Bicarbonate of soda workout supplement

Sodium bicarbonate—is described by the American College of Sports Medicine as one of the leading ergogenic aids, which is a clinical way of saying that it has the potential to enhance performance. That has a lot to do with the fact that it acts as a “buffer” that helps neutralize acid in the body.

High-intensity exercise relies heavily on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production—this is a process that rapidly provides energy, but can also cause pH to drop and acidity to increase, says Eric Trexler, director of education at the online coaching platform Stronger By Science, whose research focuses on pre-workout nutrition. “This exercise-induced drop in pH is called metabolic acidosis, and it can interfere with a number of metabolic processes and is linked to muscle fatigue,” he says. This is a big cause of the burning sensation you can get in your muscles during tough workouts.

“Though [sodium bicarbonate] formed naturally in the body, when taken as a supplement, baking soda acts as an alkalinizing agent, meaning that it can counteract the acidic environment that builds up during high-intensity exercise,” adds Daniel Preiato, a New York-based registered dietitian, strength coach, and founder of the nutrition coaching service Be Elite Nutrition.

Intense workouts do indeed appear to make the body more acidic and taking some baking soda an hour or two beforehand out may counteract that effect, make a more alkaline environment, and help you perform better.