That Puke-ing feeling? What causes it?

[aargh]

What causes that feeling of nausea? In the last six months, everytime I workout, I start feeling sick in the stomach. Every time. How to prevent it? Tried AM workout, PM workout, empty stomach, a little food. Don't want to reduce intensity.

Is it due to lactic acid buildup? Low blood sugar? Am I just getting old?

 

[DrBones]

I'd have to take a wild guess and say low blood sugar... and possibly having difficulty getting enough oxygen to your muscles...
try taking some iron to increase the ammount of oxygen each blood cell can carry.

 

[Zander1983]

I've never had it lifting weights, and its not because I don't work hard enough. I don't think its something to be proud of - more a sign of something wrong preparation/nutrition-wise. It can definately be avoided when lifting.

However, I've had it when playing soccer. I get to the point where I simply can't replace the nutrients/fluids I'm using because of limited stopages in the game and lack of rest between repeated maxmimal efforts.

Try and get your diet and pre/during workout nutrition sorted. Low-GI, high-fibre carbs and a reasonable amount of protein is my choice leading up to a workout.

 

[bigp3]

Your body sets a priortiy to where it's oxygen supplies go to. If you are lifting a large muscle group such as quads the body is going to devote its oxygen resources to that muscle and to your brain first. If you push things hard it takes it away from non vital organs such as your stomach, hence your nausia. If you take it to the next level your body can get to the point where it no longer has the resources to send oxygen to your brain thus you feel light headed things go black and you can even pass out.

Hope this explains things

 

[fastgain]

I think it has something to do with genetics to be honest.

I have a friend who will puke after almost every intense workout, sometimes multiple times. I train just as hard if not harder than him, but I never get nauseaous. I've done some crazy ass sets of squats that made me dizzy enough to have to lie down, but I've never felt like throwing up. Unfortunately, I don't really have any suggestions, it might just be something you have to live with like my friend does.

Do you think it could be that you've stepped up the intensity in the last 6 months to a level above what you had previously done?

Biologically, as DrBones said it may have something to do with lack of oxygen. Make sure you're breathing really well and taking in some fluids during your workout. Gatorade or a sports drink seems to help my friend, I don't really know why. It may have to do with the sugar, or the salt in the drink.

Sorry I can't help you more.

 

[aargh]

I'll try sipping a carb drink while working out next time. Actually, my family has a history of anemia (maternal) side. Guess it's time for a blood test.

The lightheadedness isn't anything new, especially after heavy squats or deads. The nausea is.

Hmmm...all pointing to something to get checked out.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

 

[SofaGeorge]

The above answers are WRONG. Nausea while lifting weights (to the point of puking) is caused by one thing and one thing only - growth hormone release. Your body releases GH in response to exercise. The GH release makes you feel sick and want to puke. Believe it or not it is one of the best things that can happen to you.

GH starts to shut down after about the age of 35. That is why people top out in their sports at 35 usually.

I'm 44. I don't normally get "sick" if I lift. If I take a GH releasing secretagog... I want to puke after every set.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

Oh shit man, I'm 34 - I better hit it hard this year!

 

[bigp3]

The GH thing is bullshit... your body does not release enough GH in the middle of your set of squats to make you nausious. Use your brain and think about it for a second. Have any of you every taken human anatomy and physiology. It is all explained there. GH makes your head light and your stomach upset,,, bwaaa haha.. I mean come on for real. Then all these pros shooting 20 IUs a day would be passing out and puking. Use some logic for one time. Hold your breath one time for as long as you can and I bet you get the same feeling. It is called oxygen deprevation.

 

[SofaGeorge]

The GH thing is bullshit... your body does not release enough GH in the middle of your set of squats to make you nausious. Use your brain and think about it for a second. Have any of you every taken human anatomy and physiology. It is all explained there. GH makes your head light and your stomach upset,,, bwaaa haha.. I mean come on for real. Then all these pros shooting 20 IUs a day would be passing out and puking. Use some logic for one time. Hold your breath one time for as long as you can and I bet you get the same feeling. It is called oxygen deprevation.

You are wrong... and you are NOT an authority on this subject.