Joints are arguably the most overused body part in sports, and therefore the most prone to injury. Athletes can better protect and strengthen their joints by eating anti-inflammatory food sources like bright and dark vegetables, fatty fish, and olive oil.

It allows for greater flexibility, supports the joints, and reinforces bones by increasing density. You can opt to take collagen supplements.

Alternatively, you increase your intake of Vitamin C through citrus fruits, tomatoes, and dark, leafy vegetables. Unfortunately, many athletes have been found to have Vitamin D deficiency, which can get worse during the winter months when the sun—the major source of Vitamin D for most people—is scarce, and training usually occurs indoors.

Athletes can lower their risk for stress fractures and soothe musculoskeletal pain by increasing their consumption of Vitamin D rich food like egg yolks and fatty fish. However, these rarely supply enough Vitamin D to fill the deficiency, largely because the current recommended daily dose of international units IU has been found insufficient.

Actual optimal levels are closer to to IU, research says. Omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that comes packed with many health benefits. It can help athletes defend and recover from concussions, and enables muscles to react faster. They also help synthesize stronger muscles and prevent muscle loss , which in turn helps you hold away fatigue longer and prevent overuse injury.

Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce Omega-3 on its own, and as such is dependent on our diet for adequate intake of the healthy fatty acid. Athletes can hit the daily recommended daily dose by eating fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, and herring.

However, supplements can be just as effective, as seafood may not be easily accessible for some. Adequate calcium levels can help athletes , especially those in sports with a high incidence of bone overuse injuries and stress fractures such as running and soccer.

Getting enough calcium is especially beneficial for women, with a study finding a direct correlation between adequate intake and preventing fractures. Athletes looking to increase calcium levels should take milk and milk products such as cheese, whey, and yogurt. Those with lactose intolerance can introduce non-dairy sources of calcium like winged beans or chia seeds to their diet, instead.

Athletes, especially women and those trying to maintain a weight class, may not be eating enough due to strict dietary limitations. ACL tears occur during pivots or twists, and having weak knee muscles can increase your risk for ligament injuries. Meeting your caloric needs also helps your body retain muscle mass.

This means that it starts breaking down your muscles in an effort to get the energy you need. Weaker muscles can lead to increased risk for overuse injuries. Want to pivot your diet towards keeping you injury free?

At the Dr. Andrew Dutton Orthopaedic and Sports Clinic, Dr. Dutton can work with you to find a diet regimen that can meet your unique needs. He is also a Clinical Orthopaedic Fellow at Harvard Medical School. George Hospital, Sydney, before completing his orthopaedic surgery training in Singapore.

An emphasis on equal protein distribution throughout the day will help attenuate muscle mass loss. RDs should emphasize a diet rich in high-quality protein from whole food sources, but a protein supplement can be an easy and effective way to meet protein needs during the recovery period.

For example, whey protein contains the highest amount of leucine 2. If an athlete chooses a plant-based protein supplement, about 40 g of soy or pea protein—the highest quality of the plant-based options—is needed to match the 2. Carbohydrates provide energy for healing during injury recovery. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil, fish, flaxseeds, nuts, and avocado, may decrease the extent of prolonged inflammation after the initial inflammatory phase , which can be counterproductive to recovery.

However, this is based on studies examining inflammation and function after exercise-induced muscle damage. Given the potential risk of mercury contamination in fish oil supplements, the quality of fish oil should be taken into consideration.

Creatine has been shown to be one of the most effective supplements for increasing lean body mass when combined with exercise. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide polyphenols and micronutrients, each of which can help speed the recovery process.

For example, polyphenols may help decrease muscle damage caused by inflammation. While these strategies provide more benefits for the muscle, vitamin C and gelatin have been suggested to stimulate greater collagen synthesis following a tendon or ligament injury. Active individuals should focus on a food-first approach before supplementation.

