Optimizing Performance and Recovery Through Functional Medicine: The Gut-Brain Connection
Release Date: 02/21/2025
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In this latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a Medical Product Manager, to break down the booming supplement industry and its crucial role in modern health. We discuss why supplements are essential for many people today—helping to fill critical nutrient gaps in our diets. But with that rise in demand comes a major challenge: quality control. Dr. Viegas sheds light on the risks of low-quality supplements, from inconsistent potency to contamination, and shares key strategies for ensuring product credibility—like looking for third-party testing...
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Unlocking the Secrets of Recovery and Performance
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I have a powerful conversation in our latest episode with Eric Hinman, an elite endurance athlete and entrepreneur who knows that recovery is just as important as training—maybe even more. If you’re pushing your body but neglecting recovery, you’re leaving results on the table. Eric shares his game-changing recovery routine, including why he swears by contrast therapy (sauna + cold plunge) every night. We also dive into: The science-backed benefits of contrast therapy—better circulation, faster recovery, and stress relief How shifting from high-fat to high-protein transformed...
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In this latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with former NFL player Asher Allen, who made one of the toughest calls of his career—walking away from football to protect his long-term health. After multiple concussions, Asher knew he had to prioritize brain health, nutrition, and overall well-being over the game he loved. Now a health advocate, Asher shares powerful insights on functional nutrition, explaining how protein, vitamin D, and omega-3s play a crucial role in athletic performance and cognitive function—not just for pro athletes, but for anyone looking to...
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Optimizing Performance and Recovery Through Functional Medicine: The Gut-Brain Connection
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, we dive into the crucial role gut health plays in athletic performance, as I’m joined by functional medicine expert Maggie Awad. Maggie shares her personal journey into functional medicine, sparked by her mother’s battle with colon cancer, and explains why 80% of the immune system resides in the gut and how it directly impacts athletic performance. We also explore the gut-brain axis, the importance of testing markers like zonulin and LPS for gut permeability, and the innovative supplement Maggie created combining creatine and colostrum to boost gut-brain health. If you're...
info_outlineIn this episode, we dive into the crucial role gut health plays in athletic performance, as I’m joined by functional medicine expert Maggie Awad. Maggie shares her personal journey into functional medicine, sparked by her mother’s battle with colon cancer, and explains why 80% of the immune system resides in the gut and how it directly impacts athletic performance.
We also explore the gut-brain axis, the importance of testing markers like zonulin and LPS for gut permeability, and the innovative supplement Maggie created combining creatine and colostrum to boost gut-brain health. If you're looking to optimize your performance through gut health, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways:
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The gut is central to both immune system health and nutrient absorption, playing a crucial role in athletes' performance and recovery.
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Testing for markers like zonulin and LPS helps in diagnosing leaky gut syndrome and related health issues such as neuroinflammation.
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Vagal tone significantly influences the gut-brain axis, affecting athletic fatigue, recovery, and overall health.
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Functional medicine is a growing field, providing alternative approaches for those seeking comprehensive health solutions beyond traditional medicine.
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Maggie Awad's unique supplement, combining creatine and colostrum, aims to exploit the gut-brain connection for improved athletic performance.
Maggie Awad is a Functional Sports Medicine Practitioner with a focus on gut and mitochondrial health, dedicated to helping professional athletes, high performers, and individuals unlock their peak potential and extend their careers. Through a deep understanding of the root causes of inflammation and poor recovery, Maggie empowers clients to achieve optimal performance and long-term vitality.
With expertise in advanced diagnostic testing, personalized protocols, and lifestyle interventions, Maggie offers a unique blend of science-backed strategies and holistic care. Her approach goes beyond traditional medicine, ensuring that each client receives tailored solutions to boost energy, enhance recovery, and optimize performance, all while promoting overall well-being.
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