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DESCRIPTION
Alkalosis is the inverse of acidosis. It is a condition in which the body is too alkaline. Alkalosis is less common than acidosis, and produces over excitability of the nervous system. The peripheral nerves are affected first. The peripheral nerves are affected first. The symptoms may be manifested as a highly nervous condition, including hyperventilation and even seizures. (See Symptoms below.)
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Acidosis
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Highly nervous condition.
Hyper ventilation.
Seizures.
Sore muscles.
Creaking joints.
Bursitis.
Drowsiness.
Protruding eyes.
Hypertension.
Hypothermia.
Edema.
Allergies.
Night cramps.
Asthma.
Chronic indigestion.
Night coughs.
Vomiting.
Too-rapid blood clotting and thick blood.
Menstrual problems.
Hard dry stools.
Prostatitis.
Thickening of the skin, with burning, itching sensations.
Calcium buildup in the body as in bone or heel spurs.
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.
Alkalosis is often the result of excessive intake of alkaline drugs, such as sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of gastritis or peptic ulcers. It can also result from excessive vomiting, high cholesterol, endocrine imbalance, poor diet, diarrhea, and osteoarthritis.
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
Your breathing can affect the acid-alkaline balance of your body. Prolonged hyperventilation may cause temporary alkalosis, resulting in anxiety and a feeling that one cannot get enough air, despite the fact that breathing itself is not actually restricted in any way. If this happens, breathe into a paper bag and re-breathe the air from the bag. This often helps to correct the chemical imbalance.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Alfalfa is beneficial for the digestive tract. It is a good source of vitamin K and other nutrients. Use supplements plus natural sources, such as alfalfa sprouts.
ALFALFA:
Alfalfa can help lower cholesterol, balance hormones, and promote pituitary gland function. Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body, acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and contains an anti-fungal agent. Alfalfa is also good for treating anemia, bone and joint disorders, colon and digestive disorders, skin disorders and ulcers. Alfalfa has shown to be beneficial in preventing endometrial and colon cancer. It has been said that it helps reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritic conditions. Taking Alfalfa tablets before meals will help prevent the absorption of cholesterol. There is some evidence to suggest that Alfalfa tea can be useful in treating diabetes, stimulating appetite and for use as a general tonic. This plant works well as a food for convalescents because it gives many nutrients their body needs to heal and become strong. Alfalfa has shown some estrogenic activity and could be useful in treating problems with menstruation and menopause.
Alfalfa supplements come in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. Powdered Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B-1, B-6, B-12, C, E, & K-1, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid and many essential and nonessential amino acids. The powdered form also contains high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper. The recommended dose is 500 to 1,000 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1-2 ml of tincture. For tablets or capsules it is best to read and follow product label directions. Here are a couple of examples of some dosages:
The recommended dose is 500 to 1,000 mg of the dried leaf per day or 1-2ml of tincture.
Alfalfa for tea - 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes.
Fluid extract, 30 - 60 ml / week.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa, Organic Bulk Herbs
HerbalRemedies: Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
HerbalRemedies: Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg (10 grain), 500 Tabs
HerbalRemedies: Alfalfa Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Alfalfa Leaf Root (Medicago sativa) Powder, Kosher, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Caps
HerbalRemedies: Alfalfa Powder Whole Food Supplement, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a diet of 80 percent grains and including beans, breads, brown rice, crackers, lentils, macaroni, nuts, soy sauce, and whole-grain cereals. The other 20 percent of the diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables and fish, chicken, eggs and natural cheese.
Do not use antacids or mineral supplements, except those mentioned above, for 2 weeks.
Avoid sodium.
Cut back on megadoses of vitamins and minerals for 2 weeks.
