If you’ve ever had to peel off into the woods mid-run for an emergency bathroom stop or have plotted out your running routes around bathroom accessibility, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve heard this phenomenon called ‘runner’s stomach’, ‘runner’s gut’, or ‘runner’s trots’? Whatever term you use, GI distress during a run - be it cramping, gas, diarrhea, or an immediate urge to use the bathroom - is a very real exercise-induced symptom. 

If you’re experiencing runner’s stomach more frequently or more intensely than you’d prefer, check out the following list of contributing factors, plus some strategies to help prevent and treat your unsettled tummy. 

What causes runner’s trots?

Reports indicate anywhere from 30%-90% of runners have experienced runner’s stomach

[1]

. Although not fully understood, reduced blood flow to the gut, diet, hormones and the sheer mechanics of running are thought to be the main causes of GI distress during a run

[1]

. The longer and harder your run, the more likely you are to experience runner’s gut. 

Running mechanics

Sympathetic nervous system (aka flight or fight system) activity increases during a run, which redirects blood flow away from your digestive system, towards the heart and working muscles [2]. Reduced blood flow and motility in the gut are believed to be the main factors behind a raft of runner’s trots symptoms including gassiness, cramping, and urgency. The repetitive mechanics of running are also thought to exacerbate GI distress

[1]

. 

Stress response

The body perceives running as a form of acute (short-term) stress, increasing heart rate and releasing hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline into the bloodstream. Exercise-induced stress not only diverts blood flow from the GI tract but also can compromise intestinal microbiota composition, leaving you with an unsettled stomach [3].

Pre-run food choices

Stomach comfort (or discomfort) on a run is also influenced by what you eat pre-run (and when). The wrong type of fuel and/or poor timing can be the difference between crushing your workout and suffering through nausea, cramping, and emergency bathroom stops. What works for one may not for another so experimentation in training is key. That said, there are some general principles for you to consider if you’re experiencing mid-run GI distress (see below). 

Dehydration can also contribute to runner’s stomach. Lack of blood flow to the intestinal tract, paired with inadequate fluid, can result in the sudden onset of diarrhea or cramping. 

Tips for minimizing runner’s stomach

Timing your intake to minimize GI distress during a run

Eating the wrong thing too close to a run is a common mistake amongst runners. Aim to eat your last full meal 2-4 hours before your run to minimize your chances of GI distress. If you need to top off your fuel stores 1-2 hours before you lace up your sneakers, go for easily digestible carb-rich options such as a banana, jam on toast, or instant oatmeal. Fat and fiber generally digest more slowly and can leave you full, crampy, and running to the bathroom mid-run when consumed too close to your workout. 

If you have a long run planned and need to refuel midway through, aim for a combination of 30-60g of easily-digested carbohydrates per hour, split 20-minute increments, to minimize GI discomfort. Mid-run fueling is all about getting in a little glucose without straining your digestive tract. Honey sticks, gels, sports drinks, and candy (yes, candy!) are all good options for topping up your glucose supply while you’re accruing miles on foot

[4]

. Carbohydrate sources with multiple forms of carbs (ex: glucose and fructose vs. glucose-only) seem to be better tolerated

[2]

.

Whether you’re completing a marathon or a shorter race, training is the best place to experiment with and tweak your nutrition plan for race day. Some people can tolerate gels before and during a run, while others find that consuming such a concentrated dose of carbohydrate is too much for their GI tract. (More on nutrition for runners

here

).

Low FODMAP diet for runner’s stomach

For runners with particularly sensitive stomachs or persistent GI symptoms, consuming a

low FODMAP diet

can be helpful in the days preceding a race

[5]

. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, and foods rich in FODMAPs have been shown to exacerbate GI symptoms in certain people. A word of caution here: Low FODMAP eating is complicated and is best done with the assistance of a Registered Dietitian.

Hydration and runner’s gut

Adequate hydration before and during a run can help minimize your risk of runner’s trots (and improve performance).

• Before a run: Sip water frequently and aim for urine lemonade-colored or lighter. 

• During a run: If you’re going long, running in hot conditions, and/or you’re a heavy sweater, a combination of fluid and electrolytes can be helpful for maintaining hydration and minimizing your risk of runner’s stomach. 

• Aim for ½ cup of water/ sports drink every 15 minutes. 

• Some runners find that sports drinks exacerbate GI symptoms during a run. If this is you, you have a couple of options:

• Try another brand of sports drink;

• Try alternating between water and sports drinks, or mixing the two together;

• Go with a low-carb electrolyte drink (like Nuun) and try getting carbohydrates from another source like honey sticks, or candy 

Improving gut health

Optimizing gut health before you even think about lacing up your running shoes is arguably the best way to prevent runner’s stomach and mitigate your mid-run symptoms. Your gut contains both good and bad bacteria however, the balance between them can get thrown out of whack during repeated bouts of physical (and emotional) stress. This is often referred to as dysbiosis and if left unchecked, it can lead to a host of health issues including GI distress.

So, what can you do to keep your gut in tip-top shape between runs? Below are a few tips:

• Eat a varied diet rich in fiber (from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains)

• Incorporate fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sauerkraut, daily

• Consume prebiotic-rich foods such as oats, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, regularly. Prebiotics nourish ‘good’ gut bacteria. 

• Consider a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria that confer a health benefit. Some evidence suggests that supplemental probiotics may be helpful for reducing GI distress in athletes, however, the benefits appear to be strain and dose-specific so consult a Registered Dietitian for specific recommendations

  [6]

  . 

Consider your supplements

Some supplements and ergogenic aids can cause GI symptoms and exacerbate runner’s gut. For example, GI distress is a well-known side effect of

sodium bicarbonate

, which is often taken to reduce the effects of lactic acid build-up

[7]

. Similarly, caffeine is well-known for its laxative effect. Magnesium (especially magnesium citrate) is another supplement that may lead to extra trips to the bathroom.

Summary

If you’re a distance

runner,

odds are you’ve had a bathroom emergency at some point or another during training. And even if runner’s gut is inevitable, it should also be occasional. If you repeatedly experience GI distress while on a run, and you’ve tried tweaking your nutrition and the timing of your fueling without seeing results, it could be an indicator that something else is going on. If you can’t seem to go out on a run without getting the runs, it’s time for a trip to the doctor.

Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace personalized medical care.