Acidosis

If something is acidic, it has a pH less than 7. When the pH of morning urine is less than 7, the individual is said to be in a state of acidosis. Symptoms include over-sighing, insomnia, water retention, recessed eyes, arthritis, migraines, low blood pressure, strong smelling sweat, foul smelling stools, alternating diarrhea and constipation, bad breath and more.

Respiratory acidosis occurs if the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide. This can cause acidic fluids to build up and deplete alkali minerals from the body. Resulting from asthma, bronchitis or poor breathing techniques, respiratory acidosis can be mild or severe.

Metabolic acidosis likewise depletes a body’s alkaline reserves. Causes include diabetes, kidney failure, aspirin use, adrenal disorders, stomach ulcers, poor diet, malnutrition, obesity, anger, stress, fear, toxemia, fever and over consumption of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

How to Control Acidosis

• Chew food slowly
• Avoid liquids during meals
• Eat more raw food, less cooked food
• Eat less white flour and fewer sugars
• Eat more white meat, less red
• Relaxation and deep breathing
• Consume more alkaline minerals such as magnesium and calcium
• Take digestive enzymes

Alkalosis

If something is alkaline, it has a pH over 7. High urinary pH indicates alkalosis. This is less common than acidosis and produces an overexcited nervous system. The peripheral nerves are affected first. Symptoms can include, hyperventilation, seizures, sore muscles, creaking joints, bursitis, drowsiness, protruding eyes, hypertension, low body temperature, allergies, night cramps, thick blood, menstrual problems, burning or itching skin. Alkalosis also can cause calcium to build up in the body like a bone or heel spur. Often, alkalosis is caused by overuse of sodium bicarbonate, excessive vomiting, high cholesterol, endocrine imbalance and poor diet

How to Control Alkalosis

• Take alfalfa tablets
• Eat more grains, beans, breads and nuts
• Eat more red meat
• Reduce sodium (salt) intake
• Monitor mineral supplements