Check your urine pH daily using nitrazine (litmus) paper. See above for testing procedure and list of alkaline-forming foods to avoid until your pH is corrected.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Helpful Alfalfa See Alfalfa above under Herbs. For acid-alkaline balance. For products, see Alfalfa under Herbs. Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) As directed on label. A digestive enzyme that releases acid in the digestive tract. Betaine HCl (Hydrochloric acid), NOW Foods, 120 Caps Coenzyme A As directed on label. Supports the immune system's detoxification of many dangerous substances. Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, NOW Foods, 300 mg, 60 Softgels L-Cysteine 500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Needed to produce glutathione, a major detoxifying chemical. Also aids in making the tissues more acid. L-Cysteine Structural Support, W/ Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Tabs Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) As directed on label. An acid-forming mineral that helps to correct pH balance. MSM Supplement (Methylsulfonylmethane), 1000 mg, 120 Caps Pure Lignisul W/ Free 4 oz. Lotion, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Liquid, Pure Lignisul, 16 fl. oz., MSM Powder (Methylsulfonylmethane), Pure Lignisol, 4 oz. Raw kidney glandular 500 mg daily. Stimulates kidney function.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) As directed on label. Good for the nervous system and chronic fatigue. Caution: Do not use if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants. SAM-e Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 Tabs Selenium 200 mcg daily. Protects against free radicals produced in alkalosis. Selenium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 200 mcg, 100 Caps Vitamin B complex 100 mg daily. Essential for stable and normal pH. Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs, Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps Plus extra
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)50 mg 3 times daily. Needed for hydrochloric acid (HCl) production. Also relieves fluid retention. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 100 mg, 100 Caps Vitamin C
with
rose hips
and
citrus bioflavonoids3,000-6,000 mg daily, in divided doses. A potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Vitamin C Liquid, W/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Vitamin C 1000 W/ Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps, Vitamin C 1000 W/ Rosehips, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Caps Vitamin E As directed on label. A powerful antioxidant. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form. Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Softgels Vitamin D-3 400 IU daily. Necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the intestinal tract. Vitamin D (100% Natural Cholecalciferol [D-3] in dry form), Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Caps
Alfalfa Leaves, 100% Organic, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Caps
Alfalfa's (Medicago sativa) deep root system pulls valuable minerals from the soil. With the aid of sunlight, nutrients including beta carotene and chlorophyll are made available to the body in a usable form. Nature's Way sources tender young plants to supply a high portion of supple leaves and to avoid the inclusion of woody stems. Nature's Way Alfalfa is Organically Grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organic.Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Alfalfa Extract is super high protein and vitamin supplement. - Made from fresh green alfalfa leaves. - Highly digestible alfalfa supports colon health. - Alfalfa supports cleansing and healthy lifestyle. Alfa-Max is a 10x extract of fresh green Alfalfa leaves. Alfa-Max is much more digestible than raw alfalfa because the plant cellulose has been removed.Alfalfa, 650 mg (10 grain), 500 Tabs
NOW Food's Alfalfa tablets deliver Excellent Health Benefits Centuries ago, the Arabs used alfalfa as feed for their horses, because they claimed that alfalfa made the animals swift and strong. They then tried the alfalfa herb themselves and became so convinced of alfalfa's benefits to their health and strength that they named the grain for its health qualities. Alfalfa is a rich natural source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and other important micronutrients.Alfalfa Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is Useful to generate energy and endurance; a tonic for the whole body, due to its highly nutritive value, including vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K as well as essential amino acids and minerals; proven to have a cholesterol lowering effect; helpful in the treatment of arthritis. It is used as a blood builder and blood purifier; used in the treatment of cancer as alfalfa may reduce tissue damage from radiation therapy; used in treating bleeding disorders due to its vitamin K content; as a fiber it helps to bind and eliminate carcinogens from the body; also used to treat morning sickness. Ingredients: Alfalfa, R/O Water, 12% Alcohol. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well, Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.Alfalfa Leaf Root (Medicago sativa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Alfalfa's (Medicago sativa) deep root system pulls valuable minerals from the soil. With the aid of sunlight, nutrients including beta carotene and chlorophyll are made available to the body in a usable form. The first documented use of this herb by the Chinese dates back to the 6th century. Chinese healers use alfalfa to treat kidney stones and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. Chinese name: Muxu or zimu. High in chlorophyll and nutrients. Alkalies the body and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Good for all colon disorders, anemia, hemorrhaging, indigestion, vitamin or mineral deficiency, laxative, cystitis, blood purifier, gas, edema, diabetes, ulcers, and arthritis. Promotes pituitary gland function. Contains an antifungus agent. It is reputed to be an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic. Usage: 1 tsp. 2 to 3 times a day depending on condition.The Ultimate Fasting cleanse W/ 2 Free CD's: "How To Live Longer and Feel Better" Vol. I & II.
