(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.
This can happen if you have: 1  A tumor in your pituitary gland that makes extra ACTH, and that causes the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. This is called Cushing's disease. 2  A tumor in your lung or pancreas that makes ACTH, and that causes the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. Sometimes these tumors are cancer.