Photo by Deuce Bradshaw. Unwanted in training and competition, GI issues frequently impair performance and recovery. The three main causes of GI symptoms include physiological (reduced blood flow to the gut), mechanical (bouncing/jumping) or nutritional (diet/sport nutrition). For example, during exercise, blood flow to the digestive system is impaired so the stomach may reject ingested food or fluids, sending them out of the body - either up or down. Common upper and lower GI issues include: UPPER GI ISSUES LOWER GI ISSUES Nausea Intestinal cramping Vomiting Side stitch Stomach pain/cramps Gas Bloating Loose stools/diarrhea Belching Intestinal bleeding Heartburn/reflux Urgency to defecate Severity differs depending on the athlete and sport. For example, the high-impact nature of running may jostle the gastric system, contributing to lower GI issues. In cycling, posture on th...
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