Dr. Sebi often spoke about the detrimental impact of acid foods and herbs and how they can negatively impact the body, because an acidic diet can lead to a state of acidosis in the body.
Acidosis is a medical condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body’s fluids and tissues, leading to an imbalance in the body’s pH levels. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with values below 7 considered acidic and values above 7 considered alkaline. Normal blood pH is typically around 7.35 to 7.45, making it slightly alkaline.
There are two main types of acidosis:
- Respiratory Acidosis: This occurs when the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body efficiently. Carbon dioxide is an acid, and when its levels in the blood rise, it can lead to an increase in acidity. Causes of respiratory acidosis include lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia), impaired respiratory function, or certain medications that suppress breathing.
- Metabolic Acidosis: This type of acidosis is related to an excess of acids produced within the body or an inability to eliminate them properly. Metabolic acidosis can result from various conditions, including:
- Excessive production of acids: This may be due to conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (in diabetes), lactic acidosis, or kidney disease.
- Loss of bicarbonate (a base): Bicarbonate is an essential component that helps buffer and neutralize acids in the body. Conditions that cause excessive loss of bicarbonate, like severe diarrhea or kidney problems, can lead to metabolic acidosis.
Common symptoms of acidosis may include weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to shock or organ failure. The treatment of acidosis depends on the underlying cause. For example, respiratory acidosis may be treated by improving lung function, while metabolic acidosis treatment may involve addressing the root cause and restoring the body’s acid-base balance.
Diagnosing the specific type and cause of acidosis typically involves blood tests and other diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying problem and guide appropriate treatment.
