Optimizing Gut Health to Maximize Performance Ft. Jessalyn O’Donnell RD

This week on The Shakeout Podcast, we’re tackling the sensitive topic of sensitive tummies, diving into an exploration of the science behind gastrointestinal distress and learning how runners of all abilities can turn their fuelling, nutrition, and the inner workings of their gut from a weakness into a strength. Sharing her from her extensive experience is Jessalyn O’Donnell.  As a registered sports dietitian, Jessalyn has helped countless members of Canada’s national teams achieve success at Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship competition through optimizing their nutrition strategies. She joins the show today to share the same tools used by elite athletes with runners of all abilities, helping you get the most out of every run by listening to your gut. Subscribe to The Shakeout Podcast feed on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts.Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code “shakeout” Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-shakeoutConditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.*** A Note from Jessalyn on FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols)--short chain carbs that the body has difficulty absorbing-- which are often associated with GI Distress in runners: Cutting out FODMAPs altogether or long term could come with a cost, as FODMAPs are also a great source of prebiotics which is essentially the fuel needed to nourish the good bacteria in our gut. FODMAPS are also a good source of carbohydrate which if reduced could compromise our bodies’ fuel supply needed to run well. So despite FODMAPS being a common culprit, cutting them out altogether is not a good idea and working a sports Dietitian to figure out a plan to balance minimizing symptoms, but still getting the nutrition benefit of FODMAPS is important. For more info on FODMAPS, click HERE