Supplements For The Treatment Of Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis occurs when too much acid accumulates in your body fluids. This condition, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, may also occur if your kidneys are incapable of removing sufficient acid from your body. There are several types of metabolic acidosis, including diabetic acidosis, hyperchloremic acidosis and lactic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis may respond to certain dietary supplements, although you should always consult your physician before using dietary supplements for this health purpose.

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis, notes PubMed Health, may also be caused by kidney disease, extreme dehydration and aspirin, methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning. Although symptoms are usually caused by the underlying health problem responsible for your metabolic acidosis, metabolic acidosis itself may cause rapid breathing, confusion and lethargy. In severe cases, this condition may cause shock and even death. Some people may develop a mild form of this condition that is chronic, or ongoing.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your metabolic acidosis. However, not all nutritional supplements used for this health purpose have undergone extensive study using current scientific testing methods. Coenzyme A, willow bark, ginger, phosphorus, potassium, SAMe, vitamin B complex, hops, elder bark and vitamin A are among the most commonly used dietary supplements for metabolic acidosis, notes Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

A Useful Supplement

Potassium may be one of the most useful supplements in treating your metabolic acidosis. Potassium -- an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte, states the Linus Pauling Institute -- increases your metabolism and helps balance your blood pH -- a measure of the acidity or basicity of your blood. Potassium is intimately involved in numerous biological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, heart function and muscle contraction. Potassium is also an important cofactor for several enzymes.

Warning

Metabolic acidosis, if severe, can lead to dire health consequences, including death. If you develop the symptoms of metabolic acidosis, report to a qualified health care professional as soon as possible. In most cases, dietary supplements should be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of your metabolic acidosis. Because dietary supplements can exert strong effects within your body, supplements should always be used under the care of a knowledgeable health-care practitioner.