During exercise, the body metabolizes at a faster rate and produces waste products at the same rate. One of the wastes associated with metabolism is H⁺ ions which contribute to an increase in acidity or decrease in the pH of body fluids. If the change is not resisted, it may lead to severe consequences on the health of an individual. Therefore, two intrinsic mechanisms operate in the body to resist pH changes.

The following are the mechanisms that help regulate the pH within a narrow range:

• Acid-base buffer system

• Respiratory compensation