 |
 |
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION
Acidosis is a condition in which the body chemistry becomes imbalanced and overly acidic.
There are two classifications of acidosis, respiratory and metabolic.
Respiratory acidosis is caused by an interruption of the acid control of the body, resulting in an overabundance of acidic fluids or the depletion of alkali (base). Simply, it occurs if the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide. Respiratory acidosis can be a result of asthma, bronchitis, or obstruction of the airway. It can be either mild or severe.
Metabolic acidosis occurs when chemical changes in the body disturb the body's acid-base balance, creating an excessive amount of acid in the body's fluids. Diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, the use of unusually large amounts of aspirin, and metabolic diseases are some of the conditions that can deplete the body's alkaline base.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Alkalosis
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Frequent sighing.
Insomnia.
Water retention.
Recessed eyes.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Migraine headaches.
Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension).
Dry hard stools.
Foul-smelling stools accompanied by burning sensation in the anus.
Alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Burning in the mouth and/or under the tongue.
Sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits.
Bumps on the tongue or the roof of the mouth.
CAUSES
Acidity and alkalinity are measured according to the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale. Water, with a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral - neither acidic or alkaline. Anything with a pH below 7.0 is acid, while anything with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal pH range for the human body is between 6.0 and 6.8 (the human body is naturally mildly acidic). Values below pH 6.3 are considered on the acidic side; values above pH 6.8 are on the alkaline side.
Acidosis occurs when the body loses its alkaline reserve. Some causes of acidosis include kidney, liver, and adrenal disorders; improper diet; malnutrition; obesity; ketosis; anger; stress; fear; anorexia; toxemia; fever; and the consumption of excessive amounts of niacin, vitamin C, or aspirin. Diabetics often suffer from acidosis. Stomach ulcers are often associated with this condition.
TREATMENT
ACID AND ALKALINE SELF-TEST
This test will determine whether your body fluids are either too acidic or too alkaline. An imbalance can cause illnesses such as acidosis or alkalosis.
Purchase pH (litmus) paper, available at any drugstore, and apply saliva and/or urine to the paper. The paper will change color to indicate if your system is overly acidic or alkaline. Red litmus paper turns blue in an alkaline medium and blue litmus paper turns red in an acidic medium. Always perform the test either before eating or at least 1 hour after eating.
Depending upon the results of your test, you should alter your diet to help bring your body back into the normal range. If your test indicates that your body is too acidic, eat more alkaline-forming foods and omit acid-forming foods from your diet until another pH test shows that you have returned to normal. On the other hand, if your body is too alkaline, eat more acid-forming foods and omit alkaline-forming foods. Use the list below as a guide to which foods are acid-forming and which are alkaline-forming. Low level acid-forming and low-level alkaline-forming foods are almost neutral.
ACID & ALKALINE-FORMING FOODS
A basic rule of thumb to follow to achieve and maintain pH balance is to eat 80 percent alkaline-forming foods and drinks and 20 percent acid-forming foods and drinks each day. If a pH test indicates that your body is too acidic, you should eat more alkaline-forming foods and omit acid-forming foods from your diet until another pH test shows you have returned to normal. Conversely, if your body is too alkaline, eat more acid-forming foods and omit alkaline-forming foods. Use the list below as a guide to which foods are acid-forming and which are alkaline-forming. Low-level acid-forming and low-level alkaline-forming foods are almost neutral.
Litmus paper may also be called nitrazine paper. It can be purchased at most local pharmacies. If your local pharmacy does not carry it or urine test strips for pH, check with a medical supply company usually listed under Medical Equipment, Supplies and Repair in the yellow pages or a hospital pharmacy. Here are some pH Test products available through Amazon.com:
Acid-Forming Foods Alcohol
Asparagus
Beans
Brussels sprouts
Catsup
Chickpeas
Cocoa
Coffee
Cornstarch
Cranberries
Eggs
Fish
Flour; flour based products
Legumes
Lentils
Meat
MilkMustard
Noodles
Oatmeal
Olives
Organ meats
Pasta
Pepper
Plums
Poultry
Prunes
Sauerkraut
Shellfish
Soft drinks
Sugar; all foods with sugar added
Tea
VinegarAspirin, tobacco, and most drugs are also acid forming.
Low-Level Acid-Forming Foods Butter
Canned or glazed fruit
Cheeses
Dried coconut
Dried or sulfured Fruit (most)Grains (most)
Ice cream
Ice milk
Lamb's quarter's
Seeds & nuts (most)
Alkaline-Forming Foods Avocados
Corn
Dates
Fresh coconut
Fresh fruits (most)
Fresh vegetables (most)Honey
Maple syrup
Molasses
Raisins
Soy products
Note: All vegetables, especially raw vegetables, balance the acidity and alkali levels in the blood. Although it might seem that citrus fruit would have an acidifying effect on the body, the citric acid they contain actually has an alkalinizing effect in the system.
