Acidosis & Inflammation

Another serious consequence of acidosis is inflammation

Inflammation is a natural bodily response to the need for repair, and is therefore essential to the healing process. Through the inflammatory process, worn-out tissue or tissue damaged by trauma or infection is broken down and recycled in preparation for its replacement with fresh vital tissue. But when inflammation or tissue breakdown becomes chronic, and the healing phase is not completed, a wide spectrum of potential health problems can arise.

Acidosis creates a fertile ground for inflammation in many ways. For example, the increased levels of harmful microorganisms caused by acidosis can lead to inflammation. (Think of how an infected finger becomes inflamed and swollen.) The corrosive nature of acids can also damage tissues and organs, causing inflammation. Acidosis also increases free radical production, which makes inflammation and pain worse, while again lowering immune capacity.

Furthermore, when tissues and organs are chronically exposed to excess acids, they begin to harden and/or develop lesions in order to protect themselves. As a further protective mechanism, they may start to swell in an effort to prevent acids from penetrating the tissues. Such inflammatory responses can occur anywhere in the body, but usually start in the organ systems that are weakest, as a result of genetics or pre-existing health conditions. If inflammation persists, it can eventually lead to a variety of disease conditions, including arthritis, bronchitis, colitis, neuritis (an affliction of the nerves), skin problems such as eczema and hives, and urinary tract disorders such as cystitis (bladder infection) and painful urination. In addition, chronic inflammation can lower immune function, which is already reduced due to the proliferation of unhealthy microorganisms.