Lactic acid buildup is a medical condition also known as lactic acidosis.
Muscle testing and a doctor’s diagnosis can tell you if you are suffering from this condition.
It occurs when lactic acid is released into the muscles after they have used all their normal energy sources.
When there is a problem with the body’s metabolism, buildup of lactate within the muscles can occur. One’s pH level is typically too low when there is a buildup of lactic acid.
Advertisement
How To Combat Lactic Acid Buildup
This type of buildup often occurs during exercise and leaves one feeling weak and exhausted with cramps and nausea. It is possible for a person to experience lactic acid buildup and not even be aware that that is what they are suffering from.
Fortunately, muscles respond well to the minerals and supplements that certain foods provide, allowing one to effectively address lactic acid buildup with diet. Here is a look at some of the nutrients you might need more of after a hard workout.
Increase Bicarbonates
When one thinks of bicarbonate, it is common to think of baking soda. You could add a teaspoon full of baking soda to water and drink it down for a healing effect, but a healthier option is to eat bicarbonate specific foods. Increasing bicarbonates through baking soda can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, which are side effects that can be avoided by eating foods high in bicarbonates instead.
Adding more bicarbonate rich food to the diet helps promote muscle healing and helps to combat lactic acid buildup. Bicarbonate helps to keep one’s pH level aligned and also works to remove lactic acid from the muscles. Foods that have high levels of potassium also have bicarbonate. These include bananas, leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and tomatoes. Eating these foods regularly and after a workout decrease the likelihood of lactic buildup.
Increase Magnesium
The body uses magnesium for moving large muscles and muscle contractions. It is the most commonly found mineral in the body, but there may not be enough to prevent lactic acidosis, especially after exercise. To help prevent this, eat more foods with magnesium. These foods include salmon, turkey, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and other pine nuts. Pumpkin and sesame seeds are also good sources of magnesium.
Increase Alkaline
Alkaline works as a preventative and healer for lactic acid buildup as it directly correlates with the body’s pH level and helps prevent the loss of essential minerals within the body. Foods such as avocados, grapefruits, rhubarb, and lemons are alkaline. It is also important to stay hydrated as part of combating lactic acid buildup, so consider squeezing lemon juice into water to get an added benefit. These fruits can also be combined with other fruits and leafy green vegetables to create smoothies which work well as a replenishment after exercise.
Increasing the above elements in your diet can be a source of alternate healing as well as a preventative for lactic acid buildup.
Comments are closed.