Diarrhea Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Gut Health

13. Runner's Diarrhea

The exact cause of runner's diarrhea is unclear, but some researchers believe it is a combination of physical, mental, and dietary changes. One contributing factor to the frequent episodes of loose or watery stools is decreased intestinal blood flow, which diverts blood flow from digestion to the legs. Another reason is that long-distance running releases the stress hormone cortisol, which is a natural trigger of bowel urgency. Then, there's the dietary component. Runners who ingest foods high in fiber, fat, or sugar before a race add to their gastrointestinal upheaval during and afterward.