Keep in mind that for many of these findings, more research is needed to examine the benefits of the role of macro- and micronutrients in the prevention of or recovery from muscle injuries. Bone Injury Treatment and Prevention Bone strength is determined earlier in life, yet bone loss occurs as a natural part of the aging process.

Due to bone-related consequences ie, reduced calcium absorption and bone mineral density associated with a higher incidence of relative energy deficiency in sport syndrome, stress fractures are more common in active females. Although there are many nutrients that play a role in bone health, the following nutrition factors may help support bone health and aid in the recovery and healing from bone injuries.

Many female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport studies have found that reductions in energy availability, especially if chronic, have been shown to reduce hormones estrogen, testosterone that are vital to bone formation and resorption.

Protein plays a role in the production of hormones that affect bone health and provide structure for the bone matrix. Adequate protein intake ~1.

Contrary to previous beliefs, protein intakes higher than the recommended daily intake have no negative impact on bone health if calcium intake is adequate. In fact, although more research is needed, higher protein intakes have been shown to have a small, beneficial impact on bone.

Therefore, inadequate calcium intake can impair bone healing. Furthermore, one study found that consuming a calcium-rich meal or supplement ~1, to 1, mg before exercise can offset sweat calcium losses in endurance athletes. Calcium-rich foods include milk, fortified orange juice, kale, tofu, yogurt, and sardines.

Athletes can boost calcium intake by consuming milk dairy or soy and yogurt. It has been suggested that active individuals who are vitamin D deficient are at greater risk of bone fracture.

Depending on vitamin D levels, supplementation may be needed especially during the winter months to ensure levels are adequate. Of course, sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but dietary sources include fatty fish, sun-exposed mushrooms, sardines, and milk. In addition, magnesium and vitamin K play an important role in bone health.

Vitamin K deficiency has been associated with increased fracture risk; magnesium deficiency may contribute to poor bone health. If intakes are below the dietary reference intake, supplementation may be needed. Considering that reversing low bone mineral density later in life is difficult, good nutrition habits that promote bone health and support the demands of sport should be emphasized during adolescence.

Finally, more research is needed to examine the long-term effects of dietary patterns on bone health in athletes. Final Thoughts Nutrition can play a vital role in the injury recovery and repair processes. Before taking a supplement, active individuals with an injury should consult with a sports dietitian to determine whether the supplement is safe, effective, and necessary.

TEAM USA nutrition provides nutrition fact sheets for active individuals with a soft tissue or bone injury. As a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, she has consulted with elite and collegiate athletes as well as with active individuals.

She has authored research articles for scientific journals and presented at regional and national conferences. Her current research interests include vitamin D and energy availability in athletes with spinal cord injury. In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time with her three active boys.

References 1. Harlan LC, Harlan WR, Parsons PE. The economic impact of injuries: a major source of medical costs. Am J Public Health.

Smith-Ryan AE, Hirsch KR, Saylor HE, et al. Nutritional considerations and strategies to facilitate injury recovery and rehabilitation. J Athletic Training.

So my job is to calculate the energy demands for that sport and make sure the athlete is fueling properly. Lora : Athletes need the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins before and after a big game or tournament. Half of the plate should be carbohydrate sources such as whole grains, fruits and diary.

A quarter of the plate should be lean proteins and the other quarter vegetables. Thirty minutes before playing, athletes should consume high glycemic carbohydrates such as fruit, fruit chews or fruit juice — something easily digestible that will give a boost of energy and top off the carbohydrates stores.

After the game, athletes needs a ratio of four carbohydrates to one protein to help with recovery. When athletes are fueled properly they get better sleep, are in a better mood and perform better. Lora : It really depends. Otherwise, water is the best option.

For example, basketball is lot of stop-and-go, running up and down the court and switching directions. Players who are under-fueled or more likely to sprain an ankle. Stress fractures will also happen if an athlete is low in Vitamin D and calcium stores.

