Horrible headaches with workout

cowboydan43
cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
edited October 2 in Food and Nutrition
Yes- I used the search function! Promise!
Anyway I've been getting just awful headaches during exercise lately. I know water isn't the culprit because I drink toooons of water. I rarely have caffeine (I did have a Dt.Dew a few days ago but that is not typical of my diet). I don't have a lot of sodium in my diet typically either. I am vegetarian but I try to get my protein in and I don't think that would have anything to do with it. I'm just at a loss here and it is frustrating because I can't workout as hard as I want to when my head is pounding.
It is not a migraine- it is a throbbing on the sides of my head closer to the back.
I really appreciate any insight! My diary is public...feel free.
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Replies

  • genxrider
    genxrider Posts: 107 Member
    Not enough carbs maybe? Have you had your blood pressure checked lately?
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    Not enough carbs maybe? Have you had your blood pressure checked lately?

    my first thoughts as well
  • frugalmomsrock
    frugalmomsrock Posts: 1,123
    I seriously DO think it's possibly the water. I didn't get rid of my workout headaches until I started drinking a gallon a day on my workout days. If I don't drink enough by the time I workout or fall below that gallon around the end of the day and I workout (even if it's just a shorter workout of 45 minutes cardio), I get my pounding headache. I see in your diary that you drink from 9-12 average. That may not be enough for someone who's working out vigorously. 8 is really a bare minimum for someone who doesn't workout.
  • pauljsolie
    pauljsolie Posts: 1,024 Member
    Used to have the same problem. Blood pressure was my problem. Have it checked just to be safe.
  • GFWayofLife
    GFWayofLife Posts: 8
    Don't let the headaches get you down. I get them too and find that I haven't eaten enough. I would suggest a low sugar protein bar or protein shake ;o)
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    I find that I get them if I don't drink enough electrolytes. You sweat them out whilst working out. For me this is a huge issue I've had since I was a little kid and skinny. If you don't mind the artificial sweeteners or the sugar you can drink the sports drinks that have electrolytes. If not, try what I use. Smart Water. It's pricey, but it totally gets rid of the headache/keeps them from coming on. Case in point I did a 12 mile bikeride today and got overheated. I drank my Smart Water and poof away the heat headache went. Oh, and salt is not enough to help this issue you need more than that to fix it. Good luck!
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    really cold water give me headaches. maybe try drinking your water closer to room temperature?
  • momlet2
    momlet2 Posts: 8 Member
    Ditto on the BP check....
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I don't usually drink more than eight or nine 8 ounce glasses per day, regardless of my workout schedule, and I don't get headaches when I work out. Everyone is different.

    Have you talked to your doctor? It could be a blood pressure issue or a host of other things. Keep a record of everything you can that pertains to your workouts, your diet, etc. to take with you when you go talk to him or her.
  • HungryMom
    HungryMom Posts: 280
    I used to get horrible headaches while exercising also; turns out I was clenching my jaw without knowing it. If I have not slept enough I also get them. If you don't find an answer I would talk to your primary care physician as it can be indicative of blood pressure issues.
  • crittytn
    crittytn Posts: 34
    My first thought is electrolyte imbalance.
  • starwhisperer
    starwhisperer Posts: 367
    That sounds like something you should probably get checked by a doctor. Sure it could be nothing, or it could be a huge something. I always have headaches after I work shoulders, or certain sorts of chest exercises because I tense my neck up... but those are always after the workout.
  • mscoco10
    mscoco10 Posts: 527 Member
    could be a few things; 1 have your blood pressure checked, 2 make sure your eating enough and not skipping out on too many calories; 3 drink lots of water before you start your workout. hope this helps.
  • Nina74
    Nina74 Posts: 470 Member
    Throbbing despite where it is on your head can typically signify migraines. Some people do suffer workout induced migraines. I do & take ibuprofen about 30 mins before I work out and make sure I am well hydrated before, during & after.
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    I honestly have never thought to check my blood pressure. I have an appointment for something completely unrelated on Wednesday but I will ask. It has never been a problem in my past but it doesn't hurt to find out.

    I really don't think it is a lack of water as I am almost constantly sipping. To the poster who said room temp. water is best- that is typically what I drink since my fridge doesn't make ice& I'm lazy.

    It could be sleep- I avg. about 7 hours but I think that is enough?

    Electrolytes- good point. Something I know absolutely nothing about. I'm a poor college kid so buying Vitamin water to drink 2x a day would get expensive but maybe there are cheaper alternatives?

    I really appreciate the responses. This is probably why they say "check with your doctor before you start a new exercise program" huh?
  • jaduff
    jaduff Posts: 12
    I used to get horrible headaches while exercising also; turns out I was clenching my jaw without knowing it. If I have not slept enough I also get them. If you don't find an answer I would talk to your primary care physician as it can be indicative of blood pressure issues.


    Where are your headaches? Back of the head? Over the eyes? Clenching your jaw was exactly my first thought as well
  • bioheil
    bioheil Posts: 72 Member
    Bump
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    As far as I know I don't clench my jaw. Something I will pay attention to next time I work out
  • rebeccask
    rebeccask Posts: 140 Member
    I find that I get them if I don't drink enough electrolytes. You sweat them out whilst working out. For me this is a huge issue I've had since I was a little kid and skinny. If you don't mind the artificial sweeteners or the sugar you can drink the sports drinks that have electrolytes. If not, try what I use. Smart Water. It's pricey, but it totally gets rid of the headache/keeps them from coming on. Case in point I did a 12 mile bikeride today and got overheated. I drank my Smart Water and poof away the heat headache went. Oh, and salt is not enough to help this issue you need more than that to fix it. Good luck!

    maybe up your sodium on workout days to balance your electrolytes level?
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Low blood sugar and electrolytes are the first thing that comes to mind...

