Race preparation

Photo of a female runner with sunglasses on running in the Zurich marathon.

With any goal or challenge, a holistic approach to race preparation can help. It is never too early to start planning. Training for a key event is no different, and you may just be surprised at what else you learn about yourself along the way. As discussed in an episode of “On Purchase” podcast (with […]

Iron deficiency and ADHD

Photo of a female with long hair standing on a beach with her hands over her face.

Iron is well known for the transportation of oxygen throughout the body as previously discussed, however, the link between iron deficiency and ADHD is not as well understood. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting 12% of school-aged children and a growing number of adults. Impulsive behaviour, hyperactivity and/or inattention are common issues with ADHD. […]

Blueberries reduce inflammation

blueberries

There are many benefits of blueberries for improving overall health. Of particular interest for our athletes is how blueberries reduce inflammation. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can cause significant discomfort after a race or hard session. This discomfort and heaviness in the muscles are thought to be due to micro tears in muscles and exercise-induced […]

10 symptoms of endometriosis

10 symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition impacting over 830,000 Australian women and girls and over 176 million women worldwide.  With endometriosis, inflammation and estrogen dominance impacts tissue similar to the uterine lining and encourage growth in other areas of the body outside the womb such as in the pelvic cavity, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, or […]

The best protein powder

Best Protein powder

Kate Smyth- Sports Naturopath and Nutritionist It can be difficult to know how to choose the best protein powder. Protein plays a vital role in any athlete’s eating plan. Irrespective of your chosen sport be that running, triathlon, swimming, team sports, cycling or lifting weights, athletes expend more energy than the average person. Athletes also […]

Zinc Deficiency and Plant Based Athletes

Zinc deficiency and plant based athletes

Zinc deficiency is more common in plant-based athletes.  Fact is, zinc is the powerhouse that supports performance. And knowing how being deficient in zinc can affect your progress, is essential. Most athletes understand zinc’s role in supporting the immune system and wound healing, and its requirement for a proper sense of taste and smell but […]

Iron and energy production

iron and energy production

Iron and energy production are integral to sports performance. When it comes to physical performance, many female athletes find themselves caught between balancing dietary preferences and ensuring that iron intake is adequate. This is particularly the case for plant-based athletes or athletes with limited intake of red meat. Intense physical exertion increases the body’s need […]

Hepcidin and iron regulation

Hepcidin and iron regulation

Have you ever heard of hepcidin? It’s definitely worth understanding particularly if you are a female athlete, or someone who suffers from iron deficiency anaemia.

10 signs of iron deficiency

unusual symptoms of iron deficiency

Anaemia caused by iron deficiency is a condition in which there is not enough iron to form enough healthy red blood cells of sufficient size to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. Iron plays a crucial physiological role in your body. But despite its importance, iron deficiency anaemia is still a common problem […]

Heat training

Heat training

As we start to experience our hottest months in Australia, some individuals are starting to feel the effects of heat and humidity. This article provides a summation of the latest evidence-based options for heat training and preparation for racing in the warmer months. Most athletes can train in the heat over a normal summer but […]