Low-Level Alkaline-Forming Foods Almonds
Blackstrap molasses
Brazil nuts
BuckwheatChestnuts
Lima beans
Millet
Soured Dairy Products
CONSIDERATIONS
Phosphorus and sulfur act as buffers to maintain pH. Sulfur can be taken in supplemental form.
Umeboshi plums contain many alkaline minerals that aid in treating acidosis. You can eat one plum every four hours (four plums per day) for three days, then reduced your intake to one per day.
HERBAL, NUTRITIONAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Use elder bark, hops, and willow for acidosis.
ELDER (Elderberry):
Some clinicians think that Elderberries are more effective at shortening colds and flu than Echinacea. Preliminary studies with a certain strain of epidemic flu have shown that Elderberry extract reduced recovery time by half. It also helps bring up phlegm associated with asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu and smoking. A hot infusion works well for treating respiratory infections, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. At the onset of a cold, fever, measles, rash or chickenpox, an infusion will stimulate circulation and cause sweating, cleansing the system of toxins. Externally, Elderberry flowers can soothe cuts and wounds, chilblains, skin eruptions, sunburn, and irritable skin. In traditional European medicine, the juice of this plant is used for treating sciatica and neuralgia. It is now being studied for its effectiveness against other viral infections, including HIV and herpes.
Elderberry comes in various forms and is an ingredient in numerous products. For use, steep 3 to 5 g of dried Elder flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily. Elder works best when combined with yarrow or peppermint for treating colds, catarrh, sinusitis, hay fever and bronchial congestion, To take other formulations, read product label directions for use.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Elderberry, Organic Bulk Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Elderberry, Nature's Way, 575 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Elderberry Whole Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
HOPS:
The German Commission E recommends the use of Hops for "discomfort due to restlessness or anxiety and sleep disturbances." They have also been used to improve appetite and digestion. Hops has also been used in cases of heart disease, fits, neuralgia and nervous disorders, and as a tonic for indigestion, jaundice, and stomach and liver conditions. It eases an irritable bladder and can help relieve delirium tremens. A warm pillow of Hops soothes toothaches and earaches.
Hops usually come in tincture and infusion forms. The recommended dosage of Hops is 0.5 g taken 1 to 3 times daily for most conditions. For treating specific conditions it is best to consult with a qualified herbalist or your health care provider.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Hops, Organic Bulk Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Hops Flowers, Nature's Way, 310 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Hops Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
WILLOW:
Today, with the rise in popularity of natural medicine, White Willow is being used by more people as an alternative to aspirin, and it is used to treat many of the same conditions; bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used for back pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps. White Willow also works well in soothing a sore throat and reducing the fever and headache associated with upper respiratory tract infections and influenza, and it is easier on the stomach than aspirin.
White Willow comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. To make a tea, take 1 to 2 g of White Willow bark per one cup of water. Drink 1 cup three times a day. Tinctures and dry extracts are also available and should be taken in a dose that provides 120 to 240 mg of salicin a day. For other formulations read and follow product label directions.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Willow, Organic Bulk Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Natural Aspirin Alternative, White Willow Bark Extract, 390 mg, 60 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: White Willow Bark, 100% Natural, 400 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: White Willow Bark Standardized Extract, 450 mg, 60 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: White Willow Bark Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Externally, apply ginger compresses to the kidney area. Take fresh ginger, grate it and steep in hot water like tea. Soak clean cotton cloths in the liquid and apply to lower back over kidney area. Fresh ginger is usually available from your local supermarket.
GINGER:
Scientific studies have shown Ginger to be an effective treatment for nausea and motion sickness. It is also used as a treatment for atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and liver toxicity. Chinese herbalists prescribe Ginger tea at the onset of a cold to ward off infection. Ginger has also been used as a treatment for Raynaud's disease, sciatica, seborrhea, sore throat, swelling, tendinitis, toothache, ulcers, viral infections. Ginger stimulates the circulation and helps blood flow to the surface, making it an important remedy for chilblains and poor circulation to the hands and feet. By improving the circulation, Ginger helps reduce high blood pressure. Ginger also increases sweating and helps reduce fever.