Athletes need proper vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and protein to stay healthy to help protect the tendons, ligaments and bones. Lora : Proper nutrition is also needed to recover and repair the body from injury. When athletes don't get enough carbohydrates, the body uses protein for fuel, which prevents wounds from healing.

All those microscopic tears in the muscle don't heal and it will continue to get worse. Lora : What I always tell my athletes is nutrition is just as important as practice and skill development - it all goes together.

It's just as important to plan and prep nutrition and eat healthy, as it is to practice your sport and get better. However, a diet rich in antioxidants, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables, can help mitigate inflammation and boost the immune system. Sustaining energy levels is essential for optimal athletic performance and injury prevention.

Nutrient-dense carbohydrates provide the necessary fuel for workouts and competitions. A well-balanced diet is not limited to solid foods alone; proper hydration and electrolyte balance are also integral components.

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and preventing muscle cramps. For athletes seeking a complete approach to optimizing their performance, the National Sports Medicine Institute serves as a source of expert guidance and support.

Through our Nutritional Counseling services , athletes gain access to personalized advice from nutrition experts who tailor dietary plans to specific training regimens, ensuring a perfect balance of nutrients to fuel performance and prevent injuries.

Interested in scheduling an assessment or want to learn more about our services? The Nutrient Density Chart TM , revolutionizes the way coaches, athletic trainers, health educators, and science teachers understand the nutritional value of foods.

This comprehensive tool categorizes foods based on their nutrient density, offering a clear visual representation of which foods provide the most vital nutrients per calorie. Armed with this knowledge, educators, and professionals, like those in our Sports Science Lab, can guide athletes towards making informed food choices that optimize their performance.

This innovative approach empowers anyone to build well-rounded diets to fortify their overall health. In the pursuit of excellence, NSMI National Sports Medicine Institute athletes and patients deserve nothing less than comprehensive and science-based support.

By equipping patients, athletes, coaches, and educators with the tools and knowledge they need, we strive to become an indispensable partner in your journey toward peak performance, injury prevention, and lasting well-being. Interested in purchasing your own chart or book?

Athlete health and injury prevention are inseparable concepts, both reliant on the intake of nutrient-rich foods. The power of these foods to promote muscle health, bone strength, inflammation reduction, and sustained energy cannot be underestimated. As athletes strive to achieve their performance goals, incorporating a diet rich in essential nutrients will not only elevate their performance but also safeguard them against the risks of injuries that could compromise their success.

By prioritizing a diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, athletes are taking a proactive step towards a healthier and injury-resistant future.

The injury risk associated with rapid weight loss is also discussed. Finally, preoperative nutrition and nutritional considerations for returning to a sport after rehabilitation are addressed. Keywords: combat sports; nutrition; recovery from injury; sports injuries; supplements.

Abstract Sports participation is not without risk, and most athletes incur at least one injury throughout their careers. Publication types Review. Substances Amino Acids Antioxidants Dietary Proteins Fatty Acids, Omega-3 Micronutrients Creatine.

Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids should be prioritised to promote immune function, protein synthesis, brain function and recovery from exercise. Saturated fat intake should also be controlled; it is important for anabolic hormone production and structuring cell membranes, but too much may impair performance and increase fat mass due to its high calorie value.

Diets that lack important nutrients leave the body in a state of nutrient deficiency that can impair physiological function and cause injury. When blood levels of nutrients are low, the body will source it from internal stores endogenous production , for example, calcium may be extracted from bone when blood calcium levels are low.

This can ultimately leave you prone to bone injuries. Eating a rainbow a day is an effective technique to obtain all the nutrients required to optimise performance and boost recovery. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, particularly in the UK due to extreme cloud coverage and poor annual sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone and calcium homeostasis, immune function and muscle health, and is associated with increased injury incidence when vitamin D status is low. Maintaining hydration in sport is vital for exercise performance and dehydration can lead to injury if not regulated.

