eaglesandcycling

I recently pretty much doubled my cycling (distance, time on bike and number of times a week) in the last couple of weeks and just recently got a pretty uncomfortable digestion issue which has now turned into a not so fun hemorrhoids issue I feel this has to be all connected to my big increase in cycling. Now i can’t ride which sucks!! Anyone had this happen to you? I have read some articles that longer distance cycling can disrupt your digestive system (being in such an unnatural position for so long). With me, about a week ago I had this happen, this digestive issue. I had that feeling I had to go, but just really couldn't or barely could. So, that then caused my hemorrhoids issue which I have now.

Iride01 

Eat more fiber and vegetables when off the bike, drink more fluids both on and off.

ckindt

I hope it all comes out right in the end.

JustinOldPhart

Your enema is your friend.

Truly, though, you're not eating right if you feel like ya gotta poo and ya cain't poo. Further, it's not really an 'unnatural 'position.

shelbyfv

Fill one of your water bottles with Kombucha.

venturi95

You are dehydrated and the straining to go is what has caused the hemorrhoid issue. Fiber alone is good but not without fluids.

tagaproject6

Are you using gels and other types of maltodextrin supplements during your rides? There are known issues with those carbohydrate sources on some individuals. It is not the cycling position that is the problem, it is the food.

colnago62

There are several books out there by the same author that give ideas for on bike food made from natural ingredients. His name is Allen Lim, I believe. normal food really helped me feel better.

Bah Humbug

It's the sugar that kills mine - I can have four scrambled eggs before a ride and then just a Picky bar and be good for 60-70 miles. If I go through gels I'll be bloated and nauseous and gain weight throughout the summer.

Lemond1985

I have had it happen from eating chocolate Power Bars. Those things are major digestive irritants, and often the cause of endless flatulence.

SalsaShark

I get an upset stomach and feel sorta sick after a long strenuous sweaty ride if i don't load up on electrolytes beforehand. I am a super salty sweater, and lose a ton of salt & minerals during a harder effort ride, especially in higher temps. My solution is to buy powdered Gatorade mix and eat the mix equivalent of 1/4 gallon of powder before the ride, along with making sure i am well hydrated beforehand. If i don't have the mix on hand, a bit of straight salt works okay. Half of my bottles will also be filled with Gatorade i mix a bit strong, the other half is water. I usually feel good afterwards, and have a white crust of salt on my face from dried sweat! I think i am an extreme case of a 'salty sweater', but this is the only way i can take a high effort ride in the hot summer and not feel sick to my stomach afterwards.

Bah Humbug

The last time wifey was at Kona, she had a session with the folks from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute getting sweat-tested. She's the sort of heavy sweater who finishes most rides with white ripples of salt on her kit. She also does really well in the heat compared to most - how do you fare in the heat?

Cyclist0108

Dehydration and lack of enough fiber in the diet are the most likely causes, as others already pointed out. I am guessing this is a new problem, so the simplest thing to do is to drink at least twice as much water as you think you need.

Carbonfiberboy 

Start eating 2 apples/day, one mid-morning, the other mid-afternoon. This is very simple and requires no thought or other alterations.

As far as electrolytes and sweating: I eat a low salt diet. I strain a bit to get a total of 3/4 t. of salt/day and never salt my food except for eggs. In hot weather, I take 1 Endurolyte/hour. I never have salt stains and do fine on pass climbs in 100°+ heat as long as I have enough water. Medically, I don't need a low salt diet - my BP is usually 115/70 or thereabouts. I eat low salt because it's healthier and I do better in the heat with it.

It's easy to tell if you're drinking enough water: you pee every 3 hours or less. If you're not peeing, you need to drink water until you do.

There certainly are bike-related digestion issues for long distance riders. Sounds like the OP has just become one. Welcome! The problem is eating during the ride, which one has to do, something on the order of 125-300 calories/hour, steady. When going hard for long distances, the stomach doesn't get the blood flow it usually does, plus too much food combined with not enough water in the stomach with the food will cause the food to just sit there and then you feel like barfing and pretty soon you aren't going anywhere. So eat, and drink plenty of water with the food. Gels and shot bloks are particular offenders. Usually takes 6 swallows of water per gel. Too much food and too little water raises the stomach's osmolality. Worth a google, that word.

Doctor Butler's is good medication while you're suffering.

SalsaShark

I am no worse in the heat, as long as i stay properly hydrated, but i do sweat a lot, which means a lot of fluids and electrolytes have to going back in my body to compensate. Though i have ridden comfortably in all temps ranging from -30°F to 100+°, my favorite riding temp as far as comfort is concerned for higher effort riding is probably in the high 60's.

Kabuki12

I have found that if I put Nuun in my water bottle for a long ride I feel better for it . Recently I have discovered that if I eat prior to my morning ride I don’t feel good. I get slight cramping even after my morning constitutional. I take a breakfast bar with me and after about 15 miles or so I stop and snack with my mineral supplements and no problem. I am vegan and have no other digestive issues. As far as seat issues I always wear cycling shorts or undies for padding.