A standard dose for most purposes is 1 to 4 g of powdered Ginger taken daily in 2 to 4 divided doses. To prevent motion sickness, begin treatment 1 or 2 days before the trip, and continue taking it throughout the travel period. Make Ginger tea from the boiled Ginger root as a remedy for nausea associated with pregnancy. Chilled, carbonated, and sweetened Ginger tea is the original form of ginger ale, the famous anti-nausea beverage. Powdered Ginger can be used in the tea instead of the root.
Ginger Tea Recipe
4 cups of water 2 inch piece of fresh ginger root optional: honey and lemon. Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste. Note: Keep in mind that if you are making this tea to strengthen the immune system and ward off colds and flu, sweeteners are not recommended.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Ginger, Organic Bulk Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Essential Oil, NOW Foods, 1 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Root, Nature's Way, 550 mg, 180 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Crystallized Ginger Slices, 12 oz.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a diet of 50 percent raw foods. Raw foods not only maintain the correct acid/alkaline balance within the body, but they are also richer in nutrients that are easily assimilated into the body. Recommended foods include apples, avocados, bananas, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, pears, pineapples, strawberries, and all vegetables. Fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, and vegetables reduce acidosis. Start with small amounts of citrus fruits and gradually add larger amounts.
Chew your food slowly, and do not over indulge. Make sure food is mixed well with saliva to form a liquid consistency before swallowing. Do not drink fluids during meals.
Prepare cooked foods with care. Maintain clean working surfaces and wash vegetables and fruit. Keep meat and vegetables separate - you can contaminate vegetables with bacteria from raw meat. Do not overcook vegetables, as this makes them lose not only their flavor, but also their nutritional value. Eat processed foods in moderation only. They are low in nutrients and overexert the digestive system. Both cooked and processed foods tend to make the body more acid. Also avoid eating late at night, as this makes the body work more on digestion and less on restoration.
Drink potato broth every day.
Avoid animal protein (especially beef and pork), as they lead to acidity.
Avoid beans, cereals, crackers, eggs, flour products, grains, oily foods, macaroni, and sugar. Plums, prunes, and cranberries do not oxidize and therefore remain acid to the body. Avoid these until the situation improves.
Since excess vitamin C may lead to acidosis, reduce your intake of vitamin C for a few weeks. When taking vitamin C, use a non-acid forming (buffered) variety.
Heartburn and indigestion can be the result of food digesting poorly. If you suffer from heartburn, taking small swallows of a teaspoon or two of natural cider vinegar in a glass of water may be of some help. It may cause a burning sensation when you swallow it, but then, in approximately twenty minutes, you should feel relief. If the cider vinegar method works, this may indicate that you lack sufficient acid in your stomach and the cider vinegar compensated for this insufficiency. In this case, consider taking digestive enzyme supplements, containing hydrochloric acid (HCl). Stomach acid is important for breaking down food, and also prevents germs from irritating the intestines.
Practice deep breathing.
Check your urine pH daily using pH paper. Avoid acid-forming foods until your pH is corrected.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended in this section are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Tri-Salts
(Ecological Formulas)As directed on label. For acid-alkaline balance. Reagent Grade Tri-Salts is a nutritional supplement especially designed to neutralize increased acidity. This unique buffering agent contains nutritionally significant amounts of the essential macrominerals calcium, magnesium and potassium as carbonates and bicarbonates without sodium or other salts. The minerals used in this product are of reagent grade quality and are well tolerated by the most sensitive individuals. The Tri-Salts may be mixed with Vitamin C crystals and the pH adjusted according to individual needs. One 1/2 teaspoon (~2.4 G) contains: Calcium (carbonate) 450 mg, Magnesium (carbonate) 250 mg, Potassium (bicarbonate) 99 mg. Suggested use: As a nutritional supplement, mix one-half teaspoon in water or desired liquid. Kelp 1,000 - 1,500 mg daily. Reduces acid in the body. Aids in maintaining a proper balance of minerals.
Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, Certified 650 mg, 100 Caps,
Kelp Seaweed (Norwegian - Laminaria digitata) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk,
Kelp Granules, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 8 oz.Potassium 99 mg daily. Increases metabolism. Aids in balancing the pH in the blood.
Potassium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 CapsVitamin A 50,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 25,000 IU daily.
If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.Helps to protect mucous membranes.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 SoftGels,
Dry Vitamin A & D, Nature's Way, 15,000 IU / 400 IU, 100 Caps,
Vitamin A, Fish Liver Oil, NOW Foods, 25,000 IU, 250 SoftGelsPlus
Natural Carotenoid Complex (Betatene)As directed on label. Antioxidants and vitamin A precursors.