    Are you feeding the engine enough? I had a runner in one of my Running Clinics who had the same issue... the issue was resolved by getting her to eat a balanced breakfast before our workouts and a few Sports Beans during the workout (every 20 minutes or so).

    You may want to consider seeing a doctor and getting your BP tested and tests done on your blood sugar. Not to alarm you, but the person who had this issue in my clinic was also a prediabetic.
  • RJSuperMan
    RJSuperMan Posts: 52 Member
    Water or breathing would be my go-to's. "8 cups a day" is for sustaining life. I usually drink at least twice that.

    Breathing? Yup. One of my lifting buddies recently asked me the same question and after observing his workout for a few minutes I noticed his eyes almost exploded near the end of every set! He wasn't breathing properly, inadvertently making his blood pressure skyrocket.

    Hope this helps.
  • Jill_newimprovedversion
    Jill_newimprovedversion Posts: 988 Member
    I'm tossing this out because it took me YEARS to find out one trigger for migraines for me was Monosodium Glutamate ( MSG)
    which you no doubt consumed in the Aldi's Ranch Dressing. It takes 24-48 hrs to manifest in me.
    I'm not a chemist, but I believe it alters not only the blood pressure, but also the blood sugar in the body.

    If you happen to have a blood pressure cuff @ home, check your b/p when you're having one of these headaches
    AND tell your doctor what's happening.

    In the meantime, READ your labels- and avoid it (MSG) IF it may be a contributing factor.
    Just my insight...
  • cazzincali
    cazzincali Posts: 337 Member
    I find that I get them if I don't drink enough electrolytes. You sweat them out whilst working out. For me this is a huge issue I've had since I was a little kid and skinny. If you don't mind the artificial sweeteners or the sugar you can drink the sports drinks that have electrolytes. If not, try what I use. Smart Water. It's pricey, but it totally gets rid of the headache/keeps them from coming on. Case in point I did a 12 mile bikeride today and got overheated. I drank my Smart Water and poof away the heat headache went. Oh, and salt is not enough to help this issue you need more than that to fix it. Good luck!

    you can eat food with electrolytes, you don't have to drink them!! also - be VERY careful with sports drinks... most are very high in sodium.

    sodium
    potassium
    calcium
    magnesium
    chloride
    ... and i think phosphate and carbonate

    hoping i remember my chemistry correctly!! :smile:

    also - a migraine has nothing to do with WHERE the pain is.

    If I were you, I would do what others have advised... get your BP checked!!
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    Hmm I will google MSG I think I've heard of it but never paid much attention.

    I'm going to ask my boyfriend to pay attention to my breathing when I work out tomorrow. I know when I lift heavy weights (which I did not do today) I don't breathe the best during a set.

    This is scaring me a little....to the poster who said a similar issue with a prediabetic! Ahh. :( I'm going to ask my doctor on Wednesday.
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    Thank you very much for the help this has give me a lot of questions to bring up to my doctor on Wednesday.
  • shauna121211
    shauna121211 Posts: 575 Member
    Yeah, ditto with the BP. I know 19 seems a bit young to have blood pressure issues, but I'm 24 and have been on a low dosage of blood pressure medication for about 4 years now. I can thank my dad's genes for that one...
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    Yeah I guess I'm a bit naive to think BP doesn't affect me at 19. It is just something that never even came close to crossing my mind. I hope I can avoid medication! I don't even like taking aspirin
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Try this... before your workout, try drinking a chocolate milk and eating a banana.... Its a great source of carbs, proteins, sodium and potassium which may help get you thru your workout (also cheaper than sports drinks)
  • cowboydan43
    cowboydan43 Posts: 306 Member
    I'll try that tomorrow. I have some chocolate Soymilk...no bananas right now but I need to go grocery shopping. That is probably one thing I do wrong- I don't always snack before I work out. Thanks for the suggestion.
  • shauna121211
    shauna121211 Posts: 575 Member
    Yeah I guess I'm a bit naive to think BP doesn't affect me at 19. It is just something that never even came close to crossing my mind. I hope I can avoid medication! I don't even like taking aspirin

    Yeah, to be honest it is rare, new doctor's are always a bit surprised by my having high blood pressure at a young age, especially when I tell them I work out at least 4 times a week! But really, if it doesn't run in your family and you haven't had any concerns with it in the past, it shouldn't be the issue. You would get your BP checked during regular check ups and would probably know if you are at risk, but then again you're about the age I was when I found out. Definitely just make sure you get it checked while you're there Wednesday.

    You might also just be hungry! I did take a little peak at your food diary and it looks like on the days you exercise, you don't eat much or any of your exercise calories back (based on a few days, I'm not sure if that's an intentional part of your routine). Try to eat a good wholesome snack an hour to a half hour before your workout. A banana, a wholemeal English muffin with PB, etc. I've also heard the drinking chocolate milk after a workout is good to replace your protein.
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