From what I understand, I *think* when potassium reserves have been really depleted, sodium and calcium are drawn/pushed into the cell to buffer the excess acidity. I think thats when the imbalance occurs as sod and cal should mostly lie outside the cells.
> As an aside, mercury is actually alkaline and reacts with acids:
Interesting! I didn't know that but as it's also highly toxic to cells and not something that's essential for life you can't compare with essential alkaline minerals.
> And chelating agents like DMSA and ALA are acidic.
Yes, I'm not saying we should avoid acidic substances. I mean avoid 'toxins' as much as poss as they increase acidity and deplete minerals.