Hi-
I have been living with IBS for a few years now, and tested positive on a lactulose breath test in a study about three years ago. I was unable to eradicate my small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with antibiotics, and a two week course of liquid diet (Vivonex) also failed me. Since then I have been using Zelnorm, which certainly helps reduce my symptoms. I am trying to become more and more careful about my diet and came across this fantastic resource recently.
I am a serious athlete (was an all-american water polo player in college), and the worst of my problems with IBS have come in affecting my training and racing. Exercise (especially higher impact sports like running) has always seemed to trigger diarrhea, cramping, and gassiness. I recently entered my first Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run), and this event will pose some unique challenges for me and my stomach.
General diets recommended for competitive athletes are quite compatible with the guidelines I've found here - lots of rice, pasta, low fat, etc. However, the race itself could be a challenge. Endurance athletes need to take in a lot of calories and have their stomachs cooperate in absorbing them throughout a competition. This is typically done in the form of bars (powerbars and the like), drinks (gatorade, cytomax, etc), and the newer gels (gu, powergel, etc). These are mostly simple carbs with electrolytes and some vitamins. Caffeine also is often used toward the end of an event to get yourself across the finish line.
So I'm looking to the community for any help or advice. Is anybody here experienced in endurance sports? I'll probably want to avoid the caffeine, but what seems like the best way to take in easy to digest calories and getting quick energy while avoiding agitation of my IBS? Are these simple sugars going to irritate my stomach? What about pre-race meals that won't cramp me up or give me the runs? Any other medications (over the counter or prescription?) I recently found myself throwing up after a three hour ride, completely drained of energy, despite having been drinking cytomax for the previous hour and eating a decent breakfast over an hour before the ride... I had the feeling that my gut had shut down entirely; I'd like to avoid that experience again!
Thanks for the great site, and thanks in advance for any help!
Eagle
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Food guidelines for endurance athletes?
