Acid Build-Up

An acid build-up in the body, also known as acidosis, refers to an imbalance in your body's pH levels, leading to an accumulation of acid. Our bodies naturally maintain a delicate acid-base balance, but disruptions to this equilibrium can have detrimental effects. 

Examples of Natural or Environmental Causes Acidosis

Diet: Certain foods can contribute to an acid build-up in the body. Diets high in acidic foods, like processed meats, dairy products, refined grains, and sugary snacks, can increase acid production. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can also contribute to acidosis.

Environmental Pollution: Exposure to environmental pollutants can disrupt the body's acid-base balance. Air pollution can result in respiratory acidosis when inhaled over an extended period. Water pollution, particularly contamination with chemicals or heavy metals, can also contribute to metabolic acidosis if ingested or absorbed by the body.

Prolonged Physical Exertion: Intense and prolonged physical activity can cause acidosis in the body. During vigorous exercise, the body produces lactic acid as a byproduct of energy metabolism. If the body's ability to remove lactic acid is overwhelmed – due to overexertion or inadequate recovery – it can result in an acid build-up and contribute to metabolic acidosis.

Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins can result in acidosis. For instance, methanol poisoning can cause metabolic acidosis. Methanol, found in some cleaning products, solvents, and adulterated alcoholic beverages, is metabolised into toxic acids in the body.

Respiratory Conditions: Chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or severe pneumonia, can lead to respiratory acidosis. These conditions impair the lungs' ability to remove carbon dioxide, resulting in an accumulation of carbonic acid in the body.

Kidney Dysfunction: The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance by excreting excess acid through urine. However, kidney dysfunction or diseases like renal tubular acidosis (RTA) can impair the kidneys' ability to regulate acid levels effectively, leading to metabolic acidosis.

Natural or environmental factors are typically modifiable or avoidable through lifestyle choices and environmental precautions. An awareness of the contributing factors outlined above can help you prevent or minimise the risk of acidosis.

How Does Acidosis Manifest in Our Body?

Acidosis can manifest through various symptoms and may vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. 

Some common manifestations include:

Respiratory Symptoms: 

• Rapid and shallow breathing (tachypnea)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Wheezing or coughing

Neurological Symptoms: 

• Confusion or disorientation
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headaches
• Restlessness or agitation
• Poor concentration or memory impairment
• Lethargy or drowsiness
• Coma (in severe cases)

Cardiovascular Symptoms: 

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Decreased cardiac output
• Chest pain or discomfort

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: 

• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhoea

General Symptoms: 

• Excessive thirst or dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Bone pain or brittle bones (in chronic cases)
• Weight loss (in chronic cases)

These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and your overall health. It's also worth mentioning that specific manifestations of acidosis may overlap with symptoms of other medical conditions. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose acidosis and determine the underlying cause, healthcare professionals typically perform blood tests to measure pH levels and assess the concentration of electrolytes and acids in the body. 

Treatment of the underlying condition and restoring the acid-base balance are essential to managing acidosis effectively and preventing further complications.

Preventative Measures

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and avoiding excessive consumption of acidic or toxic substances will help you to prevent acidosis. While adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help support the body's natural acid-base balance and promote overall well-being.

How Ionised Water Can Support You in Preventing Acidosis

Ionised water is water in its most pure and original form. Water as nature designed and intended it to be; water filled with medicinal properties that support our bodies to live in biological harmony! 

Ionised water offers us daily support by providing our bodies with:

• Magnesium - for muscle and nerve function and optimum blood sugar and blood pressure levels 
• Hydrogen - the most potent antioxidant (more powerful and effective than vitamin C)
• Structured Water - for the optimum uptake of the alkaline properties and improved detoxification and hydration
• Ionic Minerals - for the better uptake of water’s nutritional properties
• Electrons - to rejuvenate blood cells and support energy exchange and flow in the body

You may be surprised to find out how many diseases and a variety of physical problems start from acidity. Learn more about that here.