Introduction
Exercise is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid potential risks. However, some adverse effects may occur if the training load exceeds the body’s available resources.
The Formation of Lactic Acid
For example, if the organism does not have enough oxygen to utilize in metabolic reactions, it will switch the chemical pathways into anaerobic methods of creating energy (Roth, 2006). This alternative is called fermentation, an incomplete processing cycle that produces lactate. These reactions are partially reversible, as when the body gets enough oxygen, the produced lactic acid can be transformed into pyruvate, which can be returned to the aerobic pathway.
At the same time, the rate of lactate creation may be high, which will lead to excess concentration of this molecule in tissues and individual cells. Therefore, insufficient oxygen intake during intense exercise may force the body to use anaerobic metabolic pathways, which produce a substantial amount of lactic acid.
The Impact of Lactic Acid on Intense Exercise
The excess concentration of lactic acid has several effects on the body. First, it increases the acidity of the endoplasm and may extensively harm the cell and its transport systems (Roth, 2006). On a tissue level, that may lead to acidosis, which should be addressed by electrolyte intake (Allen, 2023). Untreated, this condition may lead to fatigue, heart problems, and headaches.
Second, it limits the cell’s metabolism, a defensive mechanism to prevent permanent damage. If it did not happen, the cell would deplete all available resources and lose any possibility of rehabilitating when oxygen becomes available. However, although lactic acid is believed to be the reason for muscle soreness, the more critical factor in this process is direct tissue damage and increased amounts of other metabolic products (Roth, 2006).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while lactate is not the primary element of post-exercise discomfort, intensive anaerobic training should still be performed cautiously and with control of acidity level and water intake.
References
Allen, S. (2023). Metabolic acidosis. Healthline. Web.
Roth, S. M. (2006). Why does lactic acid build up in muscles? And why does it cause soreness? Scientific American. Web.