Regular exercise is an extremely important part of staying healthy. It helps maintain your weight and also improves overall fitness. While we all understand the challenges of exercising and staying consistent, for some people, it may cause additional physical issues like nausea and vomiting. If you’re wondering why, then you’ve landed on the right page. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Hiran S. Reddy, Consultant Physician, Diabetologist and Critical Care Specialist, Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad, explains the reason behind it.
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Why Some People Feel Nauseous After Exercising
Exercise-induced nausea and vomiting aren't uncommon. In fact, in people who do experience it, it can be caused by the "body’s natural response to physical stress", explains Dr Reddy.
"During intense workouts, blood flow is redirected from the stomach to muscles, leading to delayed digestion and discomfort," he adds.
A 2001 study published in the journal Appetite investigated the relationship between exercise, food, and nausea. Researchers had 12 healthy volunteers exercise on a stationary bike at both low and high intensities under different conditions: on an empty stomach, immediately after eating, and one hour after eating. The study found that exercise does cause nausea, with symptoms being most severe during high-intensity workouts.
Additionally, consuming a large or heavy meal right before exercising is a known cause of exercise-induced nausea. “The digestive system competes with muscles for blood flow. If the stomach is still processing food when you start exercising, especially foods high in fat, fibre, or protein, it may result in bloating, discomfort, and nausea. Ideally, one should eat a light meal 1.5–2 hours before working out,” shares Dr Reddy.
Other common causes include overexertion, poor breathing technique, low blood sugar, and overheating. The intensity and duration of exercise, as well as an individual’s fitness level, can all influence this response.
Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalance
According to Dr Reddy, dehydration reduces blood volume, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. “This leads to reduced oxygen delivery and the buildup of metabolic waste, which can trigger nausea.”
Additionally, an electrolyte imbalance, especially low sodium or potassium, can disrupt nerve signalling and muscle function, compounding symptoms like dizziness, cramps, and nausea.
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Are Certain Types Of Exercise More Likely To Cause Nausea?
Dr Reddy suggests that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), endurance running, hot yoga, and spinning classes are more likely to induce nausea. "These workouts place a significant cardiovascular and thermal load on the body."
"Sudden, jarring movements or inversions (such as in some yoga poses) may also upset the vestibular system, contributing to nausea," he adds.
A Final Word
While occasional nausea during or after exercise is usually harmless, frequent or severe episodes require medical attention. As per Dr Reddy, it could signal conditions such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), inner ear disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
If nausea is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or palpitations, a full medical evaluation is recommended. Early consultation can help identify and manage any hidden health concerns effectively, Dr Reddy concludes.