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

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 by

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.

Where to learn more

Summary

Citric acid is used to prevent gout and kidney stones, including the onset of metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems.

The effects of citric acid on pregnant women (including her unborn baby) are unclear.

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

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

Lemons are considered to be one of the best natural sources of citric acid.

Sources include:

Drugs.com 1

Drugs.com 2

Livestrong.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com

CureJoy.com

 



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