Sodium Bicarbonate Boosts Exercise Capacity

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) – The stuff found in Arm & Hammer baking soda increases maximal exercise performance in events lasting 45 second to 2 minutes. It works by increasing blood buffering capacity – the ability to dispose of acids in the blood buffering capacity – the ability to dispose of acids in the blood that can interface with metabolism and cause fatigue. Greek researchers found that NaHCO3 administered to college-aged men ( nonathletes) increased sprint cycling capacity ( wingate test ) and increased the capacity to withstand metabolic acids. The effects were dose related – a higher dose increased exercise capacity more than a low dose. In spite of the many studies finding beneficial effects, soda loading hasn’t caught on because of its nasty side effects such nausea, intestinal cramps, gas and diarrhea. ( Medicine Science Sports Exercise, 38:1746-1753, 2006 )