Stomach Issues
Stomach Issues
There’s nothing worse than having stomach and GI issues, having gas, being nauseous or throwing up during an endurance event. The typical causes for stomach and gastrointestinal issues are:
– Using energy gel with not enough water or something other than water
– Having liquids in your stomach that are too concentrated (hypertonic)
– Having slow to digest solid foods in your stomach and intestinal tract
– Artificial sweeteners
Watch this video (right) for a more detailed discussion, but in short the majority of these issues are a result of things in your stomach not being processed and moved along as rapidly as they should. The solution to most of these issues is sticking with liquid carbohyrates (energy gels with water or hydration drinks), using complex carbs and avoiding simple sugars, and making sure you have enough fluids to keep everything moving through the osmosis process. Artificial sweeteners also are a common culprit as they are typically designed to be used in small amounts in diet foods. However, some sports drinks use artificial sweeteners in large quantities, and then the athlete consumes large amounts of the drink. Some people can handle this, but in others the results are not pleasant.
e-Gel and e-Fuel are designed with this in mind and are loaded with complex carbs and very little simple sugars and no artificial sweeteners.
Stories from our customers about how our products have solved their stomach problems:
Vicki Griffin
"I am an Ironman distance, age grouper triathlete trying to qualify for Kona. Nutrition has always been a struggle... stomach issues, etc.... I used e-Fuel and e-Gel on my last 70.3, had no stomach issues, and won my age group." ... continue reading
Leawood, KansasSport: Triathlon
Jeff Rommel
"I broke the golden rule and tried e-Gel for the first time on race day. I ran the Houston Marathon and it was a great experience - no stomach issues and no muscle cramping. Water in my bottle and an e-Gel every hour got me through the race. I'm not the fastest runner, but I set a PR!" ... continue reading
Houston, TexasSport: Running
Keith Castleton
"Figuring out how to stay hydrated, not get upset stomach and prevent muscle cramps during long runs and races has been one of my biggest challenges. In the past my muscles would ache and twitch and cause me a lot of pain after long runs. I came across e-Gel energy gels this summer used them during the Top Of Utah Marathon, took 17 minutes off my previous marathon PR and easily qualified for Boston." ... continue reading
Maricopa, ArizonaSport: Running
David Brumley
"I am an immunodeficient triathlete who has gone through just about every product on the market. My body has difficulty with nutrition absorption and GI distress. After a successful long bike ride (6 hours) without problems during or after I used it on my next race. The results were amazing. My first AG win without any issues or drop in energy late into the race." ... continue reading
McKinney, TexasSport: Triathlon
Melissa Lofton
"I am one of those people who is funny about taste and texture, not to add a weak stomach. I tried e-Gel as a recommendation from one of my friends ... I have been a loyal customer for over 2 years. It is true when they say you don't hit that brick wall and they don't upset your stomach. I am not drained at the end of a 15 mile training run and recovery is nothing like it used to be prior to using e-Gels." ... continue reading
Dunwoody, GeorgiaSport: Running
Mike A
"Excellent products. Terrific customer service!
I came across the e-Fuel at the Surf City Marathon in California in 2013. I have been a avid user since. The taste is great - it's not a sticky sweet product. It mixes faster than any other nutrition product. With e-Fuel, I know exactly what I'm getting during multi-hour events. It's light on the stomach and consistently refreshing. I've tried many products over the years and typically get tired of a product after a while; three years and I'm still lovin' it!
Customer service shipments to Maryland has always been quick and responsive." ... continue reading
Laurel, MarylandSport: Ultra Running
Shaun Gallagher
"After having difficulty in races where my gastric system would 'lock up', I found that I simply couldn't handle gels and electrolyte pills frequently enough to support my needs. The calorie content and large amount of electrolytes in e-Fuel were a perfect balance for my training and racing needs. Because e-Fuel mixes fast and easy, it was easier for me to increase the concentration without worrying about trying to swallow a thick, clumpy drink.
