Ray Peat: the Dangers of Lactic Acid

Lactic acid, often perceived as a mere byproduct of physical exertion, harbors a darker side, particularly in its chronic form. Ray Peat, a renowned researcher, has delved deeply into the multifaceted dangers of lactic acid, presenting a compelling case for its role in various health conditions.

1. Cancer Connection: Peat points out that lactic acid can make cells more susceptible to transforming into cancer cells. This is based on Harry Rubin’s experiments, which showed that cells become cancerous before genetic changes occur, suggesting a strong link between lactic acid presence and cancer susceptibility​​.

2. Energy Metabolism Disruption: Lactic acid interferes with energy metabolism in a self-promoting manner. It disrupts the metabolism of carbon dioxide, leading to an energy-deficient state in cells. This interruption is particularly harmful in conditions like hypothyroidism, where hyperventilation, driven by adrenalin, lactate, and free fatty acids, exacerbates the problem​​.

3. Mitochondrial Damage: The presence of lactic acid signifies anaerobic glycolysis, which can damage mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells. This damage hampers the growth of new mitochondria and affects the body’s ability to generate energy efficiently​​.

4. Role in Chronic Diseases: Peat emphasizes that increased lactic acid production is a feature of chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and general aging. These conditions involve accumulated metabolic (mitochondrial) damage, where lactic acid plays a central role by suppressing glucose oxidation​​.

5. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects: Excessive lactic acid is linked to heart failure, shock, and other cardiovascular problems. It contributes to the Crabtree effect, where cellular respiration is inhibited by an excess of glucose, promoting calcium uptake by cells and leading to cell death​​.

6. Endocrine Disruption: Estrogen exposure, by increasing levels of free fatty acids, shifts metabolism away from glucose, contributing to lactic acid production. This affects the thyroid and can cause winter sickness and night stress, both associated with increased lactic acid production​​.

7. A Sign of Tissue Hypoxia: Elevated levels of lactic acid in blood are a sign of tissue hypoxia, a condition where tissues don’t receive enough oxygen. This can lead to edema, hypoglycemia, and lactic academia, and is often found in conjunction with hypothyroidism​​.

8. Inflammation and Immune Response: Lactic acid can lead to edema, particularly in the lungs, limiting oxygen absorption. It also causes swelling in the brain and affects the immune system by altering how immune cells function. This can lead to increased vascular permeability, allowing harmful substances like bacteria and endotoxins into the bloodstream​​.

9. Suppression of Cellular Respiration: The formation of lactate from glucose is increased when respiratory energy production is hindered. Lactate can suppress cellular respiration, known as the Crabtree effect, and in some cases, inhibit its own formation, affecting the body’s energy production mechanisms​​.

10. Neurological Damage: In the brain, lactate can cause nerve damage, leading to intracellular fat accumulation, chromatin clumping, and mitochondrial swelling. This damage is significant as it impacts the central nervous system and can disrupt the blood-brain barrier​​.

In conclusion, Ray Peat’s insights into the dangers of lactic acid reveal a complex interplay of metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurological factors. His work underscores the importance of recognizing lactic acid not just as a transient byproduct of physical exertion, but as a potential contributor to a range of health issues. By understanding its broader implications, we can better approach the prevention and management of the conditions associated with excessive lactic acid production.