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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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.
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 […]
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport – or RED-S as it is known – is caused when there’s a negative balance between dietary energy intake and the energy output needed to promote optimal health, performance, growth and daily life. Up until 2014 RED-S was referred to as the female athlete triad – disordered eating, menstrual disturbances […]
