Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Running & Upset Stomach: Correlation v. Causation

I lost a lot of fitness over the Spring while I was battling a nagging hip inflammation issue.  And it didn't simply translate to a decrease in miles, I basically neglected my core strength as well.  My diet was poor, at best, and most ab & core workouts were very abbreviated. So when I started feeling healthy enough for long runs again, I immediately noticed that my posture, abdominal strength, and endurance were greatly affected.  But I also noticed that my stomach seemed to be upset frequently during and after runs, something I typically don't struggle with.  And it got me thinking ... does a strong core directly correlate to fewer GI stomach issues for runners?

After doing a little internet research on the topic, I'm not sure there's enough data or scientific evidence to support a direct correlation between weak abdominal & core muscles and stomach issues.  I mean, I don't think we can say that a strong core automatically eliminates stomach and intestinal issues while running.  I DID find a few articles here and there advocating a strong core to assist with good digestion - the reason relating mostly to increased blood flow throughout the abdominal muscles.  And another site promoted core strength and good posture as a means to proper functioning of the intestinal tract.  But overall, the information available seemed to make only generalized statements, with sparse specific biological or quantitative evidence supporting their statements.

So at this point, I think I would relate the recent stomach issues while running, which happened to occur over a period when my core was very weak, as causation.  Follow my logic here ... probably the reason I usually don't struggle much with stomach issues while running because I try to keep my core in good running shape.  Therefore, when my core is in good shape, I have less fat and flab around my midsection, which helps me run with a lower heart rate.  And, in combination with strength workouts, I have less fat and flab around my midsection because I'm making better dietary choices.  Ergo ... my body is not trying to burn Twinkies, chips, and hot dogs as energy ... but rather good efficient lean meats and fruits and vegetables, which would most likely eliminate a lot of the intestinal issues.  So basically I think it's more a result of cause and effect, rather than a direct correlation ... kind of a "the core strength bone is connected to the healthy diet bone" type of thing.   Does that make sense?

I find the whole subject interesting. It just seems that when I'm in better shape, I have fewer issues like these.  And whether or not it's correlation or causation, I'm not exactly sure ... but I DO know it's all the more reason to maintain my fitness.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the issue.
... Be Great Today!   

5 comments:

  1. Interesting. Very interesting.

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  2. Hm, that's a thought. I do think posture has a lot to do with digestion. As a pharmacist, I stand all day, and my tummy is usually fine. But whenever I have the occasional all-day meeting, and I'm seated, I get a stomachache. So it makes sense.
    But what do I know. I get an upset stomach if I even look at food before running.

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  3. Mr. Jim, I totally agree with your awareness here. And carrying this a bit further, from an Ortho-Bionomist perspective, our organs are traced on the same nerves as muscles groups. WHAT?? An example, a client that has had a "stuck" problem area in the shoulder might have relief if a lung release is performed. Take that idea/theory and apply it to the pelvic floor area. Example, a bladder or kidney inflammation may be the cause of a very unhappy psoas which would restrict flexion or range of motion in general. Meaning, we release the psoas yet the restriction continues later on during the day.
    What makes me happy is the fact that you are bringing awareness to your core and not just trying to MUSCLE through it. Good On You Brother!!! I hope other have read your post and benefit from your wording and live life injury free. Excellent Goal

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  4. Core strength could directly relate to stomach/digestion problems but I don't think it's fix-all for everyone with stomach/running issues. I do know that women traditionally have more digestion problems than men, simply due to hormones, childbirth and the fact that they have a longer colon. Could better core strength help with that? It's an intriguing question (I will ponder it more as I do my planks later this evening, lol). Food allergies could also be a cause, and when you eat cleaner, you cut out a lot of the culprits: Milk, processed foods, dyes and additives, etc. Anyway, good post. It's got me thinking, which is always a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Core strength could directly relate to stomach/digestion problems but I don't think it's fix-all for everyone with stomach/running issues. I do know that women traditionally have more digestion problems than men, simply due to hormones, childbirth and the fact that they have a longer colon. Could better core strength help with that? It's an intriguing question (I will ponder it more as I do my planks later this evening, lol). Food allergies could also be a cause, and when you eat cleaner, you cut out a lot of the culprits: Milk, processed foods, dyes and additives, etc. Anyway, good post. It's got me thinking, which is always a good thing.

    ReplyDelete

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