Mitochondrial adaptations to endurance training – Zac van Heerden

mitochondria

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of our cells and one goal of endurance training has always been to increase their biogenesis. To bring us up-to-date with the amazing adaptability of these special organelles, especially within a training perspective, exercise physiologist Zac van Heerden takes us on a fascinating journey of enquiry. Mitochondria are the […]

A Professional Vegan Footballer (Part 1) – Ian Craig

This case study by Ian Craig showcases how many dietary cases represent more of a psychological than a nutritional intervention. I revisited his genetics tests, reaffirming his need for detoxification, inflammation and oxidative stress support, plus a little magnesium since he was heterozygous for the COMT 472 gene, which is involved in the inactivation of […]

Tailoring Nutrition and Training to a Footballer’s Menstrual Cycle – Simone do Carmo

The menstrual cycle can affect an athletes’ dietary patterns and their performance capacity. Sports Nutritionist, exercise physiologist and personal trainer, Simone do Carmo shares her experiences through this case study. Ultimately, what matters as a practitioner is the person in front of you, and understanding a woman’s unique experiences around her menstrual cycle.” In a […]

Stress and Overtraining in Cyclist – Ian Craig

Lee was a 42-year-old competitive cyclist who, despite having a well-designed training programme (from his club coach) and being very dedicated to his sport, had experienced deterioration in performance over the past two seasons.  He had been putting the same effort into his training but gaining less of a training effect than in previous years […]

The nature of our role in an athlete’s ecosystem – Paul Ehren

athlete's ecosystem

The ethos of CISN is to bring functional medicine and functional nutrition practices into the sporting arena. Paul Ehren expands this thinking further with his incredible theory of an athlete’s ecosystem. “Would you be the one to prescribe the ‘magic bullet’ in the knowledge that your athlete (and you) may be able to bask in the glory […]

A focus on: Coconut water – Simone do Carmo

coconut water

Coconut water has gained immense popularity in sports and fitness over the past few years. It is viewed as a ‘natural’ low-calorie drink, and athletes have been using it as a replacement for typical sports drinks due to its high electrolyte content. However, athletes do not realise that these electrolytes are not the ones they […]

The connectivity of injuries – Ian Craig

Muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are often viewed as mechanical structures; if injuries occur, it’s just unlucky. Ian Craig looks at how to nourish our injuries. Connective tissue networks in relation to injuries A decade ago, unfortunately, after my time as an exercise specialist, there was almost an awakening and the start of a mini-revolution […]

Nutritional considerations for the vegan athlete – Simone do Carmo

Veganism is becoming increasingly popular among athletes who believe it can improve their health and help them succeed in their sport. Simone do Carmo takes us through some important nutritional considerations and shares practical guidelines for athletes who have adopted or are transitioning to this dietary approach. Veganism is taking the sporting world by storm. […]

Bone broth: what’s old is new again for athletes – Rachel Jesson

bone broth

Despite being around for centuries, bone broth has become a new food trend for athletes. Rachel Jesson explains the benefits of bone broth and why it should be part of every athlete’s nutritional regime. There seems to be growing interest in ancestral foods and a move towards the diets and habits that sustained our predecessors, […]