Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad The Science Behind Race Day Illness and Nutrition with Dr. Pfaffenbach | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 502
Nov 21, 2024
Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, a nutrition expert from Eastern Oregon University, dives into the challenges of gut distress faced by endurance athletes like Kristian Blummenfelt, who recently experienced severe vomiting during a race. He discusses the physiological causes behind gastrointestinal issues and how factors like heat, bike position, and hydration play crucial roles. The conversation also covers nutritional strategies, including the benefits of glutamine and probiotics, highlighting the complexity of individual responses and the importance of tailored nutrition for optimal performance.
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Blummenfelt's Vomiting History
- Kristian Blummenfelt has a history of vomiting mid-race, often during the run.
- This includes incidents at Kona, the Olympics, and Frankfurt.
Exercise and Gut Distress
- Intense exercise can cause gastrointestinal distress due to reduced blood flow to the gut.
- During hard exercise, blood is shunted to working muscles, compromising gut function.
Heat and Gut Issues
- Heat adds another layer of stress to the gut, impacting absorption and overall function.
- This compounds the reduced blood flow issue, increasing the risk of GI distress.