Citric acid – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Citric acid (brand names: Bicitra, Cytra-2, also known as citric acid and sodium citrate) is used to prevent gout and kidney stones, including the onset of metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems. The two agents in the drug function as alkalinizing agents, which make urine less acidic.

People with the following conditions are discouraged from using citric acid (as well as its derivatives):

Kidney failure
Severe heart damage
Addison’s disease
Hyperkalemia
Severe dehydration
Heat cramps

In particular, people with existing kidney and heart conditions, as well as those with urinary problems, edema, and inflammatory bowel diseases (i.e., Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis) should consult with their healthcare professional before taking citric acid and sodium citrate.

Do not take antacids or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) while being treated with citric acid.

The effects of citric acid on pregnant women (including her unborn baby) are unclear. The same goes for its effect on nursing mothers.

Known health risks or side effects of citric acid

Common side effects of citric acid include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea

If a person experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, immediately seek emergency medical help.

Once a patient, at any time, experiences the following side effects, he should discontinue medication and consult with his healthcare professional:

Swelling in the extremities, usually accompanied by feeling or tingling
Muscle pain and twitching, leg pain, cramps
Unusual weakness
Rapid and shallow breathing
Abnormally fast heart rate
Dizziness
Confusion
Mood swings
Presence of black, bloody, and tarry stools
Feeling listless and irritable
Seizures

Body systems that might be affected by side effects of citric acid

The use of citric acid may impact the digestive system of a patient.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to citric acid

Lemons are considered to be one of the best natural sources of citric acid, and it also provides over 20 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

In particular, the following diet tips should be observed to prevent the onset of gout:

Avoid organ meats, sardines, and anchovies. Likewise, lentils, peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, and spinach may be consumed in moderation
Remove all caffeine sources from your diet
Cut back on alcohol consumption
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily
Eat more tart cherries

Treatments, management options for the side effects of citric acid

Some natural treatments that can relieve or treat the side effects caused by citric acid include:

Palpitations – Use the Valsalva maneuver: Pinch the nose, close the mouth, and breathe out forcibly. This will lead to a reduction of the heart rate.
Rapid or shallow breathing – Practice deep breathing to increase the oxygen supply to the brain.

Other considerations include lifestyle changes, including stress management, cutting back on alcohol and smoking, and regular rest are useful in managing side effects.