At Ironman Wisconsin I raced with 2 bottles of 4x concentrated e-Fuel (800+ calories per bottle) on the bike as my primary nutrition. Using eFuel helped me surpass my goal and register a 13 hour finish time with no cramping or stomach problems. " ... continue reading
Tampa, FloridaSport: Triathlon
Todd Houston
"I competed in my first Sprint triathlon using only e-Fuel and e-Gel products. They went down incredibly easily, and didn't give me that sickly feeling the high sugar products do, when you are going all out. When setting up for transition, the e-Fuel mixed perfectly (even in the 40deg F weather), and tasted great; not to sweet. Took a Cherry Bomb gel in on the bike ..." ... continue reading
Calgary, ALBERTASport: Triathlon
Lisa Kaspin
"The Los Angeles Marathon was a death march! The temperature at the start was in the lower 80s and climbed to 90 by the time I finished the race. Many people suffered from heat cramps and vomiting, and had to be pulled off the course. But I did NOT suffer from any of those problems, which was probably due to the high sodium content of the e-Gels I ate during the race; I ate 5 of them!" ... continue reading
Los Angeles, CaliforniaSport: Running
Rebecca
"I love your product. I ran my first marathon in November, the Philly Marathon. I had struggled during my early part of my training with nausea and even thrown up a few times on the run using other energy gels or drinks. After I found eGel, I never felt sick again." ... continue reading
Philadelphia , PennsylvaniaSport: Running
Matt Bartz
"I just used e-gel as one of my primary energy sources in my first 100 mile trail run and had great results! I never felt sick and had even energy throughout the event. I have used this product through numerous Ironman Triathlons, 50mile, 50k,100k, and now a 100 mile ultra with success. It goes down easily and the convenient pouch makes it easy for ME to control my nutrition throughout races. I know what I am getting, and it works with predictable excellence every time." ... continue reading
Milwaukee, WisconsinSport: Ultra Running, Triathlon
Eberle Funches
"I am currently preparing for my 10th Ironman while living here in Okinawa Japan.
e-Gel gets me through each and every workout, be it 30 minutes or 7 hours. My e-Gel packs are like sacks of gold while I am racing at any distance and they keep me going and going. The flavors are great, they are easy on my stomach and it's really a treat after miles and miles of training and racing. Becoming the first and only woman to be a 10 time Ironman here on the island is an honor and I owe my nutritional success to Crank Sports year after year." ... continue reading
Okinawa, Japan, FloridaSport: Triathlon
Barb
"I'm not one to typically use these type of supplements but the weather made me nervous about bonking. With e-Fuel, I never got that empty feeling. My energy was consistent throughout my workout. The taste was fine, not overpowering in any way. And I didn't experience any nausea or gi problems that often accompany these type of products." ... continue reading
Erie, PennsylvaniaSport: Running
Joe Delgado
"I have had problems with products in the past being too sweet and souring my stomach. I really like the e-Gel in that it has more calories, electrolytes, and it is easy on the stomach. I live in Tucson, AZ and the e-Gel has 230mg of sodium and 85mg of Potassium. It helps balance out all the water I have to drink during my longer workouts." ... continue reading
Tucson, ArizonaSport: Ultra Running and Gravel Cycling
Birk Billingsley
"I have a relatively sensitive stomach, particularly with the high-sugar content found in virtually all other electrolyte gel/drink products. With Crank products, I find myself spending less time in the porta-potty and more time out on the course. Once more folks find out about your product, I have no doubt it will become the dominant leader in the field. Two thumbs way up!" ... continue reading
Indianapolis, IndianaSport: Running
Michael Voelker
"I was introduced to e-Gel by a fellow marathoner after I ran the Madison marathon in May. During the Madison race, as in others, I had problems with dehydration. I know I lose a lot of salt in a long race, but sports drinks don't agree with my stomach. Only being able to drink water, it was simply impossible to get enough electrolytes with other gels.
