How does sodium bicarbonate aid during high-intensity exercise?

Sodium bicarbonate serves as a buffering agent, which plays a significant role in high-intensity exercise by helping to regulate the body's acid-base balance. During strenuous activities, lactic acid builds up in the muscles, leading to fatigue and a decline in performance. Sodium bicarbonate, when consumed prior to exercise, can increase the pH of the blood and thus neutralize some of the acid produced during high-intensity efforts. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue, allowing athletes to perform at a higher intensity for a longer duration before feeling the detrimental effects of acidity in the muscles. By effectively managing the acidity levels within the blood, sodium bicarbonate enables more sustained effort and improved performance during short bursts of high-intensity activity.