The missing carbohydrate in sports nutrition

Fermentable carbohydrates

Nondigestible fermentable carbohydrates (NFCs), are often called prebiotics. Prebiotics are dietary fibre that resists digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they journey to the colon, where they become nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), pivotal in maintaining gut integrity and overall health as outlined in our recent […]

Myths of menopause – let's unpack the truths

Middle aged woman cycling on her bike in nature.

All women experience menopause differently. Symptoms, severity, and duration can differ based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Before we explore the myths of menopause, our clinical experience suggests two common truths exist for women going through this transition. Genetics Mothers and daughters may experience a similar menopause transition. While this may be true, it’s […]

Long-term Benefits of Cold Water Therapy

Cold water therapy

Cold water therapy is increasingly popular in Australia, particularly among athletes and wellness enthusiasts. A survey indicates that many Australians are adopting cold water immersion practices, with many using it for muscle recovery, mental health benefits, and overall well-being. According to Pursue Performance, approximately 82.6% of users engage in cold plunges 5-7 times per week, […]

Master Marathon Pacing - Part 2

woman running with hands in the air and smile

Have you ever felt a pounding headache after a long run, leaving you drained and discouraged? If so, you're not alone. Dehydration headaches are a common ailment among endurance runners, and they can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport. According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, up to […]

Master Marathon Pacing - Part 1

Woman athlete running with her arms above her head

Let's face it, pacing is a challenge that most marathoners have grappled with at some point. In fact, a 2021 study revealed that 17% of women and 28% of men tend to “hit the wall” during a marathon. This struggle is not limited to specific ability levels or age-groups, making it a common hurdle for […]

Magnesium and bone health

woman running through a field with a stormy sky in the background

Whether you’re running marathons, lifting weights, or participating in team sports, your bones bear the brunt of your intense physical activity and constant training regimen. While we all know the importance of calcium and vitamin D for bone health, we often forget the role magnesium has in bone health. The Magnesium-Bone Connection Research suggests 20% […]

Training Fasted

Photo of a female athlete kneeling down on the ground as she is exhausted.

Training fasted involves exercising without food and/or energy drinks for a period of time. The most common fast lasts for 8/12 hours or extended to 16 hours as an overnight fast. During this period, we tap into fat stores in the form of ketone bodies and stored glycogen. Runners often train fasted unconsciously as a […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and athletes

Photo of a female athlete wearing a hoody on a dark gloomy day

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression or seasonal mood disorder, can have many impacts to your way of life, including your athletic performance. While SAD’s prevalence in Australia may differ from other regions, it is still important to explore the experiences of female athletes living with SAD. In this blog post, we […]

PMDD-premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Photo of a female lying down on the ground with her hands to her head in discomfort.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a health concern best described as a form of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD affects 3-8% of women worldwide but is not well understood or researched. What are the symptoms? PMDD symptoms include anger, irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, lack of pleasure, a sense of overwhelm, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, changes in […]

Salt tablets and electrolytes

Photo of jars of watermelon and orange in glass jars ogf water with straws.

Most athletes consider the balance of electrolytes when thinking about hydration and recovery, especially over endurance events.  But are salt tablets and electrolytes really necessary? Before we answer this question, let's recap on electrolytes and the role they perform in the body. Sodium is the key electrolyte responsible for controlling extracellular fluid balance while potassium […]