A healthy gut is a hidden yet critical component of fitness. Vicky Ware explains why, with tips on avoiding problems
This may seem odd, but gut health is one of my favourite topics. What’s exciting about this arguably gruesome subject — to me, at least, as a cyclist and nutritionist — is that researchers keep finding new ways in which the gut affects our health and performance. From the obvious effects on digesting food and general health, to surprising implications for how we feel psychologically, the gut matters more than you might think when it comes to your cycling performance.
Cyclists and other endurance athletes regularly complain of gastrointestinal distress, and there are many good reasons why — as well as many effective solutions and preventative measures. Here are 11 ways in which your gut may be affecting your cycling…
1 Digestion and exercise don’t mix
Exercise reduces gut function, slowing the speed food travels through the intestine and reducing the time you have to absorb nutrients, energy and fluid. If you’re exercising for longer than an hour, these factors may affect your performance. Blood leaves the gut, moving to skeletal muscle instead, meaning the gut becomes less active, with fewer of the movements that are needed to massage food along the intestinal pathway. Food isn’t digested in this environment, so the body may choose to expel it instead, resulting in either nausea or diarrhoea.
2 Blood-starved guts can’t work
この記事は CYCLING WEEKLY の September 14,2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は CYCLING WEEKLY の September 14,2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike