Breath holding after an exhalation causes a decrease in oxygen saturation, which triggers an increase in lactic acid. At the same time, carbon dioxide levels also increase, leading to a rise in the concentration of hydrogen ions, which further acidifies the blood. Repeated practice of breath-holding exercises offsets the effects of lactic acid, inducing the body to make adaptations to delay acidosis (increased acidity in the blood) and enabling the athlete to push harder without experiencing the same level of fatigue.
