Long-distance runners those who run 3 miles or more at a given time are the most likely to experience this. In one study of long-distance runners, 62 percent of those participating reported having to stop during a run to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms you may experience include:. Most of the treatment relates to your diet, particularly what you choose to eat in the hours and days prior to a long run.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as bismuth salicylate Pepto Bismol and loperamide Imodium might be an option to stall the diarrhea after your run, but be careful. Taking these medications on an empty stomach might just make you feel ill. You might also want to try to determine if you have a lactose intolerance, or if you have an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS. For those people, switching up their diet was the biggest part of the solution to their symptoms.
Certain foods can trigger diarrhea and make gas and nausea during a run more likely to occur. Start by thinking of what you tend to eat immediately before a run, and work backward as you eliminate foods.
In the two hours before your run is set to begin, try to avoid eating anything besides a quick energy-boosting snack, like whole-wheat toast or a banana. Avoid caffeine of any kind in the time period immediately before you run, as it works as a diuretic.
Many contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives that can trigger diarrhea. Above all, always stay hydrated before, during, and after your run. Twitter 0. LinkedIn 0. Pinterest 0. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply. Love 2 Share Tweet. Diarrhea Education What Is Diarrhea?
Expert Corner. Questions or Comments? Link to Healthcare Professionals Site The information contained in this section of the site is intended for U. While useful for muscle pain, these can cause problems anywhere along the GI tract, from the esophagus to the colon. In a healthy gut, epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract, similar to those in our skin, hold tightly together to protect large molecules from passing through the intestines and into the bloodstream.
A small study at the Chicago marathon hinted that ibuprofen made the mucus lining of the intestines more permeable, which could lead to gut trouble over time, and later studies back up these findings.
Its well known that NSAIDs, when taken in high quantities for an extended period of time, can cause gastrointestinal effects, like an inflamed gut, known as gastritis, and even small sores in the stomach lining, called ulcers. Heat and alcohol can also cause gaps between these epithelial cells as well. And, just as runners practice the race course and the distance, they should also rehearse when to eat and remember when they will need to use the bathroom so that there are minimal to no surprises on race day.
Paying attention to your gastrointestinal system with the same attentiveness, she says, could help to minimize the amount of discomfort you feel. Have a science question you want answered? Email us at ask popsci. Ellen Airhart is a freelance writer and fact-checker.
She writes, hosts, and produces the independent podcast Plant Crimes and is devoted to her 27 houseplants. Although the final decision is usually yours, getting their buy-in is important. Kids are getting COVID pricks, people are getting out their passports, and vaccination requirements are working.
Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. This article was originally published on November 2, Ellen Airhart Ellen Airhart is a freelance writer and fact-checker. Ask Us Anything.
0コメント