This past weekend I ran a 50-mile ultramarathon, the second year I ran the race. Last year, I also had problems with dehydration and muscle cramping. This year, having used e-Gel in training over the summer, I used e-Gel, and ONLY e-Gel, during the race--13 packets of it--with water. Despite the day being about 15 degrees warmer than last year, I managed my hydration well AND cut over an hour off my time by being able to run 'harder, faster, longer.' I attribute the better hydration to e-Gel. Also, the larger pack size, and greater calorie count, were both assets during a long race." ... continue reading
Pulaski, WisconsinSport: Running, Ultra Running
Claudia Brewer
"I tried eGel for the first time this weekend on my long run. I absolutely loved it. I had no adverse stomach issues. The flavors are fantastic! Thank you for such a great product! :)" ... continue reading
MOLINE, IllinoisSport: Running
Hans Harris
"I am into canoe racing i have tried other gels (gu, powergel,etc.) and i liked their taste but they didn't sit well in my stomach. I was for the first time last year entering a 70 mi. race the general clinton in N.Y. I wanted to find a gel that did upset my stomach and thats when I found e.gel. I was leary on ordering a gel online but am I ever glad I did! Not only does it taste great but it sits well too." ... continue reading
Orange, MassachusettsSport: Canoe Racing
George Ruiz
"I'm a 50 year old ultra running competing in 100 mile and 50 mile races. Like everyone else doing these types of runs in extreme conditions I experienced GI problems using a verity of products until I tried Cank. It was easy to get down and I could feel an immediate boost with minutes. Soon it became my fuel of choice ( in 50 mile runs I consume as many as 10-15 packets and in 100 milers as many as 20-25). It has never hurt my stomach and I'm usually able to stay on top of my energy level through out an event. Since using Crank E-Gels I have completed two Wasatch 100 mile runs, two Leadville 100 mile runs and the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 run and will be using using Cank in volume at Western States 100 and the Tour Du Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France. Thanks for great product!" ... continue reading
Carson City, NevadaSport: Ultra Running
Steve Muchnick
"I started using e-Gel during my training for the Marine Corps Marathon. I had tried (and gave up on) other gels because my stomach couldnt' handle the heavy consistency, and also because they just didn't seem to add very much edge to my performance.
A running club friend suggested I give e-Gel a try. Running in the typical East Coast summer heat and humidity this summer, I couldn't help but feel the immediate bounce from e-Gel - for some reason it absorbs faster than anything else I've tried. I decided to buy a box and go with the Crank PR guarantee, and I went through the remainder of my training season with e-Gel. During that time I easily PR's a half-marathon and saw training times steadily improving.
My run at the Marine Corps Marathon went very well, and I did PR, so I won't be getting the free box of e-Gel. Oh, well, I guess I'll just have to buy another one when I start training in January for my first trip to Boston!
GET YOURSELF SOME OF THIS STUFF! Thanks, Crank!" ... continue reading
Ellicott City, MarylandSport: Running
Sandy Meyerowitz
"After running 7 marathons, for my 8th LA marathon I have finally found a solution to hitting the wall and not running out of fuel. Also it is SO amazing how I can now drink all the water I need along the way and not have to hit the potty at all. The rep at the expo told me I wouldn't have to go to the bathroom at all, after drinking 14 oz of water with the gel every 5 miles and I told him he was absolutely nuts. My usually weak bladder was in disbelief !! He was so right.
