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.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

Alkaline Foods to Include in Your Diet

By CH Woods 

Alkaline foods are very important for maintaining a good chemical balance in your body. Alkaline is essential for making sure that your body does not become too acidic. If your body is considered too acidic, then this means that your cells are not getting sufficient levels of oxygen. When this occurs, it reduces the energy of the cells. Eventually health problems such as diabetes, indigestion, weight gain, and even cancer can develop is left untreated for a long period of time. 


An acidic body ensures that your natural immune system is vulnerable, in addition to your body’s overall ability to function normally. This problem is very common in modern society. In fact, more people are considered acidic than alkaline! The reason for that is our poor eating habit such as reliance on fast food and pre-packaged snacks. When your body is weakened due to acidity, the chance of any type of disease increases significantly. Additionally, your strength and energy will be reduced as well. 

 About Your pH Level 
The two letter abbreviation that most of us have heard before, pH, is short for "potential hydrogen." Your pH level can be anywhere from 0 to 14, though you never want to be close to either end. When your blood pH drops below 7, then this indicates that your body is acidic, which means it will be much more vulnerable to illness and disease. When your pH level is above 7 then you are considered alkaline which is best for optimal health. Preferably, you should stay at a pH of around 7.3. Though this number is only a bit greater than the middle, it is viewed as well-balanced. 

 Factors Behind Acidity in Food
One of the main reasons for being overly acidic in most people is due to their daily intake of food. Most people do not get enough alkaline-based foods like dark green vegetables; instead they eat meats and junk food which are both loaded with acid content. Acidic foods such as eggs, dairy, and meats are consumed on a regular basis by the majority of people. Along with these foods, most people also take in large amounts of other acidic products such as white grains, coffee, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, soda, and white flour. 

Symptoms of High Acidity
The symptoms below may be the result of a pH imbalance in your body, so watch out for:

• Irritability
• Joint Inflammation
• Herpes - a viral infection causing small painful blisters and inflammation, most commonly at the junction of skin and mucous membrane in the mouth or nose or in the genitals.
• Headaches
• Heart Disease
• Appendicitis
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Cancer
• Nervousness
• Osteoporosis
• Leg Cramps
• Excessive Sweating
• Mucous Buildup
• Asthma
• Weakened Muscles
• Rheumatism
• Fatigue
• Blurred Vision

Alkaline Foods to Eat Well before participating in a pH diet, you should understand that the foods that we eat have their very own pH levels before they are consumed, but as they are digested their pH level may be the exact opposite of what they were originally. One primary example of such a food is the lemon, which is loaded with acid before you eat it. Nevertheless, after it is consumed and digested, it causes your urine to become alkaline. 

Many alkaline foods that you should add to your diet include:

• Ginger
• Carrots
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Raisins
• Mangoes
• Celery
• Almonds
• Garlic
• Chili Peppers
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupes
• 100% Fruit Juices
• Peaches
• Oranges
• Cabbage
• Watermelon
• Lemons
• Pineapples
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Cucumbers
• Beets
• Tangerines
• Garlic
• Chestnuts
• Limes
• Cinnamon
• Figs

The minerals below are also considered alkaline and can be taken in supplement form:

• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Calcium

Everything mentioned above are great to add to your diet, but only after advice from your doctor or dietitian just to make sure your dietary changes do not cause any unexpected problems.

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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products. We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.