Nutrition for Gastrointestinal Issues in Active Individuals
Presented by Leslie Bonci and Roberta Anding
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It has been estimated that 30%–50% of athletes suffer from some type of digestive issues during training and/or competition. This can affect performance outcomes in terms of quality of training or even finishing events during competition.
The prevalence of GI distress in active individuals can vary from 30% to 90% depending upon the sport. The wide range in reporting GI distress in the various studies is due to how symptoms are reported and how symptoms are defined. Digestive distress is more common in extreme environmental conditions and endurance sports and is more prevalent among individuals who already have GI issues such as celiac, lactose intolerance, and functional bowel disorders. In addition, overly restrictive diets, drastic and sudden changes in diet, excessive use of supplements, meal timing, food quantity, and hydration status can adversely impact gastrointestinal function.
Learning Objectives
- Examine the physiological and mechanical changes in exercise that can contribute to gut issues in active individuals
- Determine the prevalence and causes of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms as well as related symptoms
- Implement nutrition-focused physical findings
- Analyze the role of diet as a contributor to digestive distress in active individuals
- Implement a comprehensive interdisciplinary plan of action for active individuals with gastrointestinal issues
Meet your instructors
Leslie Bonci
Leslie Bonci is a registered dietitian; a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics; the owner of Active Eating Advice (Be fit, fed and fearless!), a nutrition consulting company; and a cofounder of Performance 365, a sports nutrition consulting company. She is currently the sports nutrition consultant for the Kansas…
Roberta Anding
Roberta Anding is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the Baylor College of Medicine Corporate Programs team. She is an instructor in the Baylor Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Roberta is faculty at Rice University and is currently the sports dietitian for the Rice Owls. She is the former sports dietitian…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Impact of Exercise and Diet on Gastrointestinal Functioning
Exercise itself is a stressor to the gut that can be exacerbated by body position during activity and the resultant impact of exercise on gut functioning. Being aware of potential digestive distress can help active individuals be proactive and minimize the risk of symptoms.
2. What Are the Most Common Gastrointestinal Issues in Active Individuals?
Gastrointestinal symptoms will vary depending upon whether they are upper or lower GI in origin. Treatment recommendations must be specific to the symptoms, and athletes must learn to train their gut.
3. Nutritional Assessment of Digestive Issues in Active Individuals
When addressing nutrition solutions for digestive issues, it is necessary to consider food choices, eating habits, meal consistency, food form and quantity, and hydration. It is helpful for active individuals to keep a food and symptom log to determine which foods and eating habits may be symptom alleviating or exacerbating.
4. Evidence-Based Nutrition Practices for Digestive Issues Management in Active Individuals
Addressing digestive concerns in athletes requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the registered dietitian, sports medicine physician, athletic trainer, and possibly psychotherapist. Patience, consistency, and practice are key components of strategy to help active individuals manage their gastrointestinal concerns.