After a workout, you might expect to feel a bit tired or sore, but experiencing nausea along with a queer stomach is usually a sign that something is wrong. The cause of the nausea might be something as simple as dehydration or something as serious as an underlying medical disorder. Taking preventive measures can get rid of many instances of exercise-induced nausea, but you should consult your doctor if the problem persists.
Fluid Imbalance
Not drinking enough fluid can cause problems with your digestive process and lead to nausea, particularly during and after a workout. However, drinking too much water can cause an imbalance with the amount of sodium in your blood -- a condition known as hyponatremia that can have nausea as a symptom. Any weight you lose during exercise will be primarily water, so weighing yourself before and after your workout can give you an idea of how much you need to consume to keep a proper balance. If you work out for an hour or more, consume a beverage enhanced with electrolytes to help make hydration more efficient. Take small sips during your workout, waiting until after you are finished to fully hydrate. Drink more water if you are working out in a hot environment because you will sweat more in high-temperatures.
Food Issues
Exercise impairs your digestive process because your blood gets shunted out to your muscles, away from your intestines. As a result, any time you have excess food in your stomach when working out, it can lead to nausea and cramping. On the other hand, skipping a meal or eating too little can also cause nausea. When you don't have enough fuel in your system, you can get dizzy, followed by a feeling of nausea. Eating foods that are hard to digest or irritate your stomach can also lead to gastric disturbances, including nausea. To avoid nausea caused by digestive issues, consume a pre-workout meal made up primarily of carbohydrates along with lean protein sources and very little fat. Eat at least two to four hours before working out to allow time for proper digestion. Avoid consuming dairy products, beans, high-fiber foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, aspirin and foods with excess sugar.
Overexertion
If you are working out too hard or too long, your body builds up excess waste products. The waste products can't get filtered out fast enough, so they linger in your digestive system, leading to nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. In addition, working out too strenuously can significantly elevate your blood pressure, which can lead to nausea. To avoid overexertion, work within your limits and pace yourself. If you are getting fatigued while working out, stop and take a rest. Avoid working out if you are overly tired or have sore muscles.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is the result of your brain getting mixed signals from your ears, eyes and body. While motion sickness is more often associated with riding in a car, riding on a plane or traveling on a boat, workouts that involve a lot of jarring motion, such as performing situps or running on a treadmill, can have the same effect. Certified trainer Stew Smith of Military.com states focusing on a stationary object in front of you while engaged in activity should help avoid motion sickness.
Consideration
Keeping track of your eating and drinking habits, adjusting for motion sickness, and avoiding overexertion can help avoid post-workout nausea in many instances. Stress and anxiety can also have similar effects, so consider taking time for deep breathing and relaxation before and after your workouts. However, if taking precautions doesn't get rid of the nausea and queer feeling in your stomach, you may have an underlying medical disorder. Gastrointestinal issues, balance disorders and blood pressure problems all have nausea as a symptom, and working out could simply be exacerbating the symptoms or bringing them to the foreground. Consult a doctor if your nausea persists despite taking preventive measures.
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