Metabolic Acidosis: The Modern Scourge Escalating Digestive Disorders
Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys cannot remove or neutralise acids in the body. Scientists have found that low grade chronic metabolic acidosis is common but often goes undetected because it most often occurs despite normal blood pH and bicarbonate levels. All of us will experience some level of metabolic acidosis at some.
Authors of a 2014 review article published in Journal of the Pancreas suggest our modern lifestyle contains many factors that are shifting the body’s internal environment from slightly alkaline to acidic, causing metabolic acidosis. We are eating more processed foods that are devoid of enzymes, bicarbonate, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc; more acidic foods such as red meat, sugars, and white flours and rice; and we are over-consuming acid-producing alcohol, chemicals and medications.
The two organs affected by this lowered pH are the liver and pancreas which produce alkaline bile and pancreatic juice respectively. Normal exocrine pancreatic function in particular is considered the core of proper digestion.
The result is that improperly digested foods will accumulate in the small intestine where they are fermented by bacteria and yeast, causing gas and bloating. The undigested food has only two ways to go. Moving up can cause fullness, heartburn, nausea, gas, bloating and cramps. Moving down causes flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation and lower abdominal pain.
A decreased pH also reduces the antibacterial activity of pancreatic juice, which in turn, can be the cause of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is responsible for many symptoms including indigestion and abdominal pain.
Other research has found a link between coeliac disease and impaired pancreatic function that occurs in a vicious cycle. Deficiencies of amino acids occur as a result of altered small intestinal amino acid uptake, leading to reduced precursors for pancreatic enzyme synthesis. Reduced numbers of pancreatic enzymes lead to compromised protein digestion and absorption.
If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms, consult a qualified Naturopath or call True Medicine on 07 5530 1863.