The Athlete’s Gut and Performance
Gut problems in runners have myriad sources — from stress to heat, caffeine to sleep deprivation — and all of them can sabotage your performance.
Author
Patrick Wilson
Patrick Wilson, PhD, RD, is a registered dietitian, associate professor of exercise science, and author of The Athlete’s Gut: The Inside Science of Digestion, Nutrition, and Stomach Distress. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles, many of which are on the causes of gut issues in endurance athletes.
My Stories
Watch: Webinar Q&A on the Athlete’s Gut
In this webinar, exercise scientist Patrick Wilson answers a wide range of questions about gut problems runners have and how to optimize your gut for performance.
Supplements and the Gut
From probiotics to ginger, here’s how to assess the supplements that can help you manage gut woes.
5 Common Gut-Provoking Mistakes Runners Make
Identify what you're doing wrong and follow these simple preventive measures to help you avoid these common gut issues during training and competition.
Caffeine Can Kickstart Your Workout but Beware Its Effect on Your Gut
The performance benefits of the world’s favorite chemical could be washed out if it causes trouble in your gut.
Fueling for Ultras Is an Enigma
Why we know so little (scientifically speaking) about how to eat for ultramarathons.
Is the Gut Microbiota Key to Unlocking Your Athletic Success?
Athletes tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome. But does it make a difference in athletic performance?
Sometimes Gut Problems Are in Your Head
How visceral sensitivity can be an underappreciated cause of runners’ gut issues.
Sugar Substitutes and the Gut
Modest amounts of artificial sweeteners are unlikely to cause much gut distress, but sugar alcohols can wreak havoc.
Is Fat Adaptation a Path to Improved Performance & Fewer Gut Problems?
A high-fat diet may help reduce stomach distress for some athletes. Here’s how it works and when to consider trying it.
Over Half of Ultrarunners Get Nauseous During Races; Here’s Why
Loads of factors within and outside the body contribute to nausea during ultramarathons, but there are some ways to mitigate it.
Jitters and Java: Your Genes May Affect Your Response to Caffeine
Your DNA has a say in your caffeine buzz, but it’s still not clear how genes affect gut sensitivity to caffeine.