Acidosis occurs when the body’s pH drops to acidic levels. This happens due to abnormal metabolism - either because the body is making too much acid or because the kidneys are not getting rid of enough acid and excreting it in the urine. The body works hard to keep the pH of blood around 7.40. If the pH drops to 7.35 or below, it is classed as acidosis. Acidic blood occurs due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions or a loss of bicarbonate ions. Diagnosis is by testing the pH of arterial blood via a blood test and assessing other factors to determine the root cause. Symptoms of acidosis include headaches, sleepiness, confusion, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, visual disturbance or shortness of breath. If left untreated, acidosis can lead to kidney stones, bone disease, loss of consciousness and even a life-threatening coma or organ failure. Although conditions such as obesity, diabetes, sepsis, cancer, dehydration or carbon monoxide poisoning can result in acidosis, it can also be caused by a high fat/low carbohydrate diet or excessive alcohol consumption. Treatment of acidosis depends on the underlying cause and is a condition that needs treating quickly. Even better is preventing the body from becoming too acidic in the first place.