(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.
Higher-than-normal cortisol levels may indicate that: 1  your pituitary gland is releasing too much ACTH due to a tumor or excess growth of the pituitary gland. 2  you have a tumor in your adrenal gland, resulting in excess cortisol production.  you have tumor elsewhere in your body thatâs involved in cortisol production.