One reason why a person may feel sick after working out is nutrition-related. It is important for the muscles and organs to be properly fueled. Hence, if the right food is not eaten between workouts, the body may not be capable of properly fueling itself for the strenuous activity. This, in turn, could make one feel sick.
Inadequate nutrition symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
When it comes to an exercise diet, it is important to not consume too much before workouts. Large meals can be eaten around three to four hours prior to workouts, while snacks or small meals can be eaten around one to three hours before the exercise.
It is advised to opt for food rich in carbohydrates, including yogurt, banana, energy bar, and a low-fat granola bar. Within two hours post-workout, a carbohydrate- and protein-focused meal would be good. This could be a smoothie or a peanut-butter sandwich.
Dehydration
Another reason behind the feeling of post-workout sickness could be due to dehydration, as the body loses sweat and breathes hard during workout. As one engages in strenuous exercise, it is easy for the body to become dehydrated. Dehydration symptoms include headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness.
However, it is also important to be careful as drinking too much water may lead to electrolyte dilution. Moreover, if the concentration of sodium within the blood reaches significantly low levels, one may experience nausea.
The American Heart Association (AHA) advises to drink water before and during exercise. The AHA also stresses two important rules, namely, that when one is thirsty, this is already indicative of dehydration, and that if one's urine color is clear or pale, it indicates sufficient hydration. In contrast, if one's urine color is darker, it means that one needs to take in more fluids.
