Q&A: CYCLING SICKNESS
Q: Why do I feel sick every time I make a big effort?
K. Long
A: Welcome to the wonderful world of competitive cycling ? no one said racing was a comfortable ride! Most riders that have raced and pushed themselves to their limit will have experienced variations of nausea and perhaps ?reflux? (heartburn).
I?ve heard some fabulously fantastical explanations describing how lactic acid causes stomach cramps... as well as blurred vision and aching teeth. And in extremely severe exercise (like a hill-climb or kilometre race) there may be a role for blood acidity being a cause of nausea.
But I suspect the predominant explanation is more straightforward. Intense exercise forces a huge shift of blood flow away from the stomach and intestines to the hard-working muscles.
At rest, the gut, liver and kidneys receive about a quarter of the heart?s cardiac output, but this is reduced to as little as one or two per cent during high-intensity exercise and this often causes gastrointestinal distress.
This is more likely to happen if you?re dehydrated so it may help to take on a manageable amount of electrolyte drink beforehand rather than racing on a completely empty stomach. In fact, ?gastric emptying? is faster when there is more fluid in the stomach, not less, and I would recommend experimenting with a weak carbohydrate solution before and during training and racing.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Jamie Pringle
(Sports science lecturer. And Michael Hutchinson?s coach. Need we say more?)
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Cycling Christmas Gift Guide 2024
Get the cyclist in your life exactly what they want this Christmas. Our gift guide is full of inspiration for those who love life on two wheels.
By Cat Glowinski Published
-
Rapha launches new chamois cream scented with 'aromas of Ventoux'
Brand promises 'cool carriage' riding with a whiff of lavender
By Tom Davidson Published