Today we'll take a deep dive into a recent study on low-grade metabolic acidosis and how it impacts bone strength, fracture risk, and overall health.
Low-grade metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by a slightly too acidic blood pH. This study is particularly compelling because it's a review that compiles and compares previously published studies about low-grade metabolic acidosis and its effects. It collects findings that date back to the first investigations of the condition in the early 1980s.
Savers won't be surprised to learn that this review fully corroborates the Save Institute's dietary recommendations to prevent and reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia. Read on to find out how acidifying dietary choices can damage your bones and lead to several undesirable health conditions.
An In-Depth Review Of Studies On Acidosis
The title of the study, published in 2017, is “Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review.” For their report, the authors analyzed nearly one hundred sources to provide a comprehensive look at how diet-induced acidosis impacts health.1
Your blood needs to maintain a consistent pH between 7.35–7.45 pH units. Dropping below this range causes acidaemia and above this range causes alkalosis– either extreme is dangerous. Low-grade metabolic acidosis describes a pH that hovers at the very bottom of that range.
Since the 1980s, researchers have been studying the causes and effects of low-grade metabolic acidosis. One of the clearest findings is the relationship between diet and pH.
Certain foods, mostly animal products and other protein-rich foods cause a decrease in serum pH. In other words, they are acidifying. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are alkalizing, so they increase the body's pH.1
Synopsis
Researchers compiled the findings of nearly 100 studies about the relationship between diet, blood pH, and medical outcomes. They found consensus that animal products and protein-rich foods tend to cause a decrease in the pH (acidifying), while fruits and vegetables increase the pH (alkalizing).
The Effects Of Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis
The study authors devote an entire section of their review to the relationship between low-grade metabolic acidosis and bone loss. They analyzed studies that found multiple ways that acidosis disrupts the natural bone remodeling cycle— both suppressing new bone formation and increasing bone loss. Here's a quote from the report:
Rebuild Your Bones Naturally—Without Drugs or Side Effects
Stronger, healthier bones are possible—at any age. The Osteoporosis Reversal Program gives you a step-by-step, science-backed plan to naturally rebuild bone health, improve mobility, and regain confidence—100% risk-free with a 1-year, no-questions-asked guarantee.
“The slight reduction of the extracellular fluid pH suppresses the activity of osteoblasts and decreases the gene expression of specific matrix proteins and alkaline phosphatase activity. In addition, low-grade metabolic acidosis has been associated with osteoclast activity and increased urinary calcium excretion without increased intestinal calcium absorption, resulting in the depletion of bone calcium.”1
Osteoblasts are the cells that produce new bone tissue. Suppressing their activity prevents new bone formation. Furthermore, the decrease in gene expression of matrix proteins indicates that an acidifying diet turns off the genes that instruct your body to begin the process of building the matrix that comprises bone.
Osteoclasts are the cells that break down old or damaged bone tissue. By increasing osteoclast activity, acidosis accelerates the rate at which bones are depleted of their minerals. That's why the studies found increased calcium excretion in people with low-grade metabolic acidosis.
It's no surprise that several studies reviewed by the authors linked low-grade metabolic acidosis to an increased incidence of bone fracture.1
Synopsis
An acidifying diet reduced mineralization and bone mass, leading to bone loss and an increased risk of fracture.
Other Health Impacts Of Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis
In addition to its impact on bone quality and fracture risk, low-grade metabolic acidosis has been linked to a number of non-communicable diseases. They include:
- Kidney Stones – In response to diet-induced low-grade metabolic acidosis, the kidneys attempt to restore the body's pH balance by increasing the excretion of calcium and other minerals. Studies found that this resulted in an increased risk of kidney stones.1
- Chronic Kidney Disease – An acidifying diet has been linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Shifting to a more alkalizing diet was found to reduce the risk of negative outcomes among people with chronic kidney disease, including a reduced risk of dialysis, worsening renal function, and death.1
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – While the mechanism that drives the relationship between diabetes mellitus and acidosis has not been definitely proven, studies have concluded that diet-induced low-grade metabolic acidosis increases the risk of the condition, regardless of family history and other dietary factors like carbohydrate intake.1
- Hypertension – Studies have found a link between dietary acid load and the risk of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This may be related to increases in hormones caused by acidosis– such as aldosterone and the stress hormone cortisol.1
- Loss Of Muscle Mass – A high intake of alkalizing potassium has been linked to better preservation of muscle mass in older adults. Muscle mass is essential for stimulating the production of new bone mass.1
- Mortality – Studies have found a relationship between all-cause mortality and acidosis. While the mechanisms of this relationship are complex and difficult to prove, the association isn't unexpected, given the wide range of health issues that low-grade metabolic acidosis can cause or worsen.1
Synopsis
Diet-induced low-grade metabolic acidosis has been linked to a number of health problems and outcomes, including kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, loss of muscle mass, and premature death.
