When your body can't balance acid and base levels right, you get metabolic acidosis, a condition where blood pH drops below 7.35 due to excess acid or lost bicarbonate. It's not a disease on its own—it's a sign something else is wrong, often with your kidneys, organs that filter waste and help regulate acid levels or your electrolyte balance, the mix of minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride that control fluid and pH.
Metabolic acidosis can sneak up slowly or hit hard. Common causes include kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, severe diarrhea, or even some medications. For example, drugs like acetazolamide, metformin, or too much aspirin can push your body into acidosis, especially if you're already at risk. It's not just about what you take—it's about how your body handles it. If your kidneys aren't clearing acid well, or if you're losing too much bicarbonate through the gut, even normal substances can turn dangerous. You might feel tired, breathe fast, or get confused. In serious cases, your heart rhythm can go off, or your muscles weaken. These aren't random symptoms—they're your body screaming for help.
What you’ll find in these articles isn’t just theory. Real cases. Real meds. Real people. You’ll see how drugs like metformin in diabetics, allopurinol in gout patients, or even opioids in older adults can quietly affect acid levels. Some posts show how swelling from certain pills ties into fluid and pH shifts. Others explain how kidney disease, thyroid problems, or even gut health can turn into acidosis over time. You won’t find fluff here—just clear links between what you take, how your body works, and why things go wrong. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, caring for someone older, or just trying to understand why your doctor ordered a blood test, this collection gives you the practical side of metabolic acidosis—no jargon, no guesswork.
Nov, 19 2025
Metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease lowers bicarbonate levels, speeding up kidney decline. Bicarbonate therapy slows progression, but sodium content poses risks. Alternatives like diet and calcium citrate offer safer options for many patients.
