Date: 24/01/2012
What is Lactic acid and what is the use of it?
As our bodies perform strenuous exercise, we begin to breathe faster as we attempt to shuttle more oxygen to our working muscles. The body prefers to generate most of its energy using aerobic methods, meaning with oxygen. Though interval training and weight bearing activity requires energy production faster than our bodies can adequately deliver oxygen so in this case our bodies will generate energy anaerobically. This energy will come from Glucose.
How this is done is through a process called glycolysis in which glucose is broken down into a substance called pyruvate.
When oxygen is limited generally within 30sec -3min of intensity, the body temporarily converts pyruvate into a substance called lactate and can build up to high levels in the body.
A side effect of high lactate levels is an increase in the acidity of the muscle cells. Even though this sounds like it would be counterproductive for this acid build up, it is a natural defense mechanism for the body that prevents permanent damage during extreme exertion by slowing the key systems needed to maintain muscle contraction. Once the body slows down, oxygen becomes available and lactate reverts back to pyruvate, allowing continued aerobic metabolism and energy for the body’s recovery from strenuous activity.
Lactic acid is not the sole cause of muscle soreness which occurs 24-72 hours after training. It is also the microscopic tearing of the muscle fibers that cause this inflammation in the muscle and the better you can recover after an intense session with a good quality protein source and antioxidant the better your body can rebuild and flush out the toxins from the stress buildup of training.
