Moneycontrol News | August 2, 2024
Risk of stomach upset: Another reason to pause before drinking water post-exercise is to avoid stomach upset. Intense workouts often lead to a significant loss of fluids through sweat
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Drinking water too quickly can overwhelm the stomach, especially if your body is still in a heightened state of activity. This can result in discomfort, bloating, or even nausea
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Allowing your body some time to transition from exercise to rest can help prevent these issues
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Electrolyte imbalance: Exercise causes the body to lose not just water but also electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These are crucial for muscle function, nerve signalling, fluid balance
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Drinking plain water immediately after a workout can exacerbate an electrolyte imbalance by further diluting the body's electrolyte levels
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This can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue
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Instead, consider consuming a balanced electrolyte solution or a sports drink designed to replenish these vital nutrients
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Blood pressure considerations: The body's cardiovascular system undergoes significant changes during and after exercise. Your heart rate and BP naturally rise during physical activity
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Drinking water immediately post-workout can affect blood volume and pressure, potentially leading to light-headedness or dizziness, especially if you stand up too quickly
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This is because water intake can cause a rapid decrease in blood pressure, compounding the effects of exercise-induced changes
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Wait for your body to stabilise before drinking to mitigate these risks
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