Therefore, hydration testing in athletes is important while training and exercising. Post-exercise alcohol ingestion impairs recovery and adaptations to training by blunting rehydration, protein and glycogen synthesis. Even when co-ingested with protein, alcohol suppresses the anabolic response in skeletal muscle, and carbohydrate ingestion only partially offsets the deleterious effects of alcohol on muscle glycogen resynthesis.

Alcohol should therefore not be ingested in close proximity to exercise to maximise recovery and training adaptations, and boost subsequent performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Also Learn: Rugby Player Diet. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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Diets that lack important nutrients leave the body in a state of nutrient deficiency that can impair physiological function and cause injury.

When blood levels of nutrients are low, the body will source it from internal stores endogenous production , for example, calcium may be extracted from bone when blood calcium levels are low. This can ultimately leave you prone to bone injuries.

Eating a rainbow a day is an effective technique to obtain all the nutrients required to optimise performance and boost recovery. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, particularly in the UK due to extreme cloud coverage and poor annual sunlight exposure. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone and calcium homeostasis, immune function and muscle health, and is associated with increased injury incidence when vitamin D status is low.

Maintaining hydration in sport is vital for exercise performance and dehydration can lead to injury if not regulated.

Therefore, hydration testing in athletes is important while training and exercising. Post-exercise alcohol ingestion impairs recovery and adaptations to training by blunting rehydration, protein and glycogen synthesis.

Even when co-ingested with protein, alcohol suppresses the anabolic response in skeletal muscle, and carbohydrate ingestion only partially offsets the deleterious effects of alcohol on muscle glycogen resynthesis. Alcohol should therefore not be ingested in close proximity to exercise to maximise recovery and training adaptations, and boost subsequent performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Also Learn: Rugby Player Diet. We asked Lora how eating the right foods can help fuel student-athletes for games, prevent injury and help recover from injury faster. Lora : Yes, every sport is different and as a sports dietician you really need to know the energy demands of the sport — is the athlete running a lot, is it more of a sprint or long distance, is it a contact sport, does the athlete need to gain strength and mass or need to cut weight?

In soccer for example, athletes run between miles during a match. So my job is to calculate the energy demands for that sport and make sure the athlete is fueling properly.

Lora : Athletes need the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins before and after a big game or tournament. Half of the plate should be carbohydrate sources such as whole grains, fruits and diary. A quarter of the plate should be lean proteins and the other quarter vegetables.

Thirty minutes before playing, athletes should consume high glycemic carbohydrates such as fruit, fruit chews or fruit juice — something easily digestible that will give a boost of energy and top off the carbohydrates stores.

After the game, athletes needs a ratio of four carbohydrates to one protein to help with recovery. When athletes are fueled properly they get better sleep, are in a better mood and perform better. Lora : It really depends. Otherwise, water is the best option. Be sure to drink water throughout your day not just around physical activity!

Water, fruit juice, smoothies and milk all count towards your fluid intake. Preventing stress fractures are critical in preventing other exercise-related injuries. Getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D every day helps develop and maintain strong bones.

Studies have shown that athletes who consume diets low in calcium tend to have lower bone mineral density BMD and increased risk for stress fractures. Great dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D are dairy products and fortified foods such as orange juice. Dietary fats provide essential fatty acids that the body cannot make on its own.

Essential fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids are needed to make and repair cell membrane, and are good for the heart, a source of energy, lubricating joints and tissues and reducing inflammation in the body. Cold water fish salmon, mackerel, and sardines , ground flaxseed and walnuts are a few good dietary sources to include in your daily training diet.

Vitamin C plays a role in tissue repair and formation of collagen. Collagen provides strength and flexibility for ligaments, tendons and is necessary to hold bone together. Vitamin E helps protect tissues and organs from damage caused by free radicals. The combination of these vitamins is thought to minimize damage from exercise and therefore help with recovery from your workout or training session.