(March 2015) Alkalosis is the result of a process reducing hydrogen ion concentration of arterial blood plasma (alkalemia). In contrast to acidemia (serum pH 7.35 or lower), alkalemia occurs when the serum pH is higher than normal (7.45 or higher).
Dietary choices that cause inflammation also raise cortisol levels. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, a diet high in processed foods and high-glycemic carbs, caffeine and excess alcohol can cause circulating levels of cortisol to rise.
When too much cortisol is present in the body, it is called Cushingâs syndrome, regardless of the cause. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands which are stimulated by ACTH, which is produced in pituitary gland. When the cause of the excess cortisol is excess ACTH made by a pituitary tumor, the condition is called Cushingâs disease. Rarely, excess ACTH can be produced by a tumor elsewhere in the body, which is referred to as ectopic production of ACTH. Another cause of Cushing's syndrome can be taking excess steroid medications. Finally, excess production of cortisol by an adrenal tumor can lead to Cushing's syndrome.