What a great product I found at the LA Marathon expo booth. My stomach normally can't tolerate any of the other gels and the snacks I used to eat on the races, would not fuel my body well enough, but e-gel really agrees with me and tastes and goes down WAY better too. Amazing product-THANK YOU!" ... continue reading
Valley Glen, CaliforniaSport: Running
Leslie Campbell
"On July 8th I rode the Prouty 100 mile fundraiser for cancer at Dartmouth in NH with Debbie Chase and Carrie Nourjian. We finished in 6 hrs and 40 minutes and felt great the whole way thanks to e-Gel and e-Fuel. kept a consistent energy level during the ride by switching from e-gel one hour to fuel the next. Not bad for 3 women around 50 working fulltime trying to make time for rides in-bewteen busy schedules. There were 2000 riders that day who raised over a million dollars for cancer research;great effort everyone. The most important thing for me to mention about the use of the e-products is that I never have stomach problems or cramps anymore, can feel the energy instantly after ingesting either the liquid or the gel and always feel like I can keep going even when I am tired from a long ride. e-Fuel is great to drink while spinning inside during the winter also. Love the products and keep coming back for more." ... continue reading
Stowe, VermontSport: Cycling
Edwin Croucher
"I am a typical New Yorker. My work schedule rotates weekly and often within a week. I train when I can and not on a set schedule. I decided on a half Iron triathlon as a training goal. I had no coach then or now to help me. I started using e-fuel after my first 1/2 iron Triathlon. I did not have a good plan on how to properly fuel myself during an event. I had moderate success at the race and continued to use the product. I did not use e-gel at all for the first race. I did a lot of reading on products and tried to change my training and race fueling to improve my performance. My performance has improved and I believe these products have had a great deal to do with it. I have contacted Crank both by email and on the telephone. I have received honest and valuable answers. This is a great company. I just completed the Tupper Lake Tinman, a half iron event ...." ... continue reading
Oswego, New YorkSport: Triathlon
Diane Cornale
"Finally found a product that allows me to drink only water and not the gatorade type beverages that make me nauseated during a marathon...Using this product allowed me to run and qualify for Boston in 2006 and I have not used another product since." ... continue reading
Oak Creek , WisconsinSport: Running
James Borden
"I picked up some e-Gel at the fitness expo before my first marathon. I hadn't seen the product before and I was taking a chance using the first time during a race, but it worked well. I have been using it ever since in marathons and triathlons and have never had a problem with nausea, having it sit in my stomach like a brick and hinder the absorption of water like some other products I have used. Plus it went down easy. This spring I qualified for the Boston Marathon using e-Gel! " ... continue reading
Farmington, UtahSport: Running, Triathlon
Sue F
"I was having horrible blood sugar and electrolyte crashes during my long events (half Ironman & half to full marathons). I decided to try to find a new gel and drink with more electrolytes. I found such great success with e-Fuel! No more bonking in the last few miles of my events! One of my friends, who owns a running shoe store, was having similar issues. I told her about e-Fuel and gave her a sample. She didn't try it for months, claiming a sensitive stomach. Finally, out of desperation, she tried it. She loved it so much, she now carries e-Fuel products in her store! Thanks for success x 2 in the hot, humid summers of Florida!" ... continue reading
Cape Coral, FloridaSport: Triathlon
Brett Vogel
"Compared to other products I noticed a significant improvement in my energy level and duration. Both e-Gel and e-Fuel provide energy that doesn't feel like a rush like other products produce. I have also noticed that I don't crash after a hockey game or mountain bike ride like I did on other products. Plus, I never get a stomach ache like I would with other products. " ... continue reading
Yorba Linda, CaliforniaSport: Hockey, Mountain Biking
Sarah Barron
"Newer to long distance running (trails) I have wrestled with being able to fuel, stay hydrated and not puke at or near the end of any distance run after the 21+ mile mark. Nothing would stay down. I have a long time competitive cylcing background and never had fuel/stomach issues. After reading loads of related articles and trying every product out there by the top names in ultra distance event fuels I was coming to the conclusion this was just my draw. After using your product on a 50K (Shadow of the Giants) and in the prepatory training, I believe I have found my product! Yay, and thank you Crank Sports. " ... continue reading
Glendora, CaliforniaSport: Running
Yishay Yovel
"e-Gel is doing a perfect job in keeping me re-fuled and highly energized through long endurance events. I just completed Half-Ironman distance event, where I consumed 12 packs of e-Gel. I felt energized throughout the event, and had no side effects whatsoever (cramps, stomach issues, etc.). " ... continue reading
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaSport: Running, Triathlon