What This Means To You
Your diet has a direct and powerful impact on your body and your health. This study reinforces the Save Institute's recommendation to follow a pH-balanced diet to build strong bones and live a long and healthy life.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program further explains the science behind this recommendation and lays out a simple path to balancing your dietary pH and building stronger bones so you can live your life to the fullest.
The Save Institute has focused on maintaining the appropriate dietary pH from the get-go, almost 10 years before this review study was published. As usual, Savers are ahead of the curve! By avoiding diet-induced low-grade metabolic acidosis, you prevent bone loss while simultaneously improving your overall health. It's a win-win that forms the foundation of a bone-healthy life.
Hello, looking forward to Vivian’s reply to Margaret McConnon’s query.
Patty
hello Vivian
thanks for all your help and support over many years. I have followed your diet, exercise and kept alakline for nearly 20 years., when I refuesd drugs for my diagnosed condition Yesterday, I was told that I have fractured two lumber vertebrae, trapped the sciatic nerve and the consultant said, ‘what ever you are doing,isn’t working’ You need to go onto the osteoporosis medication -urgently or you could have further fractures.’ I have been referred to a an osteoporosis specialist. What more can I do to ensure my T score improves -it was -3 and now worse , he said? I have been so careful and check PH twice a week, fruit and veg. every day etc. etc. etc. Many thanks x
Margaret, so sorry to hear of your fractures and unsuccessful 20-year program. Yikes, I hope Vivian can help you–and all of us in similar situations! Best regards,
Patty
I do my best to follow a PH balanced diet, but as a thin person, I find it difficult to not lose weight when I eat more of the fruits and veggies. It seems to be a real challenge for me to keep my weight on while trying to balance the PH. I wonder if there are foods that are higher calorie, but still alkaline? Thanks.
Do you know if omithine alpha-fetoglutarate helps build bone. It induces the secretion of the growth hormone in humans and increases bone mineral density of the tibia in turkeys.
Mary, most studies on ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate were conducted on insects, rodents, and turkeys. One randomized double-blind six-month study conducted in 2013 on 76 postmenopausal women found that when combined with calcium salt, it reduced serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX). Those changes in serum CTX are consistent with preserving bone mass since serum CTX is released during resorption of mature bone. However, the bone density improvement observed was insignificant.
I fractured two vertebrae after going off of Prolia. Is there any safe way to stop taking this drug?
I’m so sorry that you’re one more victim of osteoporosis drugs, Frances! A recent study published in March of 2021 has uncovered the reason why there’s an increase in fracture risk after the discontinuation of Prolia (denosumab).
You can read about this topic here:
https://saveourbones.com/scientists-discover-why-stopping-prolia-increases-risk-of-fracture/
Here’s a relevant paragraph of the above article:
“The researchers postulated that denosumab’s RANKL-inhibiting action results in a stockpiling of osteomorphs. Then, when treatment ceases and RANKL is no longer inhibited, all those stored up osteomorphs start rapidly recombining into osteoclasts. This sudden and unnatural rush of osteoclasts resorbs bone at a dangerous rate, resulting in rapid bone loss, frailty, and a higher risk of fracture.”
So, as explained in the ORP, strengthen your bones by following a pH-balanced diet, exercising often, and avoiding toxins. You can prevent fractures without taking dangerous drugs, and you’re certainly on the right track!
I am wondering if I could have prevented my osteoarthritis on my right hip and protrusion acetabuli by following The Savers Program years ago. I am in a moderate continues amount of pain and will undergo hip replacement this summer.
Sharon, studies show that a pH-balanced diet reduces cartilage deterioration. So keep up with the ORP’s diet even after your surgery to prevent further damage to other joints in your body. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a pain-free life!
Thank you so much.
HIL
You’re very welcome, Hilary!