Athlete Health: Why am I so tired all the time?
Common Causes of Burnout and Fatigue Many people are feeling burnt out and exhausted lately, possibly due to a long winter and heavy workloads. However, it’s important to consider other factors that might be contributing to this fatigue. Here are some common causes: 1️⃣ Not Enough Sleep: We function best with 7-8 hours of sleep, […]
Athlete Health: Cortisol and High-Intensity Exercise
Cortisol has often been unfairly demonized in the context of high-intensity exercise. This has led some individuals with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) to avoid exercise, fearing that cortisol will worsen their insulin resistance. However, this concern is largely unfounded. Understanding Cortisol Cortisol is a critical hormone produced by the adrenal glands, essential for survival. It […]
Athlete Health: Contraception and Athletic Performance – Balancing Benefits and Impacts
Contraception is essential for preventing pregnancy and allowing athletes to maintain control over their reproductive rights. However, it’s important to balance the potential impacts on athletic performance and training adaptations with the benefits of contraception, including its role in managing certain medical conditions. Hormonal Contraception and Athletic Performance Most hormonal contraception lowers oestrogen and contains […]
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Should BMI be banned?
Body Mass Index (BMI) was invented by a mathematician in the 1830s and later promoted in the 1970s as a screening tool to classify conditions related to extra weight, such as overweight and obesity, at both individual and population levels. The Importance of BMI in Research As a categorical value, BMI is undeniably important for […]
Metabolic Health: Understanding Testosterone Deficiency and Treatment Considerations
Testosterone deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, low muscle mass, and poor energy levels. For conditions related to the pituitary gland (e.g., a previous tumor) or the testes (e.g., Klinefelter’s syndrome), testosterone treatment is indicated and covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. However, the majority of testosterone prescriptions in Australia are non-PBS and […]
Metabolic Health: Is Orange Juice the Same or Even Worse Than Drinking Soft Drink?
Debunking the Myths A celebrity doctor recently told over 1.5 million people that he’d prefer they drink soft drink over juice, claiming that at least everyone knows soft drink is unhealthy. He argued that juice causes post-prandial blood glucose level (BGL) elevations, leading to inflammation and a host of diseases. This statement lacked nuance and […]
Metabolic Health: Should We Eat Less Red Meat?
The Nutritional Benefits of Red Meat Red meat is a good source of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and protein. However, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential risks associated with red meat consumption. Health Risks of Red Meat Consumption Red meat consumption, especially processed red meat, has been associated with an increased risk […]
Metabolic Health: Should I Worry About High Cholesterol?
Heart Disease: The Leading Cause of Premature Death in Australia Heart disease remains the leading cause of premature death in Australia 💔. Despite this, there is a lot of misinformation on social media about cholesterol, LDL, and heart disease, often spread by doctors who promote keto or carnivore diets. Common Misunderstandings About Cholesterol Here are […]
Pregnancy: What is Choline and Am I Getting Enough?
Celebrating Women’s Health Week This week is Women’s Health Week, and today I’m shining a light on an often forgotten nutrient: choline! The Importance of Choline I often care for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and always discuss the importance of a varied diet and supplementation of iodine and folate. More […]
Athlete Health: Recovery After a Marathon: Tips and Advice
Congratulations to All Sydney Marathon Finishers! Firstly, a massive well done to everyone who raced in the Sydney Marathon over the weekend! 🙌🏻 I had major FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) seeing all the excitement. Understanding Stress Fractures Post-Marathon I often see patients with recurrent stress fractures where there seems to be no apparent cause, […]