Tag: Side stitch

Approximately 70% of runners report experiencing a side stitch, or exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), within the last year. While no specific food offers an instant cure, strategic dietary choices and proper hydration are key to preventing the pain before it starts.

According to one study, up to 70% of runners have experienced a side stitch, medically known as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), in the past year. While many instinctively blame dehydration, the answer to 'can you get a stitch from not drinking?' is not as simple as it seems and involves several other contributing factors.

While the exact cause of a side stitch—medically known as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP)—is not fully understood, a lack of proper hydration is a widely cited contributing factor. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to muscle cramps, which may be perceived as a painful side stitch during physical activity.

According to a 2014 study, a significant percentage of runners report experiencing a side stitch, and it is also linked to eating and drinking too close to exercise. While the exact cause remains under research, several dietary factors play a significant role in triggering what causes a stitch in your side after eating, particularly when combined with physical activity.

According to a 2017 position paper in the *Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition*, fueling up is essential for exercise, but eating a large meal right before a workout can lead to digestive discomfort. If you eat a lot and run, your body faces a conflict between supplying blood to your digestive system and your working muscles, often leading to unpleasant side effects and hindered performance.

Up to 70% of runners experience exercise-related abdominal pain, but do running gels give you a stitch? While not the sole cause, concentrated sugars and improper hydration practices surrounding their use are often significant contributing factors. Successfully fueling for your race or long run depends on understanding your body's specific needs and developing a strategy that avoids gastrointestinal distress.