The Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Acid-Base Imbalances

Balancing the pH: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Impact

Abstract

Increasing levels of bicarbonate in human blood influence the buffering capacity, thereby stabilizing blood pH levels and improving overall acid-base homeostasis. About fifteen percent of individuals worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), in which the kidney loses its ability to soak up the excess acid circulating throughout the human body [1]. Metabolic acidosis is the term given when an individual's body system carries an excess amount of acid, which puts the individual at risk for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and many more. This literary review aims to answer the problem presented by excess acid or base in the bloodstream through an increase in the blood buffer capacity. Although sodium bicarbonate is not a viable option in every situation, it can surely be used to treat and alleviate aggregations in certain contexts. Sodium bicarbonate provides the means by which the blood system can remain at homeostasis throughout different conditions, but this homeostasis is often short-lived.