Symptoms of Acidosis and What Causes It

Whether you’re following the Healthy Keto diet or just trying to live a healthier life, it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels.

You’ll want to make sure your system is functioning optimally. One condition that sometimes flies under the radar but can impact your health is acidosis.

Let's break down what acidosis is all about, including the telltale acidosis symptoms, so you can better understand and take charge of your well-being.

What exactly is acidosis, you ask? In simple terms, it occurs when your body becomes too acidic.

But before you start picturing your insides dissolving like in a sci-fi movie, it's essential to understand that acidosis is about a delicate balance - the pH balance, to be precise.

Understanding Acidosis Symptoms

Our bodies are pretty incredible at maintaining a slightly alkaline pH level. When this balance gets thrown off, and things tip more acidic, you might start noticing acidosis symptoms cropping up.

The good news is these signs can be your body’s way of giving you a heads-up. Ever feel like you’re on edge even when there’s nothing to stress over?

One surprising culprit behind those edgy vibes, or metabolic acidosis symptoms, might just be a dip in your pH balance. It’s not just your mood that acidosis can affect; your breathing might change, too.

This often shows up as shallow, rapid breathing - your body trying its best to restore that pH balance. Strangely enough, another common sign of acidosis is dryness.

This includes dry mouth, but you might even notice your eyes feeling drier than usual. If you’ve noticed those headlights on oncoming traffic seem extra blinding lately, light sensitivity is another symptom you’ll want to take note of.

Additional Clues Your Body May Be Too Acidic

Along with the more obvious acidosis symptoms already mentioned, here are a few lesser-known clues that could mean your internal pH is out of whack.

• That feeling of a lump in your throat.

• Unexplained stuffy nose.

• Heightened sensitivity to pain.

If any of those ring a bell, don't brush them off. It might be your body trying to tell you something’s up.

What Causes Acidosis

Now that you’re familiar with some of the signs your body could be struggling with high acidity let's look at what could be at the root of it.

Did you know our diet can play a big part in our internal pH levels? Consuming lots of processed foods, sugar-laden drinks, and refined carbs can tilt the scales toward acidity.

These dietary choices can result in a build-up of acids like uric acid and lactic acidosis. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine breakdown and is commonly associated with protein intake.

Lactic acid is produced by your muscles during intense physical activity, especially when you consume a lot of carbohydrates or sugars. High levels of these acids in the blood can shift the body’s pH balance toward the acidic side.

Interestingly, acidosis can even be a side effect of healthy choices like following the ketogenic diet. The keto diet focuses on a very low-carb, high-fat way of eating.

This helps the body switch from using glucose as its primary energy source to utilizing ketones, produced from stored fat. While keto offers incredible benefits, you do have to watch out for the ketones.

Ketones, while a highly efficient fuel source, are acidic. If your body produces ketones faster than it can use them, they can build up in your blood, leading to a condition called ketoacidosis.

While anyone following a ketogenic diet can experience ketoacidosis, it is more common in individuals with certain health conditions like type 1 diabetes.

That's why close monitoring and proper management are essential when following the ketogenic diet, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

Regular check-ups with your doctor or healthcare provider are crucial to monitor your ketone levels and ensure you are following a safe and effective dietary approach.

How To Rebalance pH

Getting your body back to a healthy pH balance usually involves some adjustments in your lifestyle, especially your eating habits. But don’t worry; I’ll give you some actionable steps to get back on track.

Embrace a Vegetable-Rich Diet

First things first, you’ll want to load up on nutrient-rich vegetables, which contain a good dose of potassium. You might even want to add a potassium citrate mineral supplement or two into your daily routine, specifically calcium-magnesium and potassium citrate.

You might already know how essential magnesium and potassium are in keeping your body functioning optimally. One role of potassium citrate is to alkalize the body.

Calcium and magnesium play numerous roles in body functions. It is this potent trio that can work together harmoniously to help neutralize acidity.

Fascia and Acidosis: Impact on Muscle and Tissue Health

When acidosis—a condition in which the body becomes too acidic—occurs, it can significantly impact fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and organs.

Acidosis may cause the fascia to stiffen and become inflamed, affecting muscle recovery and flexibility. Since fascia plays a crucial role in supporting movement and overall structural integrity, disruptions to its health can lead to tension, discomfort, and impaired mobility.

For those following a healthy keto or intermittent fasting, keeping pH levels balanced is vital to avoid acidosis and support fascia health.

A diet rich in alkalizing foods, proper hydration, and controlled protein intake can help reduce acidity, promoting better fascia function and overall physical resilience.

By maintaining optimal fascia health, you can enhance recovery, sustain energy, and maximize performance in daily activities.

Conclusion

Recognizing common acidosis symptoms is crucial, as it enables you to take proactive steps to address any potential pH imbalances and adopt lifestyle habits that support your body’s natural acid-base regulation.

Symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, and frequent headaches can serve as early indicators, allowing you to make timely adjustments to your diet, hydration, and stress management practices.

By maintaining a balanced approach, you create a foundation for improved energy, clearer mental focus, and better overall health.

While minor cases of acidosis can often be managed through dietary changes—such as incorporating more alkalizing foods like leafy greens and limiting acidic foods—and lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and hydration, severe or persistent symptoms may require medical intervention.

Consulting a doctor or healthcare provider is essential if symptoms continue, as they can help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the imbalance.

A personalized treatment plan can address the root cause of acidosis and support long-term health, ensuring your body’s pH remains within its optimal range.