Bicarbonate and Endurance: A Deep Dive with Dr. Leo Kormanik, Dr. Jared Bugaj, and Zach Goulet

Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance

Bicarbonate, or bicarb, has emerged as a significant subject of discourse within the realm of endurance events, particularly due to its capacity to mitigate the effects of lactic acid accumulation during high-intensity exercise. In this episode, we, Dr. Leo Kormanik, Jared Bugaj, and Zach Goulet, delve into the multifaceted applications of bicarbonate supplementation, examining its potential benefits for athletes engaged in various endurance disciplines, such as the 1500, mile, 5K and 10K races as well as the half marathon, marathon and tour de France. We explore the physiological mechanisms by which bicarbonate acts as a buffering agent, thus enhancing performance by delaying fatigue. Furthermore, we scrutinize the practical considerations regarding dosage and timing, as well as the potential gastrointestinal distress associated with its use. Our discussion strives to provide clarity on whether bicarb supplementation is a prudent strategy for athletes seeking to optimize their performance and recovery in endurance events.

Takeaways:

• Bicarbonate serves as a crucial buffer, neutralizing lactic acid during high-intensity exercise events.
• The optimal performance window for bicarbonate supplementation appears to be within five to seven minutes of exertion.
• Studies suggest that endurance athletes can experience performance gains of two to three percent with proper bicarbonate dosing.
• Incorporating bicarbonate into training may enhance recovery and performance, but proper dosage and timing are essential.

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