It has been estimated that 1 to 3 in 100,000 apparently healthy young athletes die suddenly during exercise; especially in sports like basketball, football, and American football (McKelvie et al., 2022). Cardiac events are considered the most common medical cause of sudden death syndrome in performance athletes: myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, is considered by the American College of Cardiology a very likely reason for such traumatic events, with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as the main underlying etiological factors.
In this podcast, host Ian Craig asks nutritional scientist and practitioner, Heidi du Preez, about the underlying factors that could contribute to sudden cardiac death susceptibility among performing athletes. Included within this discussion is a deep dive into sulphur metabolism and the importance of sulphation for cardiovascular health: the degree and position of sulphate groups in the endothelial layers of the heart has an important effect on its function. Additionally, the factors that contribute to the sulphate pool, and those that deplete it, will be explored. This podcast ultimately aims to provide nutrition and lifestyle strategies that should lesson the likelihood of sudden death syndrome during sporting events.
About Heidi
Heidi du Preez PhD candidate is a professional registered scientist, specialising in nutritional biochemistry. She obtained a masters degree in food science in 1995, and has been working in the arena of functional medicine since 1999. Heidi is currently registered for a PhD in Clinical Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with sulphur metabolism as her area of specialisation. Heidi runs a private nutrition practice in Cape Town, South Africa, and online. She follows a functional approach, applying the principles of precision medicine or personalised medicine, which is based on the concepts of nutritional therapy. She specialises in integrative oncology, environmental illness, heavy metal toxicity, neurological diseases, digestive disorders and systemic candidiasis. Heidi is a co-author of the health recipe book Naturally Nutritious Wholefood Cookbook.
Email: heididp@heididupreez.com
Heidi’s publications
The role of sulphation in the prevention or treatment of the Covid-19 virus
Why Covid-19 vaccines are causing adverse health events from a sulphation perspective
Also view Heidi’s webinar on sulphur metabolism
Sulphur metabolism: the “X” factor in disease prevention & exercise health
Relevant research links and resources for this podcast
Below are a list of research articles and areas of academic enquiry within the field of sulphation and sudden death syndrome, mentioned by Heidi and Ian during their interview:
A look at the frequencies of sudden death syndrome in young athletes
Sudden cardiac death in athletes: the Lausanne Recommendations – Bille et al., 2006
The importance of glutathione to protect against exercise induced oxidative stress
Glutathione homeostasis in response to exercise training and nutritional supplements – Sen, 1999
Also view Ian’s webinar on cardiovascular pathology in athletes
Endurance exercise and cardiovascular health – a dose-dependent relationship
Heidi’s sulphation and methylation diagram
