Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter Episode 456: Gut Health | Dr. Marc Bubbs
Sep 19, 2025
Dr. Marc Bubbs, a performance nutritionist and consultant for elite athletes, dives into the world of gut health. He discusses acute gut infections and their impact on performance, along with strategies to prepare for race-day variables. Bubbs emphasizes the importance of training the gut for optimal fueling and reveals the benefits of aerobic conditioning on gut microbial diversity. He also shares tips on automating nutrition and mental strategies to overcome race lows, focusing on key components for gut health like prebiotics and glutamine.
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Race-Day Gut Bug Derails Performance
- Dr. Marc Bubbs recalled athletes catching a gut bug from dining out before a major event that ruined performance the next day.
- Zach Bitter described his Alaska 100-mile attempt where a suspected restaurant-related GI issue caused ~17 bathroom stops and costing a faster finish.
Eating Out Before A Big Race Backfired
- Zach Bitter described a 100-mile attempt in Alaska where early GI issues likely from a burger ruined his pacing and cost time.
- He reflected that avoiding that meal might have changed his performance trajectory and taught valuable lessons.
Practice Pressure To Reduce Race Nerves
- Train in uncomfortable, pressured situations to simulate race-day nerves and gut responses.
- Use breathwork, cold exposure, and group sessions to practice harnessing nervous energy instead of being overwhelmed.