When your body fluids contain too much acid, this is known as acidosis. Acidosis occurs when your kidneys and lungs can’t keep your body’s pH in balance. Many of the body’s processes produce acid. For instance, your lungs and kidneys can usually compensate for slight pH imbalances, but problems with these organs can lead to excess acid in your body.
The acidity of your blood is measured by determining its pH. A lower pH means that your blood is more acidic, while a higher pH means that your blood is more basic. The pH of your blood should be around 7.4. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), acidosis is characterized by a pH of 7.35 or lower. While seemingly slight, these differences in numbers can be serious. Acidosis can lead to numerous health issues, and it can even be life-threatening.