Why do you get bloated after a workout?

If you've ever felt bloated after exercising, you're not alone. As it turns out, bloating is quite common and many people experience it after hitting the gym.

The causes of post-workout bloating are largely unrelated to exercise. In fact, they have more to do with your diet, breathing, and your body's physical response to emotions.

What causes bloating after exercise?

According to Byrdie, a common cause of post-workout bloating is drinking too much water. While staying hydrated is important and necessary, drinking too much fluid before or after exercise can cause your sodium levels to drop, which can encourage your body to retain water and lead to dehydration. flatulence.

There are many causes of bloating during exercise

Eating too close to a workout can have a similar effect. That's because exercise redirects the flow of blood out of your stomach and into your muscles, slowing your digestion, making you feel bloated.

Another common cause of bloating is breathing too heavily during exercise. Believe it or not, breathing fast and heavy can cause you to swallow air, which can get stuck in your digestive tract and lead to bloating.

What's more, your body's stress response can slow down your digestive system and cause bloating by flooding your body with cortisol during intense exercise. Increased cortisol levels can raise blood pressure and increase water retention, which can create bloating.

How to treat and prevent post-workout bloating

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help treat and prevent post-workout bloating. According to Healthline, you can reduce bloating by eating well. While a healthy and balanced diet is always recommended, eating foods that are good for you and easy to digest before and after your workout can help reduce your risk of bloating. Josh Schlottman, a certified trainer and dietitian, tells Healthline, "Eat simpler carbs and proteins that are easier to digest."

It is also important to hydrate the body before and after exercise. While drinking too much water can negatively affect the body and lead to bloating, not drinking enough water can have similar consequences. That's because sweating can cause you to lose sodium and electrolytes , which need to be replenished.

Also, you should try to avoid eating and drinking alcohol, sugary foods, and carbonated drinks after your workout. Since they can all perpetuate or even worsen bloating, it's best to stay away from these foods and drinks if you're concerned about post-workout bloating. 

Foods to avoid bloating

If you're having a particularly rough day (or week), there are certain foods that can help calm your digestive system. Try eating one of these foods to prevent bloating:

Drinking water

Water is key to proper digestive health, and most Americans don't drink enough water every day. Increase your fluid intake to help move food through your digestive tract at a healthy rate and keep gas to a minimum.

Steamed dishes

Steamed vegetables are great for avoiding bloating

The less work your digestive system has to do to break down food, the less gas it will produce. You can aid digestion by eating steamed foods, as they are easier to digest. Try steamed spinach for dinner or steamed chicken for your lunch.

Insoluble fiber

Foods like beans, prunes and apples are known to cause excess gas because they are high in soluble fiber. If you want to prevent bloating, try to incorporate more insoluble fiber into your diet - the fiber found in whole wheat and brown rice is not fermented by the colon and therefore will not. produces a lot of gas.

Mint or chamomile tea

A cup of herbal tea can help soothe uncomfortable flatulence

Peppermint and chamomile are used to soothe many stomach upsets and they can also help with gas. Women's Hospital and Brigham explain that teas made with these herbs are often helpful natural remedies for bloating .

Digestive enzyme supplement

When all else fails, there are a number of over-the-counter supplements that can block gas. These supplements contain digestive enzymes that help your body break down gas-causing foods more efficiently.

The above article helps you answer the question of why you get gas after exercise . If you are struggling with persistent bloating in your intestines, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist. Vaginal discharge can be a sign of a food allergy or a reaction to medications you're taking, so a specialist can help you diagnose and treat bloating.