Hyperacidity: how it develops and what helps
What is hyperacidity (acidosis)?
In a hyperacidity, the natural acid-base balance of the body is disturbed. This can be determined by the so-called ph value in the arterial blood. Stable is a value between 7.36 and 7.44. If the value is below 7.36, one speaks of a hyperacidity.
The role of buffer systems
When we supply the body with energy in the form of food, it is harnessed by metabolic processes. This produces basic and acidic waste products, which are normally excreted again. Responsible for this are so-called buffer systems. They ensure that the pH value in the arterial blood remains stable and that acids and bases balance each other out. There are three types of it:
- respiratory compensation
- Kidney compensation
- chemical buffering
Normally, the body tries to eliminate acid metabolic waste products via the kidney or the lungs. Is the acid level too high, but does that affect the metabolism and the organs? it can come to kidney stones, the bone substance is attacked. Because of these, the body pulls minerals that act as a buffer against the excess acid.
Causes of acidosis
Depending on the cause, there are two forms of hyperacidity. It can be both metabolically and breath-conditioned.
Metabolism-related hyperacidity
In metabolic acidosis, the concentration of metabolites in the blood is too high, causing the ph value to drop. That can even be life threatening! The cause is, for example, increased acid formation in the body due to:
- diabetes
- alcoholism
- poisoning
- shock
Respiratory hyperacidity
If breathing is disturbed, for example due to asthma, respiratory acidosis may occur. In this case, too little carbon dioxide (CO2) is exhaled. The excess carbon dioxide then accumulates in the body. The following symptoms may occur:
- difficulty in breathing
- blue colored lips
- (in the worst case) coma
How else does a hyperacidity express itself?
Are we over acidic, The following symptoms may occur:
- fatigue
- a headache
- anorexia
- nausea
- joint pain
- weakened immune system
- low blood pressure
Deacidification as a treatment
A base-rich diet can bring the acid-base balance back into balance. And for the figure does a basic diet do something else as well? especially fruits and vegetables form bases in the body. You should only eat moderately rich foods such as meat and dairy products in moderation. The ratio of basic to acidic foods should be about 3: 1 at best.
The second pillar of deacidification is exercise. Not only does it generally stimulate the metabolism, Sweat also ensures that more acid is excreted. Ideally, we should move three times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Video tip: 6 tips that will keep your fruits and vegetables longer
