Metabolic acidosis, on the other hand can have many other causes, like: a high-fat diet that’s low in carbohydrates, kidney failure, obesity, dehydration, aspirin or methanol poisoning and diabetes. Eating acidic foods can also contribute to acidosis.
It doesn’t take a lot to get your body out of balance, a slight pH imbalance that reads anything below 7.35 is enough to trigger the following symptoms:
- rapid and shallow breathing
- confusion
- fatigue
- headache
- sleepiness
- lack of appetite
- jaundice
- increased heart rate
Because of mineral leeching, over-acidity can also increase your risk for osteoporosis, cancer, liver problems, and heart disease (3).
Who Does Acidosis Affect?
Acidosis can affect anyone, but being inactive, smoking and eating a poor diet are the largest risk factors for the condition. People suffering from alcoholism, liver failure or seizures should take extra special care of their diet to avoid acidosis.
Diabetics, on the other hand can suffer from ketoacidosis, a life-threatening problem that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to use sugar for energy and begins to use fat instead. This process releases ketones, a substance that becomes poisonous in large doses. This build up can cause cerebral edema, liver failure and cardiac arrest (4).
How To Avoid Acidosis
The most important foods to avoid are dairy products, red meats and fish, refined sugars and refined grains. Genetically modified and processed foods can also contribute to the condition.
Instead, fuel your body with more nutrient-dense produce, aiming for a ratio of 80% vegetables- 20% fruit.
If you don’t know where to start, try these powerful alkaline foods:
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Lemons
- Kale
- Spinach
- Turnip greens
- Beets
- Rutabaga
- Horseradish
- Turnips
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Hazelnuts
- Potatoes
If you’ve been suffering from acidity for a long time, eat more calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to replenish your body.
It’s also important to get adequate sleep, breathe deeply and avoid stress.