In order for your cells to work properly, your body has to carefully maintain the balance of acidic and alkaline chemicals. The blood is naturally slightly alkaline, but if too much acid builds up in the blood, it can result in a condition known as acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is caused by the generation of excess acid in the body or the loss of alkaline substances. You can avoid metabolic acidosis by making sure you do not do anything that causes massive overproduction of acid or loss of alkaline chemicals.
Step 1
Avoid consuming items that get metabolized into acid. Many different substances turn into acid as they are broken down by the body. Salicylates such as aspirin can result in metabolic acidosis when consumed in high quantities. Alcohol and methanol can also cause metabolic acidosis as can ethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze.
Step 2
Don't let your blood sugar get too high or too low. When your body can't use glucose for energy, it begins to burn fats. This causes the production of ketones, which are acidic. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, in which the body is unable to utilize glucose, causing ketones to be generated. On the other hand, not eating for a long period of time can cause glucose levels to drop to dangerous levels, which can also cause ketones to be generated, the Family Practice Notebook reports.
Step 3
Exercise appropriately for you. When you exercise, your muscles gradually run low on oxygen, which causes them to create lactic acid. Exercise too long or too hard, and the lactic acid will accumulate in your bloodstream, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Step 4
Get medical attention if you have severe diarrhea. Severe diarrhea can cause you to lose bicarbonate, which is a natural antacid secreted by the stomach to aid in digestion. The loss of high amounts of bicarbonate can cause the blood to become too acidic.
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