Acid or Alkaline Body

Acid or Alkaline Body

Author: Dr. Rubén Medina , April 25, 2022
Reviewed by:
Dr. Rubén Medina
Health Officer
Professional License 8428907

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If you experience symptoms of acidosis or alkalosis, seek medical attention immediately.

In this Rilassáre Clinic blog post, you'll find general information about acidosis, a medical condition related to the body's acid-base balance. We cover its possible causes, symptoms, and when it's necessary to see a doctor. This information is for educational purposes; if you have symptoms or suspect acidosis, consult a healthcare professional or contact us via WhatsApp at 663 215 6973.

When acid levels in the blood are too high, it's called acidosis. When your blood is too alkaline, it's called alkalosis. Each of these conditions is caused by an underlying disease or disorder, and diagnosis and treatment must be carried out by a doctor. Chronic stress may be one of the factors that contributes to a more acidic environment in the body.

Dr. Rubén Medina

Does Rilassáre's complementary medicine replace traditional medicine?

No. Our complementary medicine protocols (nutrition, psychological support, and general medicine) are designed as an adjunct to the treatment a patient may already be receiving, never as a substitute. Every case is individually assessed by our medical team, since no intervention is free of risk and its suitability depends on each person's clinical history.


Complementary Medicine and Stress Management
Complementary Medicine and Stress Management

What is acid-alkaline balance?

Your blood needs the correct balance of acidic and alkaline (basic) compounds to function properly. This is called acid-alkaline balance, and your kidneys and lungs work to maintain it. When acid levels in the blood are too high, it's called acidosis; when the blood is too alkaline, it's called alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are due to a lung problem, while metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are due to a kidney problem. Each of these conditions is caused by an underlying disease or disorder, and diagnosis and treatment must always be carried out by a doctor. Chronic stress is one of the factors that may contribute to a more acidic environment in the body.



General symptoms of acidosis

Symptoms can vary depending on whether the acidosis is respiratory or metabolic, but they often include fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention, since untreated acidosis can be a serious condition.



Main causes

Common causes of acidosis include chronic lung and airway diseases, excessive use of sedatives, uncontrolled type 1 diabetes, liver or kidney failure (nephropathy), severe dehydration, and very high levels of stress. Diagnosis always requires a physical exam and laboratory tests performed by a doctor, such as arterial blood gases, a metabolic panel, or lung function tests.



Treatment and management

Treatment for acidosis depends on its cause and must always be determined by a doctor; it may range from bronchodilator medications to sodium bicarbonate or ventilator support, depending on the case. At Rilassáre Clinic, our interdisciplinary team can support you with general wellness protocols once your treating physician has evaluated your case; these protocols do not diagnose, cure, or replace medical treatment for acidosis. If you'd like to learn more about acid-base balance, its causes, and its relationship with chronic stress, see our full guide: Acidity of the Body.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your main questions about acid-base balance.

Is an “acidic body” the same as acidosis?

In everyday language people talk about an “acidic body,” but the correct medical term is acidosis: an alteration in blood pH caused by an underlying disease or disorder, which must always be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Does stress cause acidosis?

Chronic stress may contribute to a more acidic environment in the body, but on its own it does not cause clinical acidosis; that is a medical condition that requires professional diagnosis.

When should I see a doctor?

You should seek medical attention if you experience intense fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, or rapid breathing, since untreated acidosis can be a serious condition.