7 Side Effects from Pre-Workout Supplements: And How to Prevent Them

Pre-workout supplements are designed to help you have more energy, focus, and stamina during your workout.

However, they can sometimes cause undesirable side effects. Here are six common side effects of pre-workouts and how to avoid them:

 

7 Side Effects from Pre-Workout Supplements

Watch out for these seven side effects when taking pre-workout supplements.

 Jitters

One of the most common side effects associated with pre-workout supplements is the “jitters.” This is caused by the stimulants in the supplement, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While this can be beneficial for some people, it can be dangerous for others. If you have any heart conditions or are sensitive to stimulants, you should avoid pre-workout supplements. If you do take a pre-workout supplement, start with a small dose to see how your body reacts.

The “jitters” are one of pre-workout supplements’ most common side effects. This is caused by the stimulants in the supplement, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While this can benefit some people, it can be dangerous for others. If you have any heart conditions or are sensitive to stimulants, you should avoid pre-workout supplements. If you do take a pre-workout supplement, start with a small dose to see how your body reacts. Another good way to avoid the jitters is to make sure you are taking a stimulant-free pre-workout that doesn’t contain caffeine or other stimulants like orange extract.

 

Insomnia

If you’ve ever been jittery or felt wired after taking a pre-workout supplement, you’re not alone. Many people report feeling insomnia or restless after taking these supplements. While the ingredients in pre-workouts can vary, some of the most common stimulants used are caffeine and synephrine.

These ingredients can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to difficulty sleeping. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, you may want to avoid pre-workout supplements altogether or try one that is stimulant free. Otherwise, be sure to read the label carefully and start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts.

Also, take your pre-workout earlier in the day, so the stimulants are out of your system by the time you are ready to go to bed.

 

Diarrhea

Have you ever had a pre-workout supplement and experienced diarrhea afterward? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a pretty common side effect of taking these supplements. Kinda like how coffee makes people go in the morning; pre-workout is the same way.

There are a few reasons why this can happen. First, some pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that can act as laxatives. This means that they can help to loosen your stool and make you more likely to have a bowel movement.

Secondly, pre-workout supplements often contain caffeine. This can speed up your digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

Finally, taking too much of a pre-workout supplement can overwhelm your system and cause diarrhea. So, it’s essential to be careful when taking these supplements and to start with a small dose to see how your body reacts.

There are a few things you can do to avoid pre-workout diarrhea. First, make sure you drink plenty of fluids before and after taking your supplement. This will help to keep your system hydrated and reduce the risk of diarrhea.

Secondly, take your supplement with food. This will help to slow down the absorption of the ingredients and reduce the likelihood of diarrhea.

Finally, start with a small dose of your supplement and gradually increase it as your body gets used to it. This will help you avoid taking too much at once and overwhelming your system.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid pre-workout diarrhea and enjoy all the benefits that these supplements have.

 

Headache

One of the most common side effects associated with pre-workout supplements is headaches. Headaches can be caused by a number of different factors, including dehydration, caffeine sensitivity, and over-stimulation. While headaches are typically not serious, they can be very uncomfortable and even debilitating.

You can do a few things to avoid headaches from pre-workout supplements. First, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. This means drinking plenty of water, even if you’re not working out. Second, start with a small dose of caffeine and increase it gradually over time. This will help your body get used to the stimulant and minimize the chances of experiencing side effects like headaches. Finally, pay attention to your body and stop taking the supplement if you start to feel any negative effects.

If you do experience a headache after taking a pre-workout supplement, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain. First, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. You can also apply a cold compress to your forehead or temples. Finally, drink plenty of fluids and get some rest. If your headaches persist or become severe, stop taking the supplement and see a doctor.

 

Tingling Sensation

If you’ve ever taken a pre-workout supplement and felt a tingling sensation, you’re not alone, I find it really annoying if we are being honest. This is a common side effect that can occur when taking these supplements. Particularly those that contain Beta-Alanine.

The tingling sensation is caused by the increase in blood flow to the muscles. When this happens, the nerves are stimulated and can cause a tingling or pins and needles feeling.

While this side effect is generally harmless, it can be bothersome for some people. If you find the tingling sensation too strong, you can do a few things to help lessen it.

First, try taking a smaller dose or try a pre-workout that doesn’t contain Beta-Alanine.

You can also try taking the supplement with food. This can help to slow down the absorption of the Beta-Alanine and help to lessen the tingling sensation.

Finally, if you find that nothing seems to help, you can always stop taking the supplement altogether. While pre-workouts can be beneficial, they’re not essential for everyone. Listen to your body and don’t take a supplement if it’s causing you discomfort.

