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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is causing my hypotension and hunger after a hard workout?

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    Dizziness & Vertigo Fitness and Sports Medicine Neurology
    I am a physically active woman in my mid fifties, post menopausal. Recently I have upped my effort in one of my running session/week. I generally have a snack two hours beforehand and drink water and eat both carbs and protein afterwards. I've found that after that session I am waking in the middle of the night feeling extremely hungry and the following morning, about an hour after waking that I am feeling “woozy”- like I'm about to faint.
    What would be causing that and what can I do to prevent it in the future?
    In my early thirties I was diagnosed with hypotension, but that disappeared after a few years of adding salt to my diet!
    • 1 answer
    • Chris Fonda
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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Hi there,

    What you are describing seems to me like you are probably not getting enough carbohydrates in after your training sessions. It's great that you are eating a couple of hours before and then afterwards, however, how long are you waiting after your workouts to eat? What types of food are you eating?

    In general its good to have a carbohydrate rich snack prior to a hard workout as this will be your main fuel source. During the exercise session you will burn up these carbohydrates, but also cause some slight muscle damage which is why your post workout snack should contain both carbohydates (to refuel) and protein (to repair) you muscle ready for the next session. I recommend that you eat something within 30 minutes after your workout thats rich in both protein and carbohydrates (e.g. a tub of yoghurt + a piece of fruit) then follow this up with a mixed meal about an hour or two after. 

    Depending on your goals your pre- and post-workout meal may change so it is always important to chat to an Accredited Sports Dietitian. To find a sports dietitian near you head to www.sportsdietitians.com.au

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