stomach bloating/gas on long rides

[jagirl]

I have a very frustrating and sometimes painful issue that crops up on rides over 4 hours long. my stomach sometimes gets bloated and I get what I first thought was a stich in my side, but I now think it's gas pains as I have to stop riding completely for it to go away. A stich I can sometimes strech out.

I'm extreamly cautious now with drinking and eating on these long rides.

Has anyone experienced this problem....
Any ideas how to prevent it....

[MightyMitre]

That sounds very uncomfortable. I haven't experienced it while riding but after a long ride my stomach sometimes feels a bit strange. Even after I've eaten a nice meal I can get quite gassy.

I put it down to the fact that my stomach just doesn't like getting so totally empty - a bit like a car when you don't fill it up and let it get right down to the fumes. I eat when I ride but obviously not a regular meal - only enough to keep me going so I guess after a day in the saddle my poor stomach is wondering whats going on.

Does this ring any bells with you?

[Squirrel 2]

Stomach bloating can be from too high a level of sodium intake, which can cause the body to retain fluids (ie, bloat). I get this on long rides from drinking Gatorade, which has a higher sodium content that many of the other sports beverages. I have since switched to Gu2O to avoid the dreaded "Gator-bloat".

Stitches, or cramps, I get if I don't drink enough water. So I take a swig of sports beverage, & wash it down w/ H2O.

[Bike Goddess]

Having just completed a 545 mile to LA, I have this piece of advice: Dilute your sports drink in half with water in both bottles (I assume you take 2 bottles of water with you). Take with you some electrolyte replacement- either the Endurolyte pills (available online) or Electro Mix- made by Alacercorp- www.alacercorp.com. I was worried about my sodium intake and both of these don't have any sodium in them. I drank a lot of fluids this way on the ride and it worked!
Hope our advice gets you pain free!

[swlsue]

All good advice here.

I had this bookmarked so I will share it with you:

Do you remember those side aches, sometimes called side stitches, from your childhood romps? Or maybe you run or workout as an adult and still get those side aches that make

you want to stop running or working out. This article will tell of some possible causes and ways to prevent side aches while exercising. And, it will also give some tips on what

to do when you get one.



What and how much you drink before you run or exercise might be the cause of your side aches. Researchers believe that drinking a lot (a quart or more) of anything right before you exercise can trigger a side ache. But, drinking a Cola drink with caffeine will make the pains last longer. Do not dehydrate yourself by not drinking before you exercise altogether. Instead of guzzling down a huge glass of water, sip 4 to 8 ounces before you head out the door. Begin drinking water early on your workout days then you won’t feel compelled to guzzle something right before you leave. When you are done exercising be sure to rehydrate yourself with a large glass of water. Some experts say that sports drinks are less likely to cause side stitches so you might want to try one of the many ones out there.


If you get a side stitch while exercising try one or more of the following to get rid of it.


Breathe slowly out of your mouth with pursed lips.


Do not fully exhale while breathing for a few paces.


Bend forward and tighten your stomach muscles.


Bend forward and poke out your stomach as far as you can.


Wear a wide belt tightly around your waist (like weight lifters wear).


With your hand tightly squeeze or put pressure on the painful site.


These are proven remedies that work for people who are side stitch prone. So give it a try next time your exercising and get a side ache!

[jagirl]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I'll make sure to be a bit more scientific with my hydration.

And hopefully I'll be able to continue my long rides without any discomfort.