How can we ignite metabolism without overheating our engines? Due to necessary training intensity for the 2010 Olympics, lowering the risk of heat stroke is particularly challenging for Olympians working out this summer. Subsequently pH fitness is an even greater consideration when building a training schedule as environmental temperatures rise.

Left untreated, heat stroke may progress to coma. Death may result due to kidney failure, malfunction of the lungs, acute heart failure, or direct heat induced damage to the brain. This is a concern to athletes because heat stroke risk rises as body pH drops during exercise. Acidification of metabolic pH can lead to acidosis. Cellular response to stress is altered contributing to overtraining syndrome, toxicity increases when the hypothalamus cannot regulate core temperature ultimately affecting the role of the pineal gland [the tiny cone shaped gland that has recently been found to be an important link between the nervous and endocrine systems. This gland is linked to the CNS via the sympathetic nervous system.]. Studies which have provided an in vitro model for the study of mechanism of injury in exertional heat stress when the body is unable to dissipate heat leading to heat stroke conclude:

Heat stroke mortality is worsened in the presence of acidosis. Using cell culture as an in vitro model of exertional heat stress, we have shown that physiologic acidosis (pH 6.8) significantly increases cell death from hyperthermia. We have further demonstrated that acidosis augments the heat response of the human HSP70 3′ untranslated region…”  Metabolic acidosis has been shown to inhibit the heat control mechanism in the hypothalamus, and is a potential causative factor in heat stroke.

Returning body pH to normal requires that the correct intracellular and extracellular balance of electrolytes be restored. Electrolytes are electrically charged ions that our cells need in order to carry electrical impulses to other cells that maintain muscle and nerve control. Since physical exertion generally causes a drop in body pH anyway, in the summer heat, the imbalance of electrolytes can be as potentially damaging as the loss of electrolytes. Hydration will restore the supply of electrolytes, however by itself cannot ensure the proper balance of electrolytes for optimal cellular function.

Body’Fit pH Fitness™ exercise (short form… pHx™) is a cool down routine that presents a solution for body temperature control. Designed to ignite metabolism in deep organs as well as equalize VO2max in all muscles, this unique sequence disperses heat by opening up blood vessels in all tissues including cutaneous blood vessels. Combined with restoration of acid base equilibrium (within 5 to 15 minutes), the dynamic 24-exercise series helps reset the temperature regulating mechanisms the body, fast. In the hot weather pHx adds a definite spark to metabolic rate, while lowering the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

For extended article on acidosis, heat stroke, and hyperthermia click here