Co2 levels

[music61]

Nephrologist visit this week and CO2 low. He added sodium bicarbonate. Can anyone explain more about this? Can it be diet related and how do I help it with what I eat?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Music,

I bet you were thinking of CO2 as in the gas we exhale..... sort of the same element but only in our blood. " Bicarbonate is a form of carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas waste left when your body burns food for energy. Bicarbonate belongs to a group of electrolytes, which help keep your body hydrated and make sure your blood has the right amount of acidity. Too much or too little bicarbonate can be a sign of a number of conditions, including diarrhea, liver failure, kidney disease, and anorexia." webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bic...

Here is a link that explains it better:

kidney.org/atoz/content/met...

For example, my blood has high uric acid so I take sodium citrate to level out the PH, just like the sodium bicarbonate your doctor prescribed. I just could not tolerate that.

[music61 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks so much. I will read more from your link.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for good information and links. I too have high CO2 and uric acid, and Doctor prescribed Allopurinol, which is helping. I am CKD 3b.

[steve680]

I take sodium bicarbonate. It makes your blood more alkaline and less acid; it treats acidosis, which is common in kidney failure. Acidosis can cause fatigue and malaise and treating it can cause one to feel better. It's also better for your kidneys.

[music61 in reply to steve680]

Didn’t realize that could be why I have been so very tired. Thanks

[JimVanHorn]

When your blood is acidic it is harder for your kidney to get rid of acidic molecules. By taking Sodium Bicarbonate pills (with your doctors prescription) the acid molecules in your blood become more soluble and can be more easily removed by the kidney.

[music61]

Thanks to all if you. This is such a great place to feel support and learn more. E

[Marvin8]

Just don't forget that if your CO2 levels are in the upper range, your doc will advise against sodium bicarbonate. Same goes for blood pressure. If it's toward the higher range, your doc will be wary of prescribing sodium bicarbonate due to the possibility of it (sodium) raising your blood pressure further.