Stitches

How do you prevent stitches when running?

i am about 15 and i have problems running due to stitches. Could you help me in telling me how to prevent stitches?

Public Comments

1. to prevent them, pratise running, the more u practise more your body gets used to it.
2. i don't know how far this true but i once heard that sucking on a sugar cube can prevent stitches. but don't quote me on that.
3. You get stitches from not getting enough oxygen to certain parts of your body, stretch before you run..and practice your breathing
4. One way is to watch your breathing. Next time you run, try breathing in when you step on your right foot, then exhale the next time you step on your right foot. This keeps your breathing at a regular pace and stops the stitch. Another thing to try is to breathe in shorter breaths and try to push all your air out when you exhale. Stitches are a result of oxygen deprivation (usually) so adjusting your breathing is usually the easiest solution. Good luck and have fun running!
5. I don't know how to prevent them entirely(maybe if you got fitter they wouldn't occur, I don't know). But whenever I got one while running I would simply slow down slightly and try to control my breathing a bit better. When I do this the stitch does not always go away but it usually becomes less painful and reduces the chances of getting more stitches. Having multiple stitches is very painful and I usually have to stop if this happens.
6. A stitch is caused by lactic acid paralysing your muscles, so the best advice is definatly to practice, don't push yourself too far at first, ease your way into it, running a little at first and gradually building up the distance over the next few weeks.
7. Stay very hydrated before you run. Make sure your urine is clear. I say this in all seriousness. Also, take long even breaths when running.
8. ive never had that problem
9. you will get them if your not fit or either you will get them before you just had a drink or had something to eat
10. Make sure you don't eat before you run, stretch, and if you lean your hand over your head and look up at your fingers and hold it for 15 seconds it'll feel better. Also don't drink too much and don't have to much calicum. Muscle spasims can cause stitches too so try to breath easy.
11. I get side stiches all the time. Usually they are signs of dehydration. THe only thing that you can really do is drink a lot of water and Gatorade. So try your hardest to stay hydrated and drink as much water or water based drinks as possible! Good luck and i hope those stiches start to go away! =)