Immunity tips for athletes to thrive during the winter months – with Amy Desborough

Most athletes are only afraid of two things – injury and illness. Unfortunately, for many athletes the winter months can coincide with heavier training volumes or tough competition schedules, which can increase the incidence of an upper respiratory tract infection, or other type of illness. Immunity tips for athletes form a vital part of maintaining a regular training programme throughout the year.

In this interview, Ian Craig asks Amy Desborough, athlete and nutritional therapist, about what active individuals can do to support their immune system during the colder months. As you will hear, there are many immune strategies available to us, from basic lifestyle strategies through to specific supplement support.

Ian and Amy discuss the germ versus terrain theory of immunity, plus the effect that training load, stress, compromised sleep, and lack of rest can have on immunity for athletes. They also consider specialised immune strategies, including yoga and cold water immersion, and how much of these we should potentially be doing. Then they engage in a nutrition discussion, including consideration of a ‘rainbow diet’, anti-inflammatory strategies, and how to maintain vibrant gut-based immunity. Immune-supporting nutrition supplements are also discussed; including vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and D, the methylating B-vitamins, CoQ10, and zinc; plus certain speciality supplements like beta glucans and immune-active mushrooms.

Podcast hosted by The Centre for Integrative Sports Nutrition. 

About Amy

Amy Desborough BA(Hons) PGCE NutDip BANT CNHC CISNCert has been a nutritional therapist for 13 years. She trained initially with The College of Naturopathic Medicine and is registered with BANT and CNHC. During the past 10 years she has continued to train in various disciplines, including kinesiology, the Certificate of Integrative Sports Nutrition course, and more recently, the Lifecode GX Nutrigenomics Practitioner Programme. Her main areas of interest are in supporting gut health and autoimmune conditions for athletes and non-athletes. Amy lives in Pembrokeshire in Wales, seeing clients in person and from all over the country via Zoom.

Website: www.eatwell-feelwell.co.uk

Email: amy@eatwell-feelwell.co.uk