Removal of nitrates with nitrate specific resin decreased alkalinity and lowered PH?

[Eight-N-Skate]

Hey all,
Our well water was acidic with high nitrates so I installed an acid neutralizer, and water softener with a mix of softener resin and nitrate specific removal resin. In this order; pressure tank -> 3 stage big blue filters --> acid neutralizer --> water softener (mix of softener resin and nitrate specific removal resin)

The acid neutralizer raised the pH and alkalinity but when I put the water softener in service with a mixture of nitrate specific resin, and softener resin it lowers the alkalinity and pH again. It works great at removing the nitrates and softening our water though. The two test strips on the left are with just the acid neutralizer in service, and the water softener + nitrate resin off in bypass. The two test strips on the right are with both the acid neutralizer and water softener+ nitrate resin running in service. Any idea on how to get the pH and alkalinity back to a normal level?

Can a water softener or nitrate specific removal resin cause drops in alkalinity and PH?

Thank you