There may be a million reasons zooming through your head that you should quit when you're in the midst of an exhausting workout. But if your body can handle it, you can keep pushing. If your body shows signs of a problem, including nausea, it's time to pay attention. Take stock of what's going on, figure out the problem and adjust your exercise routine so that you feel satisfied, not sick. If you experience nausea associated with exercise regularly, you should speak with your doctor about potential causes and determine a diagnosis for the problem.
Causes of Nausea
Nausea during or after exercise can be caused by a number of things, including a health condition. You may suffer from low blood sugar, even if you're not diabetic. You could simply be nervous or anxious, particularly if you're competing, training or trying to reach a certain goal. You may even feel nauseous due to motion sickness from rapid abdominal crunches, running and other exercises where you may not be focusing your eyes in one place.
Ease It Up
You could be pushing your body beyond its limits if exercise makes you feel nauseous. If you're trying to challenge yourself and improve your stamina and fitness, do it gradually. Going from being a couch potato to trying to run several miles in the heat is simply asking too much of your body. Increase the intensity and duration of your exercise slowly, and listen to your body's signals that it's time to ease up a bit.
Prepare for Exercise
Before you exercise, make sure your body is prepared. Make sure that you've properly hydrated yourself before your workout by drinking plenty of fluids. You also need a little something in your tank to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low, so have a light snack or meal before you exercise, even if it's early in the morning.
Can't Kick Nausea?
If you've tried several tactics to alleviate nausea but still feel sick during or after exercise, head to your doctor for a checkup. You'll want to rule out any potential medical problems like abnormal blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, pregnancy or other factors that may affect your ability to exercise. You may also have a balance disorder, such as vertigo, or an infection or inflammation in the middle ear that could be causing your nausea, particularly if you also feel dizzy or off-balance while you exercise.
