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Reasons for Nausea When Exercising
Many people falsely think that nausea during exercise occurs only to those who are out of shape. Although nausea may be common in cases of less physically fit people, it can also occur to trained athletes in conditions where the athlete is dehydrated, had too much or too little food prior to the workout or is suffering from anxiety or a more serious medical condition.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Dehydration
Dehydration commonly causes nausea, according to the Nausea Help website. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stresses that athletes must continue hydrating themselves before, during and after exercise. In addition, Nausea Help suggests drinking at least 2 cups of water within a half hour before a workout. A half cup of water should be drank at least every 15 minutes during a workout. This will help you stay hydrated and avoid feeling nauseated.
- Dehydration commonly causes nausea, according to the Nausea Help website.
- A half cup of water should be drank at least every 15 minutes during a workout.
Low Blood Sugar
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Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day because it provides you with energy for the rest of your activities. Similar results could occur if you skip lunch or dinner and exercise in the afternoon or evening.
Overeating Before Working Out
As much as eating before a workout is important, it is also essential not to eat too much before exercising. If you eat a meal, wait at least an hour to work out. Having a big meal close to a workout can result in nausea and vomiting 3. Avoid consuming large meals before an intense workout and allow yourself time to digest each meal.
- As much as eating before a workout is important, it is also essential not to eat too much before exercising.
- Avoid consuming large meals before an intense workout and allow yourself time to digest each meal.
Anxiety
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Nervousness or anxiety before a big event can contribute to nausea while exercising. According to the "Ultra Cycling" magazine, because you do not usually work out under an immense amount of stress, your body may react to anxiety with nausea. Eat right, stay hydrated and use meditation and proper breathing when dealing with anxiety prior to an important event or workout.
Other Reasons
There are also many other medical reasons that can cause nausea during your workout that are unrelated to exercise 2. Depending on your other symptoms, nausea can be an indication of variety of serious conditions. Talk with your doctor for a proper diagnosis if your nausea does not subside.
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References
- Nausea Help: Why Do I Feel Nauseous after Exercising?
- Military.com: Nausea During Workout
- FamilyDoctor.org: Nausea and Vomiting
- Sanger GJ, Andrews PLR. A history of drug discovery for treatment of nausea and vomiting and the implications for future research. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:913. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00913
- Cleveland Clinic. Nausea and vomiting: When to call the doctor
- MedlinePlus. Bland diet. Updated January 7, 2020.
- Boltman-Binkowski H. A systematic review: Are herbal and homeopathic remedies used during pregnancy safe? Curationis. 2016;39:1514. doi:10.4102/curations.v39/1.1514
- Tayarani-Najaran Z’ Talasaz-Firoozi E, Nasiri R, Jalali N, Hassanzadeh MK. Antiemetic activity of volatile oil from Mentha spicata and Mentha × piperita in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:290. doi:10.3332/ecancer.2013.290
- Lane B, Cannella K, Bowen C, Copelan D, Nteff G, Barnes K, Poudevigne M, Lawson J. Examination of the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea in women post C-section. J Holist Nurs. 2012;30(2):90-104;quiz105-6. doi:10.1177/0898010111423419
- Smith LA, Azariah F, Lavender VT, Stoner NS, Bettiol S. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(11):CD009464. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009464.pub2
- Harvard Medical School. Nausea.
- Ozgoli G, Naz MSG. Effects of complementary medicine on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A systematic review. Int J Prev Med. 2018;9:75. doi:10.4103%2Fijpvm.IJPVM_430_16
Writer Bio
Kelly Stevens started writing professionally in 2010, specializing in social issues, travel, culture, language, education and sports. She has practiced and coached Karate since 1993 and danced since 1994. Stevens writes for LIVESTRONG.COM, Answerbag and eHow. She holds Bachelors of Arts in French, Spanish and education from the University of British Columbia.