Nature's Way Natural Beta Carotene 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Nature's Way Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, 60 SoftgelsVitamin B Complex 100 mg twice daily. Needed for proper digestion.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Liquid Yeast B Complex, Twinlab, 16 Fl oz.,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, W/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps,
Vitamin B=50 Complex, W/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 330 mg, 100 Caps,
ACIDOSIS SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Acid and Alkaline, Revised 5th Edition, By Herman Aihara & Stan Hodson
This book by Herman Aihara is an account of the acid and alkaline health condition and the effects on the human body, as explained in yin yang and cause effect terminology.Alkalize Or Die, by Theodore Baroody, N.D., D.C.
This book will help the reader evaluate their alkaline/acid situation and determine a course of correction through diet. Includes a 21 day meal planner.AlkaMax, Natural Antacid & Alkaline Booster, 1000 mg, 90 caps
Natural Antacid for digestion and entire body.AlkaMax, Natural Antacid & Alkaline Booster, 200 g Powder
Natural Antacid for digestion and entire body.AlkaMax pH-Balancing Wallet Card, 1 Each
Great Food Acid Balancing Tips Anytime! Fits like a credit card in your wallet or purse with easy to read and understand PH information.AlkaMax pH Test Papers, 15 ft. Roll, approx. 180 Papers
TriMedica's AlkaMAX pH test Papers help measure the daily fluctuations in your body between acid and alkaline.Avipattikar Churna Powder, 100% Organic, 8 oz. Bulk
Useful in acidity, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and hyperactivity.Body Alkalizer Liquid, Alkaline Booster, 1 fl. oz.
The Body Alkalizer is essentially a form of liquid that when added to water will change the value thereof to an alkaline. The basis behind this is to reverse the aging that occurs in one's body because of the accumulation of non-disposed cellular waste in the system.Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Calcium is a pure liquid Calcium supplement. Calcium is one of the most essential of the major biochemical elements needed in human nutrition. It is needed in every organ of the body, including the brain. Calcium is called the "knitter" because it promotes healing or knitting everywhere in the body. It is valuable for tone, power, strength, longevity, vitality, and endurance, healing of wounds, counter-acting acids, and helping regulate metabolism.C Complex Powder, Vegetarian Formula, 8 oz.
This C-Complex Powder is formulated with buffered Calcium Ascorbate for acid-sensitive individuals and also contains Ascorbic Acid and bioflavonoids.Coral Calcium (Okinawa) Plus w/ Magnesium & Vitamin D, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 100 VCaps
Okinawa Coral Calcium Plus with Magnesium, Vitamin D and 70 other trace minerals provides essential minerals, restores body alkalinity, supports the immune system, and is bio available for better absorption.Digestion Supplement w/ Enzymes, 530 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Digestion Supplement has concentrated enzymes help in efficient breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, while the herbal bitters support gastric activity and soothe digestion.Gastritix Formula w/ Chamomile, 474 mg, 100 Caps
Gastritix uses Chamomile, to promote normal tone in the digestive tract. Ginger, an aromatic bitter that stimulates digestion to promote gastrointestinal comfort. Fennel seed, used traditionally to sweeten the breath and support digestion, and Slippery elm and Marshmallow root are traditionally used for their soothing and emollient effects on the digestive tract.Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, 100% Natural acophyllum nodosum, 550 mg, 250 Caps
Norwegian Kelp seaweed contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels.Molybdenum Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 10 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Molybdenum is a pure liquid Molybdenum supplement. Molybdenum is instrumental in regulating pH balance in the body. For each pH point increase (e.g., 6.1-6.2), the oxygen level is increased ten times, thus increasing the metabolism and enhancing the body's ability to burn fat. Also promotes general well being, aids in carbohydrate metabolism, has proven itself useful in MSG (or other chemical) sensitivity, increases libido, and may enhance the effect of fluorine in tooth decay prevention (dental enamel is rich in molybdenum). It also induces sleep.MSM / Methylsulfonylmethane, Ultra Fine Powder, A Best Seller, 1 lb.
Helps rejuvenate joints and all body cells, lessens the pain and stiffness of arthritis, boosts energy level.Phion PH Test Strip Stix, 80 Strips
Phion pH Test Strip Stix help you to obtain Vibrant health and energy.Sitopladi Churna, 450 mg, 120 Vcaps
Sitopladi Churna was traditionally used in respiratory affections, mild fever, acidity, and coughs.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have acidosis despite the above measures.
You have any increase of symptoms or other signs of acidosis.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments.
Herbal Remedies: Acidosis Information
Herbal Remedies: Acidosis Supplements, Information & Products
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons.
Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
