Metabolic acidosis has many causes, some of which are conditions that can be controlled by diet. However, dietary changes alone may not prevent or treat this condition. Only a doctor can make an official diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.
Definition
Your body needs a balance of acidic and basic substances in order to function properly. When there is too much acid in your body fluids, you can develop metabolic acidosis. The condition occurs when your body produces too much acid or when your kidneys are not removing enough acid from your body, according to the National Institutes of Health website. There are several types of metabolic acidosis, including diabetic acidosis, a buildup of ketone bodies; hyperchloremic acidosis, caused by excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate; and lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid.
Causes
The three types of metabolic acidosis each have different causes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic acidosis. Severe diarrhea can cause your body to lose enough sodium bicarbonate to cause hyperchloremic acidosis. Buildups of lactic acid, the cause of lactic acidosis, can be caused by cancer, alcohol abuse, prolonged exercise, liver failure, hypoglycemia, prolonged lack of oxygen or seizures. Kidney disease, severe dehydration and some types of acid poisoning can also cause acidosis.
Symptoms/Effects
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis include rapid breathing, confusion and lethargy; however, additional symptoms resulting from the underlying condition causing the acidosis may occur as well. If left untreated, severe acidosis can lead to shock or even death. Some people may experience a milder, chronic form of the condition that requires ongoing treatment.
Prevention
Treating the conditions that lead to metabolic acidosis are the best way to prevent it. If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, liver or kidney disease, cancer or seizures, see a doctor regularly and follow his instructions for keeping your condition under control. Also see a doctor if you've recently had severe diarrhea, acid poisoning or a prolonged lack of oxygen, or if you are feeling poorly after prolonged exercise such as a marathon, to rule out acidosis.
Diet
Dietary changes alone, other than a physician-prescribed baking soda treatment, won't prevent or treat metabolic acidosis; a 2003 article in the journal Current Opinion in Critical Care states that correcting acid-base imbalances in the body is generally not the way to treat this condition. However, some dietary changes can help prevent metabolic acidosis if you have a disease such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Many people with these conditions must change their diet in order to help control the problem. If left untreated, diabetes and hypoglycemia can lead to other problems, including acidosis.
Treatment
The treatment for metabolic acidosis depends on the underlying condition that caused it. In some cases, you may be asked to consume sodium bicarbonate --- otherwise known as baking soda --- to regulate your body's blood-acid levels. However, this should not be done at home as an acidosis remedy; see your doctor for an exact diagnosis and prescribed course of treatment.
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