Reporting from alodokter.com , metabolic acidosis is a physiological disorder that can occur when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are only able to get rid of a little acid in the urine. Conversely, if there is accumulation of alkaline salt in the blood, symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can occur.
Metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis are actually some examples of disorders of acid-base balance, which is a condition where the levels of acid and base in the blood are not balanced.
- Why can metabolic acidosis occur?
Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar which can cause obesity, diabetes, and kidney problems. You also need to know that soft drinks themselves are made by introducing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas into drinks (H 2 O) through the carbonization reaction. The following is the carbonization reaction equation
H 2 O ( l ) + CO 2 ( g ) H 2 CO 3 ( aq )
Well, the formation of carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ) causes carbonated drinks / carbonated drinks to have acidic properties with a pH ranging from 3.2 to 3.7. When consuming it, of course the degree of acidity of the blood will increase.
However, will drinking carbonated drinks / carbonated drinks directly cause metabolic acidosis? Not necessarily.
In the blood, there is a carbonate buffer solution, which consists of compounds H 2 CO 3 and HCO 3 – , which is a solution that can maintain acid-base balance in extracellular fluid or in the blood. This buffer solution serves to stabilize blood pH in the range of 7.35-7.45.
When the blood receives an acidic substance, the H + ion from that acid will react with the HCO 3 ion – according to the following reaction.
H + ( aq ) + HCO 3 – ( aq ) H 2 CO 3 (aq)
Carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ) will immediately break down into water and carbon dioxide and be released through breathing according to the reaction,
H 2 CO 3 (aq) H 2 O ( l ) + CO 2 ( g )
Conversely, if the blood receive alkaline substances, ions OH – react with H 2 CO 3 .
OH – (aq) + H 2 CO 3 (aq) HCO 3 – ( aq ) + H 2 O ( l )
Thus, buffers ( buffer ) carbonate (H 2 CO 3 / HCO 3 – ) can maintain blood pH between 7.35 to 7.45.
Then how can metabolic acidosis occur?
As is well known, soft drinks can cause acid formation which will then be neutralized by a carbonate buffer solution found in the blood. However, what happens if someone consumes excessive carbonated drinks / carbonated drinks?
The buffer solution will work harder to balance the pH in the blood. So the body can experience acidosis with a blood pH below 7.35.
Don’t underestimate it. Acidosis can cause extreme fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and confusion.
Therefore, make it a habit to consume water and rest for a while after doing strenuous activities or sports. If you are accustomed to consuming soft drinks / carbonated drinks immediately reduce slowly for the health of your body.
