FUEL
Eat your way happy with these healthy bites
EAT WELL
CAN GUT HEALTH AFFECT MY TRAINING?
Running can stress your gut by causing gastrointestinal distress, and if you suffer IBS or have a sensitive stomach this may be heightened. The good news is your diet can improve your digestive microflora (healthy bacteria in your gut) which can reduce any uncomfortable symptoms. Regular consumption of probiotics (friendly bacteria naturally found in fermented foods) helps to strengthen the gut’s barrier and lower inflammation, which means you’ll suffer less gastric distress when exercising. These foods include kimchi, sauerkraut and miso or any foods with probiotic strains. Supplements can also help to boost your probiotic intake – go for brands with a mix of strains in high concentrations as these have the most beneficial effect. Prebiotic foods are also helpful to help maintain GI integrity, so asparagus, oats, leeks and onions are all good options to pile onto your plate on a regular basis.