 

Dehydration

Like most people, you probably think pre-workout supplements are all about getting jacked up on caffeine and pump-inducing ingredients. And while those things can certainly be part of the equation, hydration is one important factor that’s often overlooked.

That’s right, pre-workouts can actually cause dehydration if you’re not careful. Here’s how it works: when you take a pre-workout, your body starts to release water from your cells to make room for the incoming ingredients. If you don’t replace that lost water, you could end up feeling pretty crummy during your workout.

The good news is that avoiding dehydration is easy: just make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. And if you really want to be safe, add a little extra to your pre-workout shake. Your body will thank you for it!

 

High Blood Pressure

I remember the time I drank an energy drink right before I had a doctor’s appointment. Long story short, he was freaking out because my blood pressure was through the roof. Little did I know that energy drink shot my blood pressure through the roof, and pre-workouts will do the same thing, even more so.

You see, when you drink a pre-workout, it’s loaded with caffeine and other stimulants. These work by causing your body to release adrenaline, which in turn increases your heart rate and blood pressure. And while this might be great for working out, it’s not so great for your health long term.

So if you suffer from high blood pressure or just want to avoid the risk of developing it, then you should steer clear of pre-workouts. There are plenty of other ways to get energy for your workout without resorting to these supplements. So stay safe and healthy, ditch the pre-workouts, or at least don’t take one right before a doctor’s appointment.

 

What Does Pre-Workout Do?

Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you a boost of energy and help you power through your workout. They usually contain a mix of ingredients like caffeine, amino acids, and vitamins that all work together to give you an extra edge.

While pre-workouts can be helpful for some people, they’re not necessary for everyone. If you find that you don’t need a pre-workout to get through your workout, then there’s no reason to take one. Just listen to your body and do what feels best for you.

These supplements can also have some pretty nasty side effects if you’re not careful. So be sure to drink plenty of water, start with a small dose, and always listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. Your health is always more important than any workout.

Another good option is to try a stimulant-free pre-workout; they have little to no side effects but still give you the benefits of increased energy and focus.

Pre-Workout Ingredients And Their Benefits

L-Citrulline

L-citrulline is an amino acid that’s found in watermelon. It’s commonly used in pre-workout supplements because it can help improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.

L-citrulline is a great ingredient for pre-workouts because it can help you power through your workout and recover faster afterward, it is also a good ingredient to deliver muscle pumps. So if you want some sick veins popping out of your arms look for L-citrulline.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is another amino acid that’s found in pre-workouts. It’s known for its ability to improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue.

Beta-alanine works by increasing the level of carnosine in your muscles. Carnosine is a molecule that helps buffer acidity in your muscles, which can help improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue.

Creatine

Creatine is a compound that’s found in your muscles. It’s known for its ability to improve exercise performance and increase muscle mass.

Creatine works by increasing the level of ATP in your muscles. ATP is the energy molecule that your muscles use to contract. By increasing the level of ATP, you can improve exercise performance and delay fatigue.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that’s found in pre-workouts. It’s known for its ability to improve exercise performance and increase alertness.

Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, which can lead to increased alertness and improved exercise performance. However, too much caffeine can lead to side effects like jitters, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

Vitamins B6 And B12

Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential vitamins that are found in pre-workouts. They’re known for their ability to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Vitamins B6 and B12 work by converting carbohydrates into energy. They also help the body use fat for energy, which can help you power through your workout and reduce fatigue.

Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine anhydrous is a compound that’s found in pre-workouts. It’s known for its ability to improve exercise performance and increase muscle mass.

Betaine anhydrous works by increasing the level of carnosine in your muscles. Carnosine is a molecule that helps buffer acidity in your muscles, which can help improve exercise performance. Betaine anhydrous can also help you increase muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis.

Do Pre-Workouts Work?

Pre-workouts can be beneficial for some people, but they’re not necessary for everyone. If you find that you don’t need a pre-workout to get through your workout, then there’s no reason to take one. Just listen to your body and do what feels best for you.

These supplements can also have some pretty nasty side effects if you’re not careful. So be sure to drink plenty of water, start with a small dose, and always listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. Your health is always more important than any workout.

Another good option is to try a stimulant-free pre-workout; they have little to no side effects but still give you the benefits of increased energy and focus.

Final Word

Pre-workouts can be a great way to increase energy and focus, but they’re not necessary for everyone. Be sure to start with a small dose, drink plenty of water, and always listen to your body.

If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. Your health is always more important than any workout.