Know Your Lactose Tolerance

Dairy products contain the sugar lactose. Some people don't have enough lactase, a digestive enzyme needed to effectively digest this sugar. So what is often referred to as lactose intolerance? Consuming dairy products when suffering from this condition can give you diarrhea and stomach cramps.

It's interesting to note that even if you could previously tolerate dairy, lactose intolerance can appear later in life. Based on genetic factors, some people's lactase production declines over time. Others may experience secondary lactose intolerance as a result of a gastrointestinal infection or inflammatory bowel disease. Try taking a closer look at the ingredients of your usual pre-run food if you have stomach cramps while running. If you frequently eat dairy, consider cutting back for a few weeks to see if you notice any benefits.