The question “how do I stop runner’s trots” may sound funny to non-runners, but runners who have experienced diarrhea during a run find nothing funny about the subject. Consistently suffering from the trots can really hamper training and ruin a race. What is the cause and what can be done to stop runner’s trots from happening?
There are many theories about what causes the trots. One theory is that the trots results when a runner is dehydrated. Dehydration reduces the essential fluids in your bowels, which causes the bowels to pool fluids in the intestines; these fluids then exit the body as the trots.
Another potential cause of trots is lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance have a tough time digesting lactose, which is a sugar in milk. Lactose intolerance, even a very mild form, can result in diarrhea that can be exacerbated during a running.
Finally, coffee and other foods that contain caffeine can cause the trots. Caffeine is a stimulant that is known to cause the bowel muscles to constrict. This constriction can lead to diarrhea, especially during a run.
Getting the trots is certainly no fun, but you can reduce your risk of suffering this ailment by limiting your intake of dairy, caffeine, and other fatty foods before a run and ensuring that your body is well hydrated.
