By Jonathan Tessier
•
June 24, 2024
These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take medication. Most athletes take nutrition seriously, so here are some tweaks that can enhance performance. It is entirely possible to achieve optimum health and maintain your edge as an elite athlete throughout your lifetime. When you head in that direction there will be times you plateau and experience setbacks – your body’s way of saying it’s time to up the bar. The joy of continually seeking and savouring the highest sense of well-being has no equal. It sets you free to participate in whatever sports or activities you chose, regardless of your age. Nourishing Diet Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water daily. Chlorine can interfere with thyroid function. Avoid so called “sports drinks” that often contain artificial colours and flavours. Try a natural alternative like Ener-C with 1,000 mg vitamin C and electrolytes. The fresher your food, the higher the nutrition and the less energy you expend on digestion. Fresh fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes, the spark of life! Malic acid in apple cider vinegar can increase mitochondria activity and boost your energy. Mix 2-3 tsp in water in raw honey (optional) with meals or before athletic events. MCT oil can increase energy and reduce lactate in muscle tissue. 1-3 tbsp ground flax provides valuable nutrients and slows the conversion of healthy hormones such as testosterone, into dihydrotestosterone associated with inflammation. 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (opt) in water with meals improves digestion, corrects pH, balances blood sugar, and reduces fat storage. Unfortunately, no matter how great your diet is, with depleted soils, modern day stressors, pollution, etc. there are certain very common nutritional deficiencies that are at the root of many conditions. The good news is they can easily be obtained with high quality nutritional supplements. The cost of the following program is < $2.00 per day and we suggest you take a break one day each week from your supplement regimen. Basic Supplements – To Cover Common Deficiencies Bio-Strath is ideally suited for athletic performance. This wholefood tonic provides a wide range of nutrients that improve digestion, mental focus, and energy production. Vitamin C - 100-1,000 mg daily during fall and winter. Vitamin D – 1,000-4,000 IU promotes steroid production to combat oxidative stress. Essential Fatty Acids – for brain, joint, digestive, and cardiovascular health. Flax, chia, and hemp seeds are excellent sources of all essential fatty acids. Calcium/Magnesium (in combination) protect muscles, regulate cardiovascular function, help prevent injuries, and promote alkalinity. Probiotic – intermittent use along with fermented foods. The following natural foods can enhance athletic performance and overall good health: Vital Greens – This best selling superfood complex contains the juices of 40+ botanical herbs, algae, and vegetables. Energize, detoxify, revitalize! Glutamine - Promotes muscle growth, improves endurance and shortens recovery time. Provides the basic building blocks for RNA and DNA. MCT Oils - Boost energy, regulate metabolism, and balance blood sugar. The antifungal, antibacterial properties promote gut health. Maca - Increases energy, focus, and endurance. Promotes hormone balance. Encourages liver detoxification. Chlorophyll - Nature’s energizer and deodorizer, a blood builder and blood cleanser. Strengthens the immune system and protects cells from radiation. Medicinal Mushrooms - Increase energy, strengthen immunity and improve cognitive function. Their anticarcinogenic properties are well documented. Plant Based Protein - An easy to digest complete source of essential amino and fatty acids. Many athletes benefit from a post workout protein drink. Ashwagandha improves speed and muscle mass. It is a key herb used in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat many conditions including fatigue, stress, and hormone imbalance.