I just thought I would add my two cents from a nutritionist perspective. The consensus seems to be hormones but it sounds to me like an electrolyte Imbalance. When I tell my clients they have an ‘electrolyte imbalance’, Without fail they hear ‘ you don’t have enough electrolytes’. Which is not exactly the case. Imbalance simply means the levels aren’t balanced. You sweat them out in class but you might not be replenishing all of them at the same rate. Or you might have too much potassium that reacts badly when combined with having too little sodium and chloride. Its a delicate balance, and sweating a lot can upset this balance in a way that downing a few coconut waters won’t solve. None of the electrolytes act in a independently, they are a symphony; getting the right balance between is critically important to overall health.
Electrolytes are important because they are literally what makes your body and blood conduct electricity, which is needed for all functions of the body. Drinking water will help you hydrate but does little for you electrolytes aside from providing them a sufficient pool to wade around in.
Coconut water is the best replenisher after class because it has 4 electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and 4 bananas worth of potassium) instead of just 2 electrolytes in most sports drinks. But it doesn’t have all the electrolytes you need, and you might have been low on magnesium or another mineral before sweating what little you had out in class, so keep that in mind. Muscle contraction requires potassium, sodium, AND calcium so make sure you are getting that too. Crucially important for vegans and vegetarians and post menopausal as well as pregnant women taking hot yoga to get enough calcium. If you’re having anxiety or paranoia following class, you probably need more magnesium.
Medications are also a factor. older practitioners taking medications have a harder time reaching balance in the body. For example, Drugs like ace inhibitors or diuretics commonly prescribed for high blood pressure reduce sodium and potassium levels. Young people can see have a similar struggle if they take lithium or certain antidepressants, prescription or over the counter diuretics or even coffee. Breadfeeding also causes frequent imbalance. Most imbalances, however, are not noticeable as the body is really good at sorting itself out.
Major electrolytes, just for fun:
sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−), and hydrogen (bi)carbonate(HCO3−)
Although we try to replenish ourselves as quickly as possible an electrolyte imbalance simply means somewhere inside you have yet to reach homeostasis. upsetting this delicate balance can cause unsavory symptoms, but for most healthy people its not serious. Be kind and patient with yourself, don’t skip the fruit and veg (before and) after yoga! A balanced diet is just as important as chugging all that water before and after class!
Thank you for your time and for this wonderful support community. Namaste.
