Gallbladder disease is very common in the United States, affecting more than 25 millions Americans annually, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Running typically helps gallbladder disease, as improved fitness levels tend to nullify symptoms. However, overweight runners or runners who lose significant amounts of weight and then regain it regularly -- commonly known as weight cycling -- encounter greater incidence of gallbladder problems. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner about dietary changes if you experience gallbladder pain during runs.
Biliary Colic
Runners who experience an intense pain near the rib cage on the top right of the abdomen that radiates into the upper back may have biliary colic, considered the mildest form of gallbladder disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting. This condition typically subsides after several hours.
Gallstones
The gallbladder stores bile to break down fats during digestion. Gallstones develop when the bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into pebble-like material as a result of an overabundance of cholesterol. Runners who feel intense and unremitting pain in the upper right abdomen, between the shoulder blades and in the right shoulder may have a blockage in the bile duct precipitated by a dislodged gallstone.
Exercise Impact
A 2008 study conducted by Berkeley researchers and published in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" found that the fitness levels of runners had an impact on the incidence of gallbladder disease. In a sample of male and female runners, those who ran longer distances and had greater cardiovascular fitness saw a significant reduction in gallbladder disease.
Runners at Risk
Gallbladder problems occur more frequently in female runners, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Runners who experience gallbladder pain may need to shift their diets away from high-fat foods and cholesterol and add more fiber. Weight is a significant factor in gallbladder issues, thus runners who are carrying extra weight or have recently lost a large amount of weight may be at a higher risk of gallbladder pain.
References
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease: Symptoms
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Independent Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Vigorous Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index on Clinical Gallbladder Disease Risk; PT Williams; July 2008
