Something strange after exercise

[Alibran]

For the last two days, I've come back from my now daily cycle ride with a strange metallic taste in my mouth. I'm not sure what it is, so I hope someone might have some ideas. It hasn't happened when I've exercised before.

Yesterday, I know I pushed myself too hard. It was a sunny day, and I cycled out along the coast road with no idea of where I was going, just enjoying the weather and the views. After an hour or so, I stopped to get a drink of water, and also drank a 200ml carton of apple juice (I figured I'd used a lot of energy, so I could probably do with a bit of a carb boost). After about 10 minutes stopped, I headed home reluctantly. About half way home, I started to get really tired, and the last half hour was a struggle - if I'd felt like that at the gym, I would have called it a day, but I had to get home.

When I got home, I had the metallic taste in my mouth. It was so strong I could smell it too, when I breathed out. I had my protein shake straight away, which is 25g protein powder mixed with 200ml apple juice and half a banana, then had a shower. I still felt exhausted after my shower, although the taste had gone away, and I didn't have the energy to bother making lunch, so I had a bowl of fruit salad, which was already made up in the fridge, with some natural yoghurt. I gradually felt better and better as the day went on, and by about 5pm, I felt fully recovered.

Today, I decided to do one of my regular 45 minute cycle rides. I found it a bit hard to begin with, but soon got over that, and actually cut 3 minutes off my usual time. When I got home, I had the metallic taste back again. I've just had my protein shake, and once again the taste has gone, but I'm sat here now feeling a bit "uugh". Since fruit and yoghurt worked yesterday, I'll repeat that.

My TOM did start today, so I don't know if that would have anything to do with it, but I have exercised all through it the last couple of times with no problems.

I'm guessing it's caused by my body being low on something it needs, which is the main reason why I've been getting in protein-carb straight away, and protein-carb-fat soon after, but if anyone has an explanation for it, that would be great.

 

[maleficent]

A metallic taste in the mouth is a fairly common problem — and usually not serious. Although you don't have actual taste buds that detect metals, the perception of the taste is described as "metallic."

A metallic taste can be due to many factors. But the most common causes of a metallic taste are:

Medications such as some antibiotics, prenatal vitamins and antidepressants, as well as drugs used to treat high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney stones
Oral problems, including oral infections such as gingivitis or periodontitis, tooth infections, and poor oral hygiene
Sometimes the cause of a metallic taste can't be determined. In many cases, the problem goes away on its own after several months or longer. Proper oral hygiene can help, including regularly brushing your teeth and brushing and scraping your tongue. Done properly, dental restorations — such as fillings and inlays — are rarely the cause a metallic taste.


metallic taste in the mouth is a common complaint and can be due to a variety of causes - from medication you may be taking to dental problems. In the absence of other symptoms, it is unlikely that a metallic taste in your mouth indicates serious disease. But if you haven't had a thorough general checkup recently, I would suggest seeing your doctor to rule out any undiagnosed health problems

You might also want to visit your dentist, because the taste might be a symptom of gum disease. Even if you don't have gum problems, poor oral hygiene can affect taste. Be sure to brush your teeth carefully at least twice a day and use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria and debris that can collect on your tongue. Dental work done in the past can break down and alter taste, so your dentist will probably look at that as well.

In addition, not drinking enough water can contribute to problems with taste. Increase your intake and see if it helps. While you don't have to drink the standard recommendation of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, my rule of thumb is to drink as much of that amount as you comfortably can and more than you think you need.

Among the drugs that can cause a metallic taste in your mouth are antibiotics like Biaxin (clarithromycin) and Flagyl (metronidazole), used to treat a wide variety of infections; drugs used to treat an overactive thyroid; captopril, used to treat high blood pressure; griseofulvin, used to treat skin infections; lithium, used in bipolar disorder; penicillamine, used for rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, and too much copper in the body; plus some drugs used in cancer treatment.

If you rule out all of these possible causes and still have the taste, it might be worthwhile to consult with a practitioner of Chinese medicine. That system might have an answer for you.

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I'd start with the simple and drink more water - since you notice it after exercise it might be dehydration but also check with your doctor since it was brought on by exercise

 

[Alibran]

Thanks for that, mal. I think you're probably right about the dehydration. I hadn't thought of it because I've been cycling for a couple of weeks, and haven't had a problem, but I get dehydrated much more easily during my TOM. I'll have to try drinking more water when I'm cycling and see if that makes a difference. (I usually drink around 3 litres of water a day, so I don't think I need to worry about dehydration in general.)