Heartburn (Acid reflux) during running!

[JaoJao]

I always feel like every week I am dealing with something new, this week it’s heartburn or acid reflux. For some weeks now I’ve noticed I get this during my runs, it’s not enough to stop me running altogether but it’s an unpleasant feeling and I don’t like the idea of my food coming back up the food pipe! Clearly something is not right. I usually run an hour or two after a meal/snack.

I’ve spent this week researching food for runners as well as understanding causes of acid reflux and self help for treatment.

I wonder if anyone else has had any kind of issue like this during their running or be able to share what is working for them in terms of the times they are eating before runs.

[Walshy3 Graduate10]

Hi they, the same thing happens to me, I usually get a bit anxious before I run, even with my dog! Why? I really couldn’t tell you, think it’s just expecting too much of myself. Anyhow, I usually neck some gaviscon, aniseed variety, definitely not the putrid mint kind!! That settles the tummy right down.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Walshy3]

Ah I thought heartburn was always food related, poor you. At least you have found your fix. Sadly Gaviscon didn’t quite fix it for me this weekend so I’ve resorted to posting a thread about it finally.

[backintime Graduate10]

I fast before my runs, I can't eat or drink for hours before, which is why I run first thing after a night's rest.

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Same here, I need to run on an empty stomach so I mostly run first thing in the morning.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to orangeguy]

Yeah that’s definitely a good way to deal with it.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Yep. I'm another one who needs to run on an empty stomach. Otherwise reflux is a problem. I tend to run in the morning, skipping breakfast and then having a late morning brunch. That seems to work for me

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

I had a morning run today on an empty stomach, so much better. Due to work schedules I cannot always do a morning run which is a shame, it’s my preferred time fo day for a run!

[grumpyoldgirl]

My partner has to take tablets every day for it, they work really well. So the GP is the way to go if over the counter treatments don't work for you. Mind you he's a devil for the coffee so he's not helping himself ☕

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

My mum is on daily medication too, I’m trying to find a fix for it naturally if I can. And it’s only come to light through the running.

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to JaoJao]

Good luck finding something, I think Mr grumpy is happy taking the tablets if he can drink his coffee! I think his got worse when he started being more active too.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

This is something I suffered from before running and one of the trigger points to have a healthier lifestyle. I was prescribed the gaviscon plus, which I think is slightly stronger or thicker and it worked well. You may have read the nhs advice page which lists foods to avoid. Good luck and hope that it will disappear in time -as running progresses.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Ahh! I didn’t check the NHS page for heartburn, I will certainly do that, thank you and appreciate it x