4 Medications You Shouldn't Mix With Exercising

Engaging in regular physical activity is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Along with its numerous physical benefits, exercise also contributes to an overall sense of well-being and a positive mood. However, if you experience pre-workout discomfort such as a headache, you may be tempted to take a pain reliever tablet before hitting the gym. It's important to note that relying on medication before exercise can have dangerous repercussions. Certain medications can negatively impact your physical performance, hindering you from reaching your fitness goals. In this article, we'll discuss which common medications to avoid and how to responsibly exercise while taking medication.

1. Beta blockers- what are they and why is it a problem?

Beta-blockers, also known as beta antagonists, are medications used to treat various health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, arrhythmias, and angina pectoris, as well as neurological diseases. There are several types of beta blockers available in the market, including alfarenolol, bucindolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, butaxamine, and more. Doctors also prescribe these drugs for the treatment of common symptoms like migraines and glaucoma. The active ingredient in these drugs blocks the release of adrenaline, which slows down the heart's activity. Combining beta blockers with exercise sends conflicting signals to the body, leading to fatigue. Therefore, it's best to avoid combining these two and follow the doctor's advice.

What to do

When engaging in fitness training while on medication, consulting with a doctor is essential. It's important to determine whether taking medication is necessary or if alternative treatments are available. Complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, has been found to be effective in treating migraines. If beta blockers are needed, it's recommended to begin with a low dose and gain medical approval to ensure regular exercise isn't impacted.

2. Pain killers- what are they, and why is it a problem?

Painkillers are a type of medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Acetaminophen (known as Paracetamol, Dexamol, Abrolt, etc.) is one type, while ibuprofen (known as Norofen, Advil, Adex, etc.) is used for pain relief Taking excessive painkillers can be hazardous as it may indicate tissue damage. For instance, if you have a sprained ankle and rely heavily on painkillers to alleviate the pain, you risk re-injuring the ankle as the sprain may not heal correctly, and you're only treating the symptom instead of the problem.

There are multiple concerns when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while exercising. The primary side effects are related to the digestive system and kidneys, which may adversely impact exercisers. These drugs cause fluid retention, which is detrimental to the kidneys and adds strain to the cardiovascular system.

Another concern is that NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach irritation, ulcers, or bleeding. Strenuous exercise can already put stress on the gastrointestinal system, and the use of NSAIDs may exacerbate this issue. Additionally, NSAIDs can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding complications. They may also have an impact on cardiovascular health, especially when used in high doses or for extended periods.

What is the solution?  

If you have sustained sports injuries or are experiencing pain, it is best to avoid any training or physical activity and seek professional medical attention. It is important to allow your body time to heal and refrain from using painkillers that may cause further damage. In case of mild pain, painkillers can be used for a week, but it is advisable not to consume them beyond that. Apart from medication, there are various other solutions to ease the pain, including acupuncture, massage, and advanced technological solutions, as well as a range of ointments and creams.

3. Diuretics- What are they and why is it a problem?

Diuretics, also known as water pills, are medications that help to reduce excess fluid in the body by increasing urine output. They are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema. While diuretics can be helpful in managing these conditions, they can also have an impact on physical activity. One potential side effect of diuretics is dehydration, which can occur due to the increased urine output. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in exercise performance, as it can cause fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps. It can also increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during exercise, especially in hot and humid conditions. 

 

Diuretics can also cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body, particularly a loss of potassium, which is an important mineral for muscle and nerve function. This can result in muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeats. It is important to monitor your potassium levels while taking diuretics, and to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. 

 

What to do?  

Individuals taking diuretics should consult their healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program or significantly increasing the intensity of their current workout routine. The healthcare provider may recommend adjustments to the medication dosage or suggest alternative medications that are less likely to interfere with exercise. They can also help develop a safe and effective exercise plan that takes into account any potential limitations or precautions related to the use of diuretics. 

 

It is important to stay properly hydrated and to replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, especially when taking diuretics. Drinking water and sports drinks, and consuming potassium-rich foods, can help prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.

4. Antihistamines-- What are they, and why is it a problem?  

Antihistamines are a type of medication used to combat the symptoms of allergies by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to allergens. Histamine is responsible for causing inflammation, itching, and sneezing. Antihistamines work by attaching to histamine receptors, thereby preventing histamine from binding and causing an allergic reaction. However, some antihistamines can cause side effects like drowsiness, which can affect the ability to perform physical activities. 

 

So what do we do? 

Newer antihistamines with fewer side effects have been developed, which are now widely available in pharmacies. These newer antihistamines like loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are ideal for people who want to treat their allergy symptoms without feeling drowsy or fatigued. 

 

Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid medication altogether, taking some time away from the allergen source may help you recover and resume your regular workouts. 

 

It is important to keep in mind that seeking advice from your doctor before altering your medication is highly advised. Your doctor is well aware of your health condition and can provide you with the best guidance on the available options. So, consulting your doctor should be your top priority.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.