Summertime Stomach/gut issues while riding

[Alan]

This summer I have had some significant stomach issues that I think partially started from cycling. I was on a bike trip and taking NASIDS and got stomach ulcers. It was quite hot and Votaren was not a good drug choice but the high heat cycling put me into conditions that caused the ulcers.

I have improved but am still having some issues when it is hot and very humid.

I found the article linked below that was written by Alan McCubbin who is the guru on cycling sports med. especially with digestive and stomach issues.

https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/...-causes-avoid/

I didn't know that I could cause real substantive gut issues by doing 4 hr rides in high temps.

One sentence really stood out to me - “In our latest study we found that feeding even small amounts of carbohydrate or protein frequently during two hours of running in 35 degree (Celsius) heat almost completely prevented gut damage,” says Snipe.

I usually don't consume carbs until 90 min into a ride but I am going to change my plan based on this and start much earlier.

Any thoughts on this or your experiences?

Alan

[Buzz Killington]

X

[Turkle]

Personally, I fuel up before every ride longer than 60 minutes. Fig bar, banana, something.

I have recently had great luck with Skratch Labs' electrolyte mixes. They have just a *touch* of sugar, but not so much that they taste actually sweet.

I don't get ulcers, but in high heat and humidity I often can't digest food well, and sweets make me sick. Skratch Labs has been really nice for the hottest days. They are expensive, though!!

YMMV! If you are actually getting real *ulcers,* and not just stomach pain, I think you need to see a doctor!

[clyde the point]

+1 for Scratch
and no more nsaids for you. stop while you don't have a hole in your gutz.

[dana_e]

They are evil. Pre-ride coffee also not ideal.

We have a phase for mid ride code brown:

The Tom Doumalian

[buddybikes]

Yes start earlier. Have some $$ or friend with diabetes, try out a continuous glucose monitor for 10 days (Dexcom G7)

[zap]

Originally Posted by Alan

I usually don't consume carbs until 90 min into a ride but I am going to change my plan based on this and start much earlier.

Any thoughts on this or your experiences?

Alan

I use Scratch as well, both bottles. I did increase the concentration a bit this year. So you are drinking your mix pretty much at the start of your ride. I also eat something every 20 minutes.