Dr. Matt and Dr. Mike's Medical Podcast Lactic acid is a lie
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Dec 6, 2025 Discover the truth about lactic acid and why it’s a myth! The hosts dive into the importance of acid-base balance in exercise and how pH affects muscle function. Learn about the role of hydrogen ions and how lactate actually helps in energy production. They clear up common terminology misconceptions and discuss the body's intricate buffering systems. Plus, find out how training adaptations can enhance performance and why supplements like beta-alanine may have mixed effects. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about exercise and acidity!
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Why Small pH Changes Matter
- pH measures hydrogen ion concentration as a negative log, so small numerical changes mean large chemical shifts.
- Blood pH normally sits tightly around 7.35–7.45 and small deviations profoundly affect cell function.
Muscle Can Be Acidic While Blood Remains Normal
- Exercising muscle can develop local acidosis without changing blood pH substantially.
- Local acidosis impairs contractile proteins and enzyme function, reducing performance.
Where Muscle Hydrogen Ions Come From
- Three main sources of H+ in exercising muscle are CO2 (carbonic acid), ATP hydrolysis, and lactate-related processes.
- CO2 and ATP hydrolysis are the dominant H+ producers, not 'lactic acid' itself.
