Seeing or feeling your abdomen bloating after a vigorous exercise session can be a bit of a shock, especially considering your are most likely trying to lose weight. There is usually no cause for concern, however, because it usually just takes an adjustment in your eating and drinking habits to get rid of it. If you are having other symptoms along with the bloating, such as gas, pain, nausea or vomiting, you may have an underlying gastrointestinal issue causing the problem. Consult a doctor if this is the case.
Fluid Imbalance
The most common cause of bloating after exercise is an imbalance between the level of sodium and fluids in the body. If that is out of balance, your body will retain water, and you will experience bloating, especially in the abdomen. Drink fluids with electrolytes added to help replace lost sodium and fluids. Avoid drinking too little or too much water, and drink only when you are thirsty.
Some people sweat more and release more sodium than others. This type of sweating is indicated by white marks on your clothes or a salty, bitter taste when sweating. If this is the case, you may need to increase your sodium intake. Consult a doctor before doing so, however, as increased sodium can increase your blood pressure.
Building Muscle
Although you may not be exercising the muscles of your abdomen directly, you may be building muscle. Even cardiovascular exercise such as running or jogging will stress the muscles of the abdominal region. When muscle is strained, micro tears occur and the repair process adds fibers that increase the size of the muscle. Stretching the muscles before and after exercise can elongate the muscles and keep them flexible, which can help avoid the bloated or full feeling.
Gastrointestinal Problems
If your abdominal bloating after exercise is accompanied by other symptoms including gas, belching, pain, nausea, vomiting or blood in the stool, you could have a digestive disorder. This can range from eating foods that you have an intolerance for to a more serious medical disorder, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel system. Consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms consistently.
Excess Consumption
One simple problem that may be causing your bloating abdomen is you are consuming more calories than you are expending. When you are just beginning to exercise, or if you are more experienced and have had a more vigorous exercise session, your appetite increases, and you may overeat. Keep track of you calories in a journal or using an online tool to avoid over-consumption.
Considerations
If you are just beginning to exercise, you may bloat because your body sees the exercise as trauma and wants to conserve vital nutrients and fluids. This type of bloating usually goes away after several weeks of consistent exercise. If you find that adjusting your fluid and calorie intake is not getting rid of the abdominal bloating, and you are not experiencing any other symptoms, you may have a problem with your kidneys or another underlying disorder. Contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
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