{"id":57422,"date":"2023-03-07T13:55:14","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T18:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57422"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:49:48","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:49:48","slug":"why-do-i-feel-nauseous-after-working-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-do-i-feel-nauseous-after-working-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do I feel nauseous after working out?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’re midway through your run, but then you start to feel queasy. It’s unpleasant, sure. But you may be wondering, “Why do I feel nauseous after working out?” The good news is that most cases of post-workout nausea are not serious. During exercise, the body sends blood to major muscle groups, which reduces blood flow to abdominal organs. This can lead to nausea. Post-workout nausea may also stem from elevated blood pressure, poor hydration, or working out too soon after a meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s everything you need to know about nausea after exercise, including common causes and management and prevention tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it normal to feel nauseous after working out? <\/span><\/h2>\n

It is not uncommon to experience nausea after working out, according to <\/span>Kayley Myers<\/span><\/a>, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Springfield, Missouri. “It is most common in long-distance runners and other endurance athletes,” adds <\/span>Erin Nance<\/span><\/a>, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New York City.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes nausea after working out?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nausea after working out is common—but certainly unpleasant. Sometimes post-workout nausea also comes with <\/span>dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhea<\/span><\/a>. Below, Myers and Dr. Nance weigh in on common causes of nausea after high-intensity exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Exercising too soon after eating<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Eating too close to a workout can increase your risk for nausea,” says Myers. “Because there is less blood flow to your stomach, it can take longer for your food to digest. <\/span><\/p>\n

Think of it this way: Less circulation in the digestive system <\/span>slows overall food digestion<\/span><\/a> and may cause gastrointestinal stress. If you still have food in your stomach at the beginning of a workout, that food is likely to stick around for longer, potentially sloshing around during activity and causing an <\/span>upset stomach<\/span><\/a>. In some cases, the nausea can even make you vomit.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Eating heavy, slow-digesting foods before a workout<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts consume <\/span>pre-workout supplements<\/span><\/a> or snacks to fuel their sweat sessions. But not all snacks are created equal. “Eating heavy or spicy meals prior to a workout can cause indigestion and nausea,” Dr. Nance. <\/span>Research<\/span><\/a> suggests that eating fatty foods before a workout can also lead to nausea.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Does exercise help with digestion?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Not hydrating properly<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most people are aware of the risk of dehydration during strenuous exercise. But Myers says both too little and too much fluid can make you feel nauseous after working out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Proper hydration<\/span><\/a> is vital for feeling and <\/span>performing your best<\/span><\/a> during a workout. However, that doesn’t mean you should chug a bottle of water before hitting the treadmill. Flooding your stomach with fluids can trigger reflux, vomiting, and nausea. Drinking water consistently throughout the day is better than trying to hydrate all at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

“<\/span>Overhydrating<\/span><\/a> can throw off your sodium levels and also cause nausea,” Myers explains. Known as <\/span>hyponatremia<\/span><\/a>, overhydrating can also cause low blood pressure, headache, fatigue, and confusion. Overhydrating is rare, but serious. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Low blood sugar<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can cause nausea during or after a workout,” Myers says. “While this can happen to anyone, people who take diabetes medications like <\/span>insulin<\/span><\/a> are at higher risk.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypoglycemia also causes side effects such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. Most healthcare professionals recommend treating mild <\/span>low blood sugar<\/span><\/a> with a portion of <\/span>fast-acting carbohydrates<\/span><\/a> such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or even sugary candy. It is important to have some on hand when you exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Heat exhaustion<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nausea is a warning sign of heat-related sickness, according to the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a> (CDC). So if you feel nauseous after a hot yoga session or running in the midday sun, consider the possibility that your body might have overheated.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your post-workout nausea is caused by heat exhaustion, you might also experience these<\/span> other symptoms<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n