Stitches

How do I reduce the occurrence of side stitches when jogging?

Last year, I used to jog for long periods without stretching and I didn't get side stitches. Now I can only do it for short periods of times and get side stitches.

Public Comments

1. Stitches are a spasm in the diaphragm muscle, which helps you breathe. When you are breathing hard it moves up and down at a faster rate; at the same time if your stomach is full or expanded, the internal organs will bump against the diaphragm and cause painful stitches. So you need to make sure that you don't eat or drink at least one hour before running. And while running make sure to breathe out hard from the mouth, to expel air from the stomach.