Clinical Nutritionist and SB Tri Club member Chris Latham shares her 3 Part Nutrition Series:  Conditions Commonly Seen in Athletes.  For more information on Chris and her services, visit www.healwellnutrition.com

Conditions Commonly Seen in Athletes (Part 1): Inflammation 

The word inflammation comes from the Latin "inflammo", meaning "I set alight, I ignite". Inflammation is the body's attempt at self-protection, the aim being to remove harmful stimuli (including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens) and begin the healing process.

There are two types of inflammation:

  • Acute: Rapid onset, such as with a splinter
  • Chronic: Long term onset (months to years), which can lead to autoimmunity, heart disease, and cancer

Causes

  • Stress / overtraining (increases oxidative stress and free radicals)
  • Sleep deprivation / lack of sleep
  • Chemicals / pollution
  • Fast Food
  • Obesity (fat cells are pro-inflammatory)
  • Too many Omega-6s and not enough Omega-3s

Symptoms

  • Ongoing pain in the joints and muscles
  • Allergies or Asthma
  • High blood pressure or blood sugar problems
  • Ulcers and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Fatigue / lethargy
  • Skin problems

Testing

  • CRP (C-reactive protein): This is a marker for inflammation in the body
  • WBC (White blood cells): An increase in your WBC shows increased bodily inflammation.

Nutritional Recommendations

  • Antioxidants
    • Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes
    • Vitamin D: fish, milk
    • Vitamin E: nuts, wheat germ oil
    • Vitamin C: lemons, oranges, berries

Omega 3 Fish oil (EPA / DHA): 2500 mg/day. Our body cannot make this, so it must be achieved in our food or via professional, high quality supplements.