How Can I Prevent Runner's Trots?

Michael Cordas, Jr., DO,
FAOASM, FAAFP 

Runner’s trots, also known as runner’s diarrhea, is the urgent need to have a bowel movement mid or

immediately after a run and is common among long distance runners. The causes of runner's trots are still debated but changing your diet can help prevent it. Try these changes below to help prevent this from occurring to you during a run:

• At least one day before running, limit or avoid high-fiber and gas-producing foods. If you run every day, eat those foods after you run.
• At least one day before running, limit or avoid artificial sweeteners.
• For three to six hours before running, limit or avoid caffeine and high-fat foods.
• For at least two hours before running, don't eat anything at all.
• Before, during and after running, drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to diarrhea. Avoid warm liquids, however, which can speed food through the digestive tract.
• While running, use caution with energy gels and energy bars. In some people, these products can contribute to diarrhea.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing when you run. 

Consider reducing the intensity or distance of your runs until the diarrhea improves. If these suggestions don't help, consult your doctor for additional suggestions

If you have an injury that is preventing you from doing your exercises, sport or any type of activity, please contact the PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine Center: www.pinnaclehealth.org/sportsmed

PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine Center

Michael Cordas, DO

PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine welcomes Michael Cordas, DO, primary care sports medicine physician, to its team.

 

The PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine Center provides comprehensive treatment for patients with injuries or other medical conditions that affect their ability to exercise, participate in sports or maintain an active lifestyle. 

 

Dr. Cordas is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine and is the chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission and an advisory member of the National Athletic Trainers Association. 

 

Along with this background, he is medical director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship program at PinnacleHealth and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. Dr. Cordas was also the team physician for Penn State’s football and wrestling teams. 

 

Dr. Cordas adds extensive Sports Medicine experience to the PinnacleHealth orthopedic team that has been treating athletes from the weekend warrior to the professional level for many years.  PinnacleHealth surgeons perform more joint replacements than any other hospital in our expanded region and are in the top 1% of volumes for the state.

 

PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine office will be open 8;00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. We will be seeing patients Monday through Thursday, 12:30-4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-12 noon at the Community Campus, Bloom Outpatient Center 4310 Londonderry Road, Suite 1B, in Harrisburg. Please call (717) 791-2620 to schedule. For more information about the PinnacleHealth Sports Medicine Center, visit pinnaclehealth.org/sportsmed.