In biology there are many complicated feedback loops and in some cases a parameter seems to get stuck outside of the normal range. In those cases, bringing the parameter back into the normal range can be enough to allow the normal feedback mechanisms to work properly again.
Some examples:
* Eczema: There can be a loop between irritation, inflammation, damage to the skin, more irritation. Treat the skin with steroids to both improve symptoms and disrupt the loop.
* Myopia: Studies have shown that undercorrecting for near-sightedness actually makes it worse [2]. Bringing it back into the normal range doesn't just help the symptoms, it also makes it progress slower.
* Depression: Maybe operating at a higher level, but there's a clear loop between changed behaviour and improved motivation.
Even something like acidity could be like this. You could speculate a link between gut bacteria and acidity, whereby changing the acidity directly could alter the balance of bacteria which locks in the change in acidity.
[1] http://faculty.washington.edu/dcatling/Catling2012_GreenMoun...
[2] http://www.journalofoptometry.org/en/under-correction-human-...
My medical condition is genetic in origin. I have reversed a lot of my symptoms and, yes, maintaining my improved condition is easier than I expected.
I have come to believe that "the normal progression" of my condition is rooted in a nasty positive feedback loop. If you can interrupt it, it is game changing.
But interrupting it isn't for sissies, so to speak.
Even so, my body will never be normal. But it is sort of like being a Kosher Jew: As long as I abide by particular dietary and lifestyle restrictions, I don't have to be sick all the time, even though it means I can't live "normally." I am happy to accept that deal over the alternative.
I have known a number of bipolar people and I tend to easily click with them. I don't think I am actually bipolar, but I do suspect my medical condition sometimes impacts my brain functioning in a similar manner.
Without bothering to get into lengthy anecdata I think a) acidosis likely is a root cause of mental health problems but b) solving it isn't as simple or straight forward as just controlling the acidity.
If your body functions different from the norm such that the result is high acidity, there will be a lot of other knock off effects.
So, it is a little like saying "Deserts are deserts because they lack water. So let's just add water." Well, no, they typically lack water because they are in the rain shadow of a mountain range. Importing water doesn't fix that. Importing it consistently, for many years may allow you to mitigate many of the effects, but you will have to keep working at it. You will not find that climate in the area "normalizes" just because you imported water and grew plants. You will still be in the rain shadow of a mountain and if you stop importing water and stop lovingly tending to human planted flora, it will eventually revert back to desert.