Nutrition, calories, avoiding hypoglycemia and migraines
Former Member
I had a low blood sugar induced migraine last week after a typical master's workout. I've been swimming with the master's (in the fast lane) for almost a year, and I have not had any issues with migraines. I am 32, have had 5 migraines in the past 8 years, and all of them can be associated with exercise, and I am thinking nutrition. I followed up with a doctor's visit, and he said, "yep, this is a classic migraine."
Long story, I am freaked out. I am off to practice in one hour (during my work lunch hour) and I am nervous about having a migraine again. I know it is ridiculous, but I am not sure what caused it, other than perhaps not getting enough food in me prior to the workout. I want to be able to swim open water distance events from 2 miles to 6, but this "set back" has me battling mental games now.
Questions:
How many calories should I be consuming a day if I swim 2-4 times a week, 2,800 - 3,600 yards each time? Sometimes I run on off days.
What should I be eating/drinking prior to my workout to avoid sugar lows and maintain good health?
What should I be eating/drinking during my workout?
What should I be eating/drinking after my workout?
I have less than one hour until I am in the pool today, and I think I will start with chocolate milk and a PB&J sandwich, gatorade during the workout, banana immediately after, then lunch.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
My first thought is, are you sure that low blood sugar is the culprit? Five migraines in eight years is approximately one migraine every 18 months. It seems like you'd be having them a lot more frequently (especially during the past year) if low blood sugar caused by exercise was the cause.
That's my first thought too, especially since you are describing pretty typical workouts rather than multi-hour endurathons. Have you considered simple dehydration as a possible culprit?
My first thought is, are you sure that low blood sugar is the culprit? Five migraines in eight years is approximately one migraine every 18 months. It seems like you'd be having them a lot more frequently (especially during the past year) if low blood sugar caused by exercise was the cause.
That's my first thought too, especially since you are describing pretty typical workouts rather than multi-hour endurathons. Have you considered simple dehydration as a possible culprit?
