Brace yourself – you are about to hear a statement that may sound like a pre-roll commercial on a YouTube video, but…
There is a cheap, legal and effective performance enhancing substance that you’re not taking, and you can buy it at your grocery store.
If you’re like me, you probably thought the same thing: That’s a load of B.S. - But no friend, it isn’t.
What is this compound? NaHCO3 or commonly known as…
Baking Soda
When you exercise, your body converts carbohydrates into usable energy within the muscles. Carbohydrate metabolism is an aerobic process which involves breaking down carbohydrates into its simple form of water and glucose (glucose is the main precursor of fuel for every cell in your body).
Okay, brace yourself for a little bit of science…
When you ingest any type of macro nutrients, (Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats) your body ultimately breaks them down into two things: Sugar (glucose) and Water. Carbohydrates are more easily broken down into these two compounds, but fats and proteins get broken down into these compounds as well.
Once your body has Glucose and Water from your foods, it now uses these two compounds to create Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
Your body uses ATP, in conjunction with water, to ultimately produce phosphate (which is often considered “High-Energy Phosphate” and is the fuel that drives all cellular function). Thus the reason why you’re going to start taking baking soda: H+
What is H+?
H+ is a free proton. Whenever you hear the term “Free Proton” it simply means the solution is acidic. Excessive acid build up within the muscles is what gives you that burning sensation while doing higher reps.
Hopefully now you’re foreseeing how baking soda will help here.
Baking Soda is one of the most basic solutions available to the general public. Due to its basic (pH) properties, Baking Soda may be utilized as an acid buffer within your body.
By aiding in the removal of H+, you’re able to prolong the burning effect you feel in your muscles, which will allow you to pump out more reps; ultimately allowing you to…GROW!!!!!!
So how much and when do you take it?
I recommend you take between 5-10 grams pre-workout, with .5-1 Liter of water.
Here are the guidelines with ingesting baking soda so that you may use it as a performance enhancer and not experience any negative side effects:
· Take on an empty stomach
· Drink the recommended amount of water
· Don’t take more than 10 grams
Due to the “basic” characteristics of baking soda, if you take it with food your body will simply not digest the food due to the fact that you’ve neutralized the crucial stomach acids.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, an actual performance enhancing substance that is legal and don’t forget: CHEAP! Get yourself some baking soda today and you’ll start experiencing its benefits – and remember: Don’t take too much, drink plenty of water and don’t take it with food.
Happy Lifting! We are advocates of your goals!
