The modern diet contains much less potassium, a deficiency in bicarbonates and an excess of sodium chloride (NaCl) compared to the diet of our prehistoric ancestors. The result of these dietary changes is that many modern people maintain a low-grade systemic acidosis especially as they age.

Acidosis can be corrected by introducing high levels of fruit and vegetables into the diet and supplementation with potassium and bicarbonates. The authors state that potassium citrate and bicarbonate are supplements preferable to potassium chloride.

High urinary calcium is a risk factor for kidney stones. In a large study of men, urinary excretion of calcium increased as potassium intake dropped. Urinary excretion of calcium increases with high meat diets, which produce acids in the body. Besides increasing the risk of kidney stones this increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Rats become osteoporotic if they are induced to become acidic. Bone provides a reservoir of calcium and bicarbonate for people who are chronically acidotic, but this causes a problem with thinning of the bones over a period of time, especially in aging people. This loss of bone can be prevented by taking potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), which can also reduce the acidosis, stop bone loss and form new bone. The authors treated a group of post-menopausal women who were acidic with potassium bicarbonate. This was effective in a treatment trial in which patients were given potassium bicarbonate only.

There is an inverse relationship between potassium intake and the risk of stroke. Increasing potassium intake reduces the chances of stroke, especially in hypertensive men. Low potassium and low bicarbonate intake are risk factors in osteoporosis and stroke. It has been found that women with osteoporosis have an increased risk of stroke, probably because of the connection of both diseases with low potassium and low bicarbonate intakes.

CONCLUSION: The authors say that supplementation with KHCO3 can reduce hypertension, possibly prevent hypertension, prevent kidney stones, prevent osteoporosis and prevent stroke.

PMID: 10511388.

Summary #073.