Alkalosis: When Alkaline Levels AreToo High

By CH Woods

Alkalosis is a health problem that develops when your body has an overabundance of alkaline. This is the exact opposite of a condition known as acidosis which develops due to a high level of acidity, though alkalosis is far rarer.

The 5 Types of Alkalosis There are five primary forms alkalosis that can develop in your body. In addition to that, the exact causes for these various forms of alkalosis differ.

Below is a list of the various types of alkalosis to watch out for.

1. Hypokalemic Alkalosis: Hypokalemic alkalosis takes place when your body is suffering from potassium deficiency, which occurs due to the kidney's reaction to the high level of alkaline within your body.
2. Hypochloremic Alkalosis: This type of alkalosis develops when there is a lack of chlorine in your blood stream due to vomiting.
3. Respiratory Alkalosis: If you have a decreased amount of carbon dioxide in your blood because of factors such as inadequate oxygen, high temperature, lung disease, liver disease, and so forth, you have a problem known as respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is a primary symptom of having this type of alkalosis.
4. Metabolic Alkalosis: You are a considered to have metabolic alkalosis when your levels of bicarbonate increase in your bloodstream. The primary symptom of metabolic alkalosis is the loss of salt levels in your body such as chloride, potassium, and sodium. A simple blood test will be able to confirm whether your pH level is above or below the optimal level of 7.35.
5. Compensated Alkalosis: As stated above, it is vital for your body to keep the balance between the acids and bases in your body at a healthy level. Compensated alkalosis is a problem that occurs when your body attempts to re-balance both these elements, however the balance between the bicarbonate and carbon dioxide stay at unusual levels.

Symptoms of Alkalosis in General Now that you know about the various types of alkalosis and what to watch out for, it will be much easier for you to keep an eye out for the symptoms of all types of alkalosis.

In general, the primary signs and symptoms of alkalosis can include:

• Mental Confusion
• Breathing Difficulties
• Irritation
• Constipation
• Muscle Spasms
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Cramps
• Lightheadedness
• Joint Pain
• Muscular Weakness
• Vomiting

Causes of Alkalosis Based on Type Your lungs and kidneys keep up with your proper balance of chemical compounds, known as bases and acids, in your body. Reduced carbon dioxide, which is an acid, or greater bicarbonate (a base) levels make your body too alkaline, a problem known as alkalosis. 

Respiratory alkalosis is due to low carbon dioxide amounts in your bloodstream. This is often caused by:

• Lung Disease
• Lack of Oxygen
• Salicylate Poisoning
• Liver Disease
• Fever

Metabolic alkalosis is a result of an excessive amount of bicarbonate in your blood. Hypochloremic alkalosis is brought on by a considerable loss of chloride, which could happen due to continuous vomiting. Hypokalemic alkalosis is a result of the kidneys' reaction to a lack of potassium, which can take place in those who take particular diuretic medicines. Compensated alkalosis happens when the body attempts to balance the acids and bases within the body; however bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels stay at an unnatural level.

Complications of Untreated Alkalosis Coma

1. Hypokalemia - a lack of potassium in the blood, usually caused by excessive amounts of it being excreted, that leads to muscle weakness, heart irregularities, disorientation, and sometimes cardiac arrest.
2. Arrhythmias - an irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Treatment of Alkalosis: To treat alkalosis, your health care provider needs to find the cause. This problem can lead to serious complications if not treated. 

Your diet may play a role, but the only way to find out for sure would be to receive professional medical advice. 
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
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