eli5 why do we throw up after very heavy exertion
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“What’s happening is this: As you begin to exercise, your body diverts blood from your stomach and rushes it to your muscles and skin. “During exercise, up to 80 percent of our blood flow is going to active skeletal muscles and the skin—and is being diverted from areas such as the abdomen,” says Tamara Hew-Butler, DPM, PhD, an associate professor of exercise science at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For some people, this lack of blood flow can result in feeling nauseated.”
I have puked several times during XC races from going too hard. I know now to back off quite a bit if I feel nausea coming on.
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Because when you exercise, the blood that normally digests your food is needed to keep you moving. So your body gets rid of what ever is in your stomach
It’s part of your body’s 3F response – as stated in other replies, your body diverts resources to where they’re needed most so as to optimize your systemic functions for survival.
When you vomit from overexertion, your body has calculated that the energy cost of holding on to & processing your stomach contents, is less helpful when compared to up-chucking. The factors include weight, nutrient levels, accessible energy stores, and many others!
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional.
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