightly bath routine.
5. Take baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most popular home remedies for fixing an acidic body. It is a natural alkalizing agent that can help to neutralize stomach acid and promote healthy digestion.
Additionally, baking soda can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and relieve various symptoms associated with acidity, such as heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.
To use baking soda for this purpose, simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water, and drink this mixture on an empty stomach. Ensure that excess is not ingested since an overdose of baking soda can cause gastric symptoms. (9)
6. Eat more alkalizing foods
Alkalizing foods include fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons.
Eating more alkaline foods is another simple and effective way to reduce the acidity in your body. These foods are rich in minerals and antioxidants that can neutralize the acids in your body and promote a healthy pH balance.
Some of the best alkaline foods include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and quinoa. Make sure to include these foods in your diet to get rid of acidity naturally. (10)(11)
Green leafy vegetables are rich in alkalizing minerals and vitamins that can help to restore balance in the body, and they are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease.
Eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
There are many different types of green leafy vegetables, so you can easily find ones that you enjoy eating. Some of the most popular include spinach, kale, collards, and Swiss chard. These vegetables can be enjoyed cooked or raw, in salads, or as part of a main dish.
If you’re not used to eating them regularly, start by adding them to your diet in small amounts and gradually increase the amount you eat over time.
Cucumbers are another food that helps to alkalize the body. They are refreshing and hydrating, making them a great addition to any diet. (10)
Other Dietary Tips for Managing Acidity
Foods that are rich in fiber, such as nuts and seeds, are beneficial for managing acidity. (11)(12)
Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are examples of root vegetables and spices that may aid in reducing acidity symptoms. Ginger and other spices may be taken in the form of teas, while sweet potatoes, carrots, etc., can be boiled and consumed as a snack or included in various food preparations. (11)
Common Causes of an Acidic Body
Salt, the phosphoric acid in soft drinks, and sulfur-containing amino acids are the main sources of acidity in the diet. There are a few common causes of an acidic body:
- Eating too many acid-forming foods, such as processed foods, sugars, dairy, and red meat, can lead to an acidic body.
- Not getting enough greens and other alkalizing foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can contribute to acidosis.
- Not drinking enough water can facilitate acidosis. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water intake per day.
- Stress can increase the production of acid in the body.
- Certain drugs, such as steroids and birth control pills, might affect certain people. β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antagonists of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, K+-sparing diuretics such as amiloride and triamterene, and antibiotics such as trimethoprim can also lead to high body acidity.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer are associated with acidosis. (1)
- Several illnesses can induce high acidity (metabolic-induced acidity) by interfering with metabolism (a vicious cycle). The most significant symptoms include fever, urinary tract blockage, hyperglycemia, diarrhea, pancreatic discharge, biliary fistula, systemic lupus erythematosus, and androgen and aldosterone insufficiency. It’s interesting to note that metabolic acidity enhances insulin resistance, which in turn induces acidosis — another vicious cycle. (13)
Other Tips for Balancing Your pH Level
Here are a few other things you can do to help balance your pH levels:
- Reduce stress. Stress can lead to an imbalance in pH levels.
- Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing may help to reduce stress levels.
- Reduce salt and sugar usage in your diet. (11)
Can Everyone Consume Alkaline Water or Alkaline Supplements?
Anyone suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), or kidney failure must consult a doctor before consuming any alkalizing supplements or alkaline water, since it may interfere with medication.
Final Word
There are several ways to treat acidosis, but the best way to fix an acidic body is to make lifestyle changes that will reduce the amount of acid in your system.
By making simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise, you can help to bring your body back into balance.
In addition, a number of supplements and natural remedies can help to reduce the acidity in your body and improve your overall health.
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