Your first gym experience… Something as memorable as our first day at a new workplace or school.
An exciting and daunting experience for most of us. From choosing your perfect gym outfit to looking for the workouts, all of it can make one’s gym experience a memorable one. But this brings along its fair share of challenges.
Can pre workout cause diarrhea or will I gain weight after doing this particular workout, all of these questions can leave you wondering.
When I decided to go to the gym after doing home workouts for weeks, I began it with a pre workout drink. I got this supplement online on my friend’s recommendation. Only after a few hours, I started feeling something abnormal with my bowel movements. Maybe this was an episode of diarrhoea. Then, I realised I had just made a new addition to my routine which was my pre workout drink.
But can pre workout cause diarrhoea or was it something else. I am sure most of you can relate to this and are curious to know the facts.
Let’s explore the truth behind pre workout drinks!
Table of Contents
What are Pre Workout Drinks?
A pre workout is a supplement that is thought to motivate you and improve your energy levels after a workout. Pre-workouts often come in powder form and are usually available in a variety of flavours.
There are hundreds of supplements available and all you need is to add the powder to water or milk to make your preworkout drink. You consume this just before starting doing your workout and this makes your workout more fun.
Can Pre Workout Cause Diarrhoea?
If you are asking if pre workout can cause diarrhoea, then the answer is probably yes. Diarrhoea can be one such side effect of pre workout drinks.
Many people suffer from diarrhoea after using the supplements. There are certain ingredients that are a part of pre workout formulas which are known to cause diarrhoea.
Some of these ingredients include caffeine, magnesium, creatine, arginine, taurine, sodium bicarbonate etc. These ingredients cause the reaction in your body when consumed in large amounts. Pre workout components tend to cause gastrointestinal stress and irritate your tract as they are not easy to process.
Other Common Side Effects of Pre Workout
The strength and boost of energy are because of the ingredients present in these pre workout supplements. These supplements contain ingredients that reduce your chances of everyday fatigue. With the right dose of energy and endurance, you need during your workout, be mindful that these workouts can have side effects.
Let’s talk about these in detail!
1- Disturbed Sleep Patterns
Ingredients present in pre workout drinks can interfere with your brain activity patterns.
Caffeine is one such ingredient.
Yes, this exactly means you are more likely to experience disrupted sleep patterns. You may find it difficult to fall asleep especially if you are doing your workout in the evening.
2- Dehydration and Headaches
Next on the list of pre workout side effects comes dehydration.
Pre workout supplements diuretic ingredients that can drain the excess water from your body
When you pee more than usual, your body loses the water content resulting in dehydration. Dehydration can be harmful to you as this can further give you headaches and migraine. So, yes, pre workout supplements can drive you insane.
Suggested Read: Bitter pain of migraine
3- High Blood Pressure
Pre workout supplements are meant to make your body get the most out of the workouts.
This occurs when all your body organs work efficiently and this also includes your heart activity.
Sometimes, this can make your heart hyperactive and you may experience signs such as high blood pressure aka hypertension.
This pre workout side effect can be dangerous especially when you are already at risk of suffering from heart problems.
4- Weird Sensations
Another common side effect of pre workout supplements is the tingling sensation in your body.
You are most likely to experience this side effect on your hands and feet.
Now let’s talk about how someone can prevent these side effects of pre workout drinks.
How to Prevent Pre Workout Side Effects?
The benefits of pre workouts in terms of energy and endurance can outweigh their side effects. There are enough studies to support the role of pre workout supplements towards increased performance and stamina. However, these side effects can be quite bothersome, especially if you have just begun with them. The good part is, that one can minimise these side effects of pre workout drinks without putting in too much effort.
Here are some of the best tips that can actually help you.
- Choose the pre workout formula carefully know what ingredients suit you and what others can cause you trouble
- Know the concentrations of ingredients a particular formula contains and let your trainer help you choose one
- Keep your water intake good to minimise your chances of suffering from dehydration
- In case your supplements contain large amounts of caffeine try to balance your overall caffeine distribution throughout the day
- Don’t take these supplements just before going to sleep
- If you already suffer from hypertension then talk to your doctor before going for a pre workout supplement.
Read more: Pre workout meals
Let’s Wrap Up!
Can preworkout cause diarrhea? I am sure now you have got your answer.
Pre workout supplements come in all different colours and flavours. It is true that these supplements boost your energy and help you to get the most out of your workouts. However, these supplements can cause some side effects.
Diarrhea is one common side effect. These side effects of pre workout drinks can vary from person to person and not everyone is going to experience these. The extent of severity of these signs is also variable among individuals. Further, these side effects also depend upon the ingredients present in a particular pre workout formula.
So, make sure to follow the tips written above to keep your gut sane and enjoy your overall health. However, in case of any side effects make sure to talk to your physician as soon as possible. You can consult the best general physician in Karachi via Healthwire to minimise your chances of per workout side effects.
