Should you Take Pre-workout on an Empty Stomach?

The Pre-workout supplements are intended to provide you with the energy and focus you need during a workout and can help improve your performance.  Some people take them on an empty stomach, but is this the best choice? Should you take pre-workout supplements on an empty stomach? 

The answer depends on many factors, including your overall health and what kind of diet you’re following. This article will discuss both sides of the debate so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not pre-workout supplements are right for you!

What are pre-workout supplements?

Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you energy and focus before a workout. They’re made up of different ingredients, including caffeine and creatine (a natural substance that helps with muscle growth). You can buy pre-workout supplements at the store or online.

Most pre-workout supplements don’t need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they aren’t required to be approved by the FDA. In general, they aren’t meant to replace a healthy diet or exercise program—they’re just an extra boost for when you need it most!

Pre-workout supplements and an empty stomach

Taking a pre-workout supplement on an empty stomach is optimal to maximize its effectiveness. The general rule is to wait two hours after eating before taking your pre-workout. This will prevent any stomach discomfort or nausea from mixing food and supplements. However, there are some drawbacks to this method of supplementation:

  • Taking an easy morning workout with no food in your stomach could make you feel jittery and anxious because it increases blood flow and heart rate, which can trigger feelings of panic in some people. If this happens to you, try taking the supplement with food instead (but still wait two hours).
  • If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, taking a large dose of caffeine may cause serious health problems for you—so don’t take any stimulants if these conditions apply!
Pre-workout on an Empty Stomach?

What are the consequences of taking workouts empty stomach

If you decide to take your pre-workout on an empty stomach and experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking it immediately and drink plenty of water:

  • A burning sensation in your throat or chest
  • Stomachache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue, dizziness, headache, or heartburn (chest pain)

If these symptoms persist for more than an hour after taking the supplement, then call a doctor immediately.

Taking caffeine or other stimulants with pre-workout supplements can have side effects.

Caffeine and other stimulants, such as yohimbine and yerba mate, are common ingredients in pre-workout supplements. While the caffeine in these supplements may help you get a good workout session started, it can have side effects when taken on an empty stomach or without food. It can speed up your heart rate, increase blood pressure and make you feel jittery if you’re sensitive to it. It’s also a diuretic (a substance that makes you pee more than normal), which means you’ll need to drink more water after taking it. Yohimbine is another stimulant that causes blood vessels to constrict when taken orally by humans; this increases blood pressure but also raises body temperature, so you sweat more while working out. 

Can you eat anything before a workout?

Should you eat anything beforehand when you’re about to work out? The short answer is yes—it’s important to fuel your body with the right nutrients before a workout. But it’s also important not to overdo it by overeating or to eat something that could cause stomach upset during your workout (like heavily processed foods). Some foods can cause digestive issues during exercise and prevent your body from getting what it needs from the food. These foods include:

  • Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese; linger in the gut for several hours after being consumed.
  • Fatty meats such as bacon or sausage; have high-fat content slowing down the digestion of other nutrients in the gut.
  • Fruit juices; with high sugar content can make you feel nauseous during exercise if consumed too close before working out.

In which conditions can I take pre-workouts empty stomach?

If you’re on a low-carb diet, taking a pre-workout supplement on an empty stomach may be helpful, but you should consult your doctor to ensure it’s safe. If you have been eating well and exercising consistently, it is unlikely that your body needs extra help getting into ketosis or staying there. However, some people find that taking MCT oil or exogenous ketones can help them get into ketosis faster and stay there longer. 

If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements while on a low-carb diet (especially if diabetes runs in your family).  They can recommend the best supplements for your situation and check whether it would be safe for you to take them in conjunction with your current medications (if any).

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not to take pre-workout on an empty stomach. Everyone responds differently to these supplements, and what works for your friend might not work for you. If you want to give it a shot, research the ingredients first—and remember that more caffeine isn’t always better. And don’t forget that even if pre-workout is not your thing, other options are available to provide a boost before your next workout session!