Digestive type questions

[Dogmama]

Do you use caffeine in the morning? Sometimes this gets everything working overtime. In terms of exercising, I'd be concerned about dehydration. Make sure your sports drink has electrolytes.

[crazycanuck]

I can't have coffee first thing in the morning and don't make it at home. I have to drink quite a bit o water before even pondering buying a coffee..

Yeup, my drink mixture has electrolytes & doesn't bother my tummy. If I don't have breakfast before I ride in the morning, the drink mixture's ok & have no issues. (www.highfive.co.uk)

I must have one odd digestive system.

[ladyicon]

I too have digestion problems in the mornings when I ride. I usually carry Tums with me for really bad days. Try experimenting with different foods and see which one works for you. Good luck.

[emily_in_nc]

My digestive system is always unusually - ahem - active before a morning ride. I attribute it to coffee plus a slight case of nerves, which melts away once I get on the bike.

I never have this problem with afternoon rides, which is why I think the caffeine is a major contributor in my case.

[OakLeaf]

Do you put anything in the porridge? Salt, butter, fruit, sweetener?

[Crankin]

Porridge (oatmeal?) has the same effect on me. So, while it's good for energy before riding, it makes me spend too much time in the bathroom. Since I already "go" at least 3 times in the AM (normal for me) and riding often adds an element of nerves, which adds more bathroom time, I definitely do not eat it before riding.
I have one cup of coffee before a ride, but if it's a long or important ride, i have tea, and have my coffee later in the day. My stomach is extremely sensitive, although no one can give me a specific diagnosis. Mostly, it's in the AM, too. My pre-ride meal (40+ miles) is scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, and fruit.
I often feel somewhat "off" for the first ten miles of a ride; I think most of this is digestive, so I also need to eat at least part of a Luna bar right before I start, no matter how much I have eaten at my last meal.

[huffandpuff]

what a relief to read this - thought I was weird with all the morning bathroom activity I have!One thing I have discovered is that too much acidic stuff in my stomach with the bent over position on the bike gives me horrific heartburn. Eating a few nuts or a few tums generally clears it up but I have to lay off the coffee, tomatoes, etc before I ride if I don't want that to happen. Kind of bad cause I'm a serious caffeine addict!HAd a surprising bad case of heartburn on ride today. First time I have put powerade in my camelbak. Any connection I wonder?

[crazycanuck]

Oak-I put a bit of honey in the porridge for some taste.

Crankin-your pre ride brekky is what i sometimes have but still have the loo issues after..

No coffee in the morning before a ride, just plain water.

I picked up some new porridge stuff yesterday & trying it now. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ta