There’s no denying it – runners and other athletes who participate in long-distance events often suffer from gastrointestinal issues. But what’s the science behind why this happens? Why do marathoners poop their pants? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the causes of runner’s diarrhea and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Runner’s diarrhea affects distance runners
Runner’s diarrhea is a digestive problem that is more common among professional and serious distance runners. This problem is related to decreased blood flow in the intestine, which can lead to hypoxia and ATP depletion in the digestive tissues. Without adequate blood flow, the sphincter begins to fail and loosened stool leaks out. When this happens, a person feels a need to go immediately. Intense abdominal pain and a sudden burp may make the runner’s diarrhea worse.
Pre-workout fuel is a common source of diarrhea, but if you can avoid these foods, the condition may subside. Instead, you should try eating something lighter in calories. Try bananas or whole-grain bread as these foods are easy to digest. Make sure to stay hydrated during the entire race, and wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothes can aggravate the condition. It’s best to avoid wearing anything that constricts the intestines.
Dietary changes can prevent runner’s diarrhea
Runner’s diarrhea is a serious gastrointestinal condition characterized by a constant urge to pass stool. Other symptoms of RD include abdominal cramps, bad wind, nausea, and stomach pain. During exercise, blood circulation to the colon can be compromised by intense physical activity. Although intense exercise can lead to dehydration, moderate to mild exercise does not cause serious compromise to GI function. Moreover, high-fat and high-protein meals can upset the digestive tract, triggering the onset of runner’s diarrhea.
To avoid developing runner’s diarrhea, you should reduce your intensity and distance gradually. In case of diarrhea, it is recommended to stop running for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you can start gradually increasing your activity. It is also advisable to avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as they can worsen the problem. Moreover, you should avoid taking bismuth salicylate or loperamide, as these medications may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
Runner’s diarrhea shouldn’t last more than 24 hours
Runner’s diarrhea is a digestive disorder that happens to runners, and it can cause gas, cramping, and acid reflux. Most of the time, diarrhea subsides within 24 hours, but if it lasts more than that, it could be caused by something else. Several potential causes of runner’s diarrhea are listed by the Mayo Clinic, including a jostling of internal organs during a run, changes in hormones secreted by the intestines, and decreased blood flow to the intestines.
If you do experience runner’s diarrhea, you should reduce the amount of high-fiber foods you consume before exercising. High-fiber foods stimulate the digestive system and have many health benefits. To help determine what foods are causing diarrhea, keep a food diary. If it persists, try increasing the interval between meals and exercise or avoiding high-fiber or refined carbs. For maximum relief, consult with a healthcare professional and seek immediate medical attention.
Torlakson pooped her pants during a marathon
Tamara Torlakson pooped her pants in the middle of a marathon! The marathon runner was halfway through her marathon when she realized she had to poop but didn’t want to stop. She usually checks her bowels before she runs, but decided to poop her pants on the run! What happened? What is the cause of Tamara’s embarrassing moment?
While she is a marathon veteran, she had just given birth when she started the 26-mile race and ended up pooping at the halfway mark. Torlakson finished the race in three hours and seven minutes, faster than the Squid Game marathon. While she had to wash up, she finished the marathon in her shorts. She apologized to the public and later clarified her headline.
Runner’s diarrhea causes urinary stress and incontinence
Runner’s diarrhea is a condition whereby the bowels fail to provide water and nutrients to the vital tissues of the body during exercise. Mild to moderate exercise can cause modest disruption to the gastrointestinal system, but severe exercise, such as endurance running, can severely compromise GI function and cause runner’s diarrhea. Most sufferers have a risk for urinary incontinence between 30% and 40% of their VO2 max.
While it’s difficult to prevent urinary stress incontinence completely, there are several measures that you can take to minimize the symptoms of this condition. One of the first measures to prevent urinary incontinence in runners is to know where the rest stops are, and if possible, bring toilet paper with you. Alternatively, you can also wear non-bulky underwear such as panty liners, urethral plugs, and pessaries.
Final Words
There you have it! The science behind why marathoners poop their pants. While it may be embarrassing, it’s a condition that can be prevented with the proper precautions. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any severe symptoms. Happy running!
Do you have any other tips for preventing runner’s diarrhea? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your fellow runners! Thanks for reading!