GI Concerns for Athletes

Frequent fluctuations in hydration state could cause digestion and absorption difficulties for athletes, requiring a constant vigilance to make certain that fluid consumption matches need. The stress associated with competition and overtraining is also a concern; GI dysfunction (e.g., nausea, gastritis, colitis) is a common outcome with persistent stress and a lack of adequate rest. Once stress-related GI problems occur, nutrient intake drops. This gives rise to numerous other nutrient-deficiency disorders that can be adequately dealt with only when the athlete returns to a more stress-free and rested state.

Common causes of GI distress in athletes include the following:

• Dehydration
• Consumption of fructose-only beverages during exercise
• Consumption of carbonated beverages during exercise
• Febrile disease
• Excessive use of common ergogenic aids
• Fatigue from overtraining
• High doses of vitamin and mineral preparations
• Psychological and physiological stress

Before Exercise

During Exercise

After Exercise