Ultimate Fasting Cleanse helps maximize the benefits of fasting by nourishing and supporting the bowel, kidneys, lungs, skin, and lymphatic system to release toxins. The formulas in the kit include herbs, unique botanicals and green "superfoods". A Comprehensive 5-Part Supplement Program Specifically Designed to Support Internal Cleansing While Fasting - This amazing 5 part system is the first product ever to support a healthy, short term fasting cleanse of the internal systems.Ultimate Green, Concentrated Energy Food, 300 Tabs (20 Convenient Day Packs)
Includes 2 Free CD's - "How To Live Longer and Feel Better" Vol. I & II. Contains 6 superfoods and an Ultimate Bio-absorption Formula with 16 co-factors to ensure optimum digestion and assimilation of Ultimate Green. Superfoods provide exceptionally high concentrations of nutrients - much higher than many other foods. Examples of green superfoods include algae, chlorella, barley grass, wheat grass, spinach and alfalfa. Ultimate Green has them all!Total Body Tonic, Herbal, 90 Caps
With: Beta Sitosterol and Phosphatidyl Choline. "One of Nature's most comprehensive, synergistic, herbal formula to nourish, strengthen, tone and regulate the body." Nature's Total Body Tonic is the end result of years of research into herbal medicine. It contains a significant amount of 10 different herbs, along with Beta Sitosterol (cardiac & immune system health) and Phosphatidyl Choline (total physical & mental health). We know of no comparable product like this product in the entire world. We think you will like the way you look and feel!Betaine HCI (Hydrochloric acid), 120 Caps
NOW's Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin is formulated for maximum potency. It combines Betaine Hydrochloride (naturally occurring in beets) with pepsin that is standardized to national formulary requirements.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. Since waste products are carried out by the blood and disposed of in a liquid form, drinking the proper kind of water is a definite must. Alkaline water works on a cellular level-meaning it causes the waste products accumulated in the cell to be removed from the system via perspiration or urine. It also raises your own pH levels, bringing your body to a more alkalized and thus healthier state. Water is a very strong solvent. It sustains and even protects life. It carries essential minerals through the body, supplying our cells with the necessary nutrients we so desperately need. It is essential in every aspect of our lives, and because of this, getting the right type of water is vital. Many assume the more pure the water, the better. The truth is, "pure" water (distilled) is dead. Nothing can live in it, and if taken long enough it will leach out valuable minerals from the body such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. What is more important is the right type of water. What is exactly the right type of water? The answer is alkaline. Where can one obtain such water you might ask? WaterOz now offers it in the form of the Body Alkalizer. Usage: Use the WaterOz Body Alkalizer daily to raise your pH. A few drops of the Body Alkalizer in a glass of milk neutralizes the lactic acid. Use it in milk to help fight lactose intolerance, or in salsa or other highly acidic foods (such as orange juice or lemon juice) to neutralize the acid. It takes 120 drops of the Body Alkalizer to neutralize your soda, and when added to normal bathtub water, (approximately 20 drops) you'll come out clean as a whistle, no soap required. Directions: Squeeze 2-3 drops in an 8-oz. glass of water, stir, and drink. It is important that the Body Alkalizer be taken either 1/2 hour before a meal or 2-3 hours after a meal.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have alkalosis despite the above measures.
You have any increase of symptoms or other signs of alkalosis or 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.
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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
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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