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Runner's Trots: Extreme Exercise's Embarrassing Side
18 Sep
Summary
- Up to 90% of endurance athletes experience gastrointestinal issues.
- Exercise diverts blood from the gut, impacting motility and absorption.
- Training the gut like other performance systems can reduce symptoms.
Endurance athletes, from Olympians to Hyrox competitors, commonly experience "runner's trots," or exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress. This condition, known scientifically as exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome, has plagued athletes since ancient times, with studies suggesting prevalence rates as high as 90% among endurance participants.
Symptoms can vary widely, including bloating, cramping, nausea, and diarrhoea. High-intensity events like marathons, ultramarathons, and Hyrox create conditions ripe for such issues. Famous athletes have publicly struggled with these episodes, highlighting the reality of this ailment.
The scientific explanation points to intense exercise diverting blood flow from the digestive tract to working muscles and for cooling. This reduces the gut's motility and absorptive capacity, especially during prolonged events and in hot conditions.
While risk can be minimized through strategies like proper hydration, avoiding certain foods before events, and gradual gut adaptation to carbohydrates and fluids during training, complete elimination may not be possible. Athletes are encouraged to "train their gut" just as they train other physical systems, keeping records of food, fluid, and symptoms to identify personal triggers.
Fortunately, most gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by athletes are mild and temporary, posing no long-term health risks. However, individuals experiencing frequent, severe, or worsening symptoms should consult a healthcare professional, as these issues should not be dismissed as simply 'part of the sport'.
