GI issues are very common among athletes - specifically endurance athletes in the sports of running, cycling and triathlon. Don't let the happy post-workout smiles on social media fool you for a good number of athletes experience unwelcomed intestinal problems during exercise.
The most common (and annoying) GI complaints include:
The most common (and annoying) GI complaints include:
- Belching
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Abdominal cramping
- Loose stools
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Side stiches
There are several common reasons for GI issues such as dehydration (thus why athletes complain of many more GI issues in the summer months versus winter), high fiber/fat foods and using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Although runners more frequently experience GI issues compared to other athletes, in my latest Triathlete magazine article (July 2018, pg. 62), I discussed some of the reasons why swimmers/triathletes may get gassy after swimming and how to minimize this unpleasant post-swim issue.
