Functional Medicine for Sports Performance Optimization

Functional Medicine and Nutrition for Athletes

Over exercising combined with low calorie intake in athletes can lead to decrease thyroid function by increased conversion of T4 thyroid hormone to the storage form of thyroid hormone- reverse T3 (rT3). rT3 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone.  It is produced in times of stress and leads to slowing down of our metabolism.

There are also many advanced (functional) lab tests we can do for athletes:

• Full Micronutrient analysis includes everything from antioxidants to vitamins and minerals as well as fatty acids and amino acids. This can give athletes very valuable information as to what foods they should be concentrating on as well as possible supplement needs for their particular energy requirements.
• Gut health and microbiome testing is another big area we can evaluate. We are not only what we eat, but we are what we can digest and absorb. So, if our gastrointestinal system is off balance due to, for example, low digestive enzymes or bacterial imbalances, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, then we will not be able to break down and absorb food properly. This can lead to various nutrient deficiencies and issues with energy production/athletic performance. 
• Cortisol Measurements: We can measure salivary cortisol levels at 6 points throughout the day to determine if you have a proper circadian hormonal pattern. Normally your cortisol should be highest in the morning and then gradually drop throughout the day, with its lowest level being right before bedtime. This allows you to have energy throughout the day and the lower levels at nighttime allow you to relax and fall asleep. In the initial stages of high intensity training your cortisol can be high- this is your bodies normal response to stress. But over time, if you are overtraining, your adrenal glands can grow weaker, which can eventually lead to a condition called adrenal fatigue. In adrenal fatigue you can have depressed cortisol levels in the morning and throughout the day, leading to low energy.