Endurance Sports And Celiac

[sburton]

I'm wondering if there have been any studies or information on athletes with Celiac and the effects on endurance sports.

I'm working my way back into running with several 42 km full marathons and a 105 km race behind me. This year I'm entered in 2 marathons and one 50 km trail race.

I'm interested to see if there is information specific to this. Thanks.

[tictax707]

Hi Scott,

I don't know much about the official journal studies on the subject, but I can tell you that I have 2 full marathons, several half marathons, five half ironmans, and two full ironmans under my belt. All of these were done *after* I was diagnosed as a celiac. Looks like we were diagnosed around the same time!

This year I have two more half ironmans (did one already), a century ride, and a half marathon on the books. Next year is another ironman, and at least one half ironman and hopefully a double century. The short message is: you can do them for sure. I have no doubt you can still ultra marathon. Many of the mainstream electrolyte replacement drinks are gluten free as are the gus, blocks, etc. We can still get enough starches needed to fuel the training on a gluten free diet. I don't see that there would be any effects of being a celiac in all this as long as you are good with the diet and allowing your gut to heal. I was undoubtedly doing my first marathons before I was completely healed and I was feeling great and happy with my times and improvements. I just have to listen to my body like any other athlete so that I don't injure myself.

Hope this little bit of anecdotal evidence helps a bit.

[dilettantesteph]

I found a study that showed that strenuous exertion increases intestinal permeability. I had it saved, but that computer crashed. I found it inline with my observations on training for a mini triathlon. I had to clean up my diet from more cc.