#41 Can bicarbonate live up to the hype?

Bicarbonate has been in the sports world spotlight in recent years, with many professional athletes openly declaring that it helps them improve their performance. But what exactly is bicarbonate and how does it work?

Bicarbonate is a natural molecule that the body produces to regulate pH levels. When you exercise hard, lactic acid is formed, which can cause your muscles to become acidic, inhibiting their ability to contract. This is where bicarbonate comes in. It acts as a buffer that neutralizes the accumulated acid in your muscles and body, helping to delay fatigue and improve your endurance.

But why is there so much hype around bicarbonate? The answer is that it actually works. Bicarbonate is one of the few supplements that has scientific evidence to improve performance by 1-5%, especially during exercise lasting between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. But how and when should you take it for the best effect?

However, there are some notable side effects that you should be aware of. Excessive doses can lead to bloating and stomach pain, but by finding the right dose and timing, you may be able to avoid these problems. It is also important to remember that bicarbonate is not a miracle cure for everyone. Listen and learn how you may be able to use bicarbonate to optimize your performance in competitions.

Find the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0x7nqi4zPEXdg4ztcO7VgD?si=u2iQ8SjRRwKqv7K0ajKsZA