What Is Metabolic Acidosis?

Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is too much acid in your body, either because you are producing too much, or because your kidneys are not removing enough. There are a few causes, including a diabetic buildup of acidic ketones, losing too much sodium bicarbonate from diarrhea or vomiting, or a buildup of lactic acid from a variety of causes including liver disease or kidney failure.

Treatment is usually directed at the underlying cause, but sodium bicarbonate may be used to help lower the acidity of your blood.