The harms of skipping dinner and exercising

Nov 21, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The harms of exercising without eating dinner include hypoglycemia, stimulation of gastric mucosa, and increased muscle fatigue. Running consumes energy in the body; if you run without eating, it can easily lead to insufficient energy supply, resulting in low blood sugar, symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness, and even fainting. Additionally, running on an empty stomach may cause contraction of the stomach muscles, leading to gastric spasms.

The harms of exercising without eating dinner include hypoglycemia, irritation of gastric mucosa, increased muscle fatigue, and more.

1. Hypoglycemia

Running consumes energy in the body. If you run without eating, it is easy to cause insufficient energy supply, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, headache, dizziness may occur, and fainting could even happen.

2. Irritation of gastric mucosa

When a person does not eat, the body remains in a fasting state. Running on an empty stomach can, due to excessive physical activity, cause contraction of stomach muscles, resulting in gastric spasms and overproduction of gastric acid. This may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and impair normal digestive function.

3. Increased muscle fatigue

Running without eating increases muscle fatigue. During running, muscles need to contract—especially those in the lower limbs—and lactic acid is produced during contraction, which requires sufficient energy supply. Without food intake, the body cannot obtain adequate nutrition, leading to muscle fatigue and pain, thereby reducing physical performance.

It is recommended that individuals appropriately replenish energy before exercising and avoid running while hungry.


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