What Causes Nausea after Exercise?

How many times have you experienced a nausea feeling after finishing a great workout?  What causes nausea after exercise is a subject of interest for many that have experienced this phenomenon themselves. Most believe they are doing a good thing by exercising and getting their body into shape, but nausea may be a sign there is something wrong.

The causes of this sick feeling vary from person to person. It depends on what is in your body, the way you are exercising, and how you end you exercise routine. The most common cause for this condition is when a person eats and then begins their exercise routine before the contents of their stomach have had a chance to be digested. Just like the warning most mothers give their children about not swimming for an hour after eating, you should avoid exercise for an hour after eating. This will allow the food you took in to be used as a fuel source.  It will allow it to be metabolized and be readily available as a fuel when you exert yourself.

There are others that experience dizziness and nausea after exercising that did not eat prior to their routine. For these people, the causes of their sick feelings are different. If you exercise in the morning before taking any kind of nourishment, the cause of your light headedness could be from having low blood sugar. Your body needs a readily available supply of fuel to keep functioning normally. A light snack or even a piece of hard candy can supply the body’s needs until after the early morning routine and you eat a sensible breakfast.

Another common cause of dizziness and nausea is the lack of hydration in the body. While many prefer to consume power drinks that are on the market, it is the water content that will keep you going without being sick. If you become dehydrated, your blood pressure will fall and your brain will be starved for oxygen. This is what causes the dizziness many to experience. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your exercise routine.  Being properly hydrated is not fun!  I have experienced this a couple of times during races that I have competed in.  It is not fun when your legs lockout on you and say “no more.”

Over exertion when working out is also a cause for that sick feeling. It is great to push yourself when working out, and the majority of all experts and trainers advise people to push themselves to the limit. This is how they will get into shape faster. Although this is true, your body may not be prepared for it and start to shut down. Becoming dizzy and nauseous is a sign from your body that something is wrong. Take heed to this warning sign and do not push yourself to that level.

To help yourself prevent from becoming nauseous or dizzying during your workout routine you need to prepare your body first. Hydration is a must so drinking an 8 ounce glass of water is recommended. You should also have something in your stomach before you work out. Not a full meal but a small snack or a few crackers would be sufficient.

The real reason for what causes nausea after exercise is you not knowing your body and how it functions. Heed the warning signs and prepare your body for the exertion you are about to place it under.  Taking a closer look at a few of these suggestions should help prevent nausea after exercise.