Distance runners have long engaged in a practice known as "soda doping" to improve performance.
Enhanced sports performance
Distance runners have long engaged in a practice known as "soda doping" -- or taking bicarbonate of soda capsules -- before races to enhance performance, a measure that's thought to work similarly to carbohydrate loading. It's also been shown to improve speed among swimmers.
Researchers noted: "Essentially, sodium bicarbonate is an alkali substance that increases the pH of the blood. This seems to reduce and offset the acidity produced in the muscles during intense, anaerobic exercise that produces lactic acid most quickly, such as fast running or swimming."
Performance and energy booster
If you exercise hard, lactic acid builds up in the muscles, and this causes pain and fatigue.