Can Baking Soda Fight the Effects of Altitude?
A fascinating new study highlighted by Outside Magazine suggests that sodium bicarbonate — better known as baking soda — may help athletes combat the performance-sapping effects of high altitude.
Researchers found that supplementing with baking soda before exercise at elevation could help buffer the increased acidity that builds up in muscles during intense effort, a problem that is amplified when oxygen levels are lower at altitude.
The findings open up an intriguing, low-cost avenue for endurance athletes who regularly train or compete in mountainous environments. While altitude tents, acclimatization protocols, and performance supplements have long been staples of high-altitude preparation, baking soda offers an accessible and inexpensive alternative worth exploring.
However, experts caution that gastrointestinal side effects remain a concern with sodium bicarbonate supplementation, and optimal dosing strategies are still being refined. As research continues to evolve, this humble kitchen staple could become a surprising weapon in an endurance athlete's performance toolkit.