How diuretics cause alkalosis?

Answer 1

Often when taking diuretics you are also prescribed Potassium(K). Because the most common "loop" diuretics cause you to pee out excess K. Alkalosis is a result of too much Bicarbonate (HCO3) or too little Hydrogen ion (H). Because of the processes and membranes of the kidney where the K goes the H follows. So if you are taking a loop diuretic and loosing too much K you are also loosing too much H resulting in alkalosis. This is not standard across the board for all diuretics and don't take K just because you are taking a diuretic - too much K can make your heart stop. It is a very fine balance.