Peat Archive

Carbon dioxide occupies a uniquely important place in Ray Peat's physiology. Far from being merely a metabolic waste product, Peat (following Verigo, Bohr, and others) argued that CO2 is a protective physiological gas essential for oxygen delivery to tissues, pH regulation, and cellular stability. The Bohr effect — where CO2 causes hemoglobin to release oxygen to tissues — means that adequate CO2 is necessary for effective tissue oxygenation.

Peat noted that people with high metabolic rates produce more CO2 and have better health outcomes, while those in low-metabolic states (hypothyroidism, aging, disease) produce less CO2 and retain more lactic acid. He recommended breathing techniques that retain CO2 (avoiding hyperventilation), and noted that drinking carbonated water, living at altitude, and maintaining high metabolic rate all support CO2 levels.