Endurance Innovation

26 - FODMAPs and the Athlete's Gut with Steph Gaskell

Episode Summary

Monash University's Steph Gaskell comes on the show to discuss FODMAPs, and the role that this group of nutrients MAY play in gastric distress suffered by endurance athletes.

Episode Notes

• 5:15 What are FODMAPs and what are some common food sources?
• 7:30 Polyols (sugar alcohols) as used in some artificial sweeteners
• 13:45 sensitivity assessment steps 
• 15:00 FODMAP restriction diets are only recommended for 2-4 weeks and the problems with DIY assessment and restriction
• 17:30 Monash University and Steph’s work with their endurance sport nutrition lab
• 18:45 Steph’s study on the role of high vs low FODMAP intake shortly before exercise stress
• 24:45 high FODMAP diet increased severity, but not incidents of symptoms
• 25:30 the effects of exercise on the gut – independent of FODMAP intake
• 28:30 sympathetic vs parasympathetic response effect on the gut
• 31:45 a deeper dive into the thermal effects on digestion and GI distress
• 37:30 an athlete case study
• 42:30 more on the Monash Nutrition and Exercise Clinic and the testing they do
• 45:00 advice for nutrition in hot races
• 46:15 the value of frequent, small doses of carbohydrate in racing and training 
• 50:30 what do you do if you have these symptoms and you don’t live and Melbourne?

You can find Steph at her private practice, Nutrition Strategies or connect with the rest of the Monash team on their Facebook page. Her latest paper on FODMAPs and endurance athletes can be found here.