hi there, I was hoping for some advice on my tummy. I would ask the yoga instructor but i'm... well, embarressed.

I'm brand new to Bikram Yoga and have gone 8 times in the last 2 weeks. ever since i started i've had horrible BMs in the morning. they are painful, make me feel sick to my stomach for 10 minutes afterwards, come on in an instant and i have to get to the bathroom fast. i'm also passing gas with a very unfamiliar oder. i'm really concerned, is this normal? should i stop this yoga? my diet has not changed at all, i'm very healthy otherwise, and these issues arose at the exact day i started yoga. in the class i feel great and have no issues, it's just the next morning. i also notice the days i skip yoga, it's much less of an issue.

thank you very much!

Yoga can definitely stimulate the elimination process, but I have not heard of anyone having a reaction like yours. The only thing I can think of is that the Bikram practice is too heating to your body. I would certainly recommend skipping enough days for your body to return to normal, so you do not develop a chronic pattern or condition by this. Once you have normalized you may want to explore other yoga styles that are not so "hot" or incorporate cooling yogic practices such as the Sit Cari and Shitali Pranayamas. And/or just take a slow and gradual approach back into the Bikram practice to see if your body can adjust to the heat over a longer period of time. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water before, during and after the Bikram classes.