Causes of nausea while exercising
According to Dr. Hiran S. Reddy, a diabetes and special care specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad (India), an expert from Onlymyhealth, nausea during exercise is a natural reaction of the body when under great physical pressure.
Changes in blood flow: When exercising at high intensity, blood is prioritized to be transferred to the motor muscles, reducing blood flow to the stomach, leading to slow digestion and discomfort, causing nausea.
Unsuitable eating times: Eating a full meal or eating foods rich in fat, fiber or protein right before exercise causes the digestive system to compete with muscles to get blood, causing a feeling of fullness, discomfort and nausea. The advice is to have a snack about 1.52 hours before exercising.
Other causes: Excessive exercise, incorrect breathing techniques, low blood sugar, or high body temperature can all stimulate nausea symptoms.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration reduces blood volume and the heart's ability to pump blood, leading to reduced oxygen to the organs and waste accumulation in the body, contributing to nausea. In addition, electrolyte imbalances such as sodium or low potassium can disrupt muscle and nerve function, making nausea, cramps, and dizziness worse.
Some exercises that easily cause nausea
According to Dr. Reddy, high-intensity exercises such as HIIT, long-distance running, hot yoga or cycling classes are at higher risk of causing nausea due to increased cardiovascular pressure and body temperature. In addition, sudden, strong movements or rapid changes in posture can disrupt the vestibular system, causing dizziness and nausea.
When should you see your doctor?
Dr. Reddy says that although nausea during exercise is sometimes a normal phenomenon, you need to pay attention if symptoms occur more frequently or severely. Nausea can warn of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inner ear disorders, arrhythmia or exercise shock.
If you experience nausea accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or chest drumsticks, see a doctor immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.
