It is now a well-accepted idea that what we put in our body will affect our physical performance, which has lead to ‘sports nutrition’ becoming a huge and lucrative industry. Guidelines have traditionally focused on the intake of protein, carbohydrates and fats with a view to maximising performance and analysing the nutritional adequacy of an athlete’s diet based on training demands. However, little thought is given to the underlying health of the athlete or their general lifestyle and therefore the context into which the exercise they choose to do is being placed i.e. are they already a stressed individual? Do they have any physiological health issues that may be affecting absorption or functioning of systems that are being taxed by strenuous exercise regimes? Is their exercise regime contributing to organ/system imbalances?

So today we are joined by Hayley Purtill Quin to talk about the importance of a 'health-first' approach to sports nutrition. Hayley is an IHS nutritional Therapy graduate, a member of the Nutritional Therapists of Ireland and the Institute for Functional Medicine and is also trained in functional sports nutrition. She actively trains as a purple belt in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Want to know more? Then don't forget that IHS have two sports nutrition courses based on the 'health-first' Functional Sports Nutrition model. For active individuals wishing to support their active lifestyle better we have https://learn.instituteofhealthsciences.com/course/simple-steps-to-eating-well-for-fitness

And for nutrition practitioners wanting to support their active clients in a more comprehensive and personalised way try https://learn.instituteofhealthsciences.com/course/personalised-sports-nutrition