(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.
Too much cortisol over a prolonged period of time can lead to a condition called Cushing's syndrome. This can be caused by a wide range of factors such as a tumour that produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (and therefore increases cortisol secretion), or taking certain types of drugs.