Presented by Kusal Goonewardena APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist For Subject: Sports Science at Swinburne University 2021

1. Nutrition & Mental Wellness
of your Athlete
Kusal Goonewardena
APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

3. 1847 Physician named Semmelweiss found
death through septicemia during child-birth
decreased from 18% to 2%
WHY??

4. 1847 Physician named Semmelweiss found
death through septicemia during child-birth
decreased from 18% to 2%
By Washing Hands!

5. Old World Thinking
No connection between eating well and mental wellness

6. Optimizing nutrition improves mental wellness

7. An Example
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) is one of the most common mental
disorders affecting children, that then lasts
into adulthood.

8. An Example
ADHD
eight to ten percent of all pro
athletes have the condition,
As compared to four to five percent
of the general population of adults.

9. ADHD Stats
Over the last 5 years ADHD has
increased by 3 times in children

10. The Health Care
System
Step 1
Normally kids are
prescribed Meds first

11. The Health Care
System
Step 2
Psychology Support

12. The Health Care
System
Is it Broken?
If not why are numbers
increasing?
Eg. ADHD numbers

13. The Health
Care System
Research shows
SHORT TERM Meds
are GREAT!
But it is the worst
thing you can do to
these sufferers in
the long term.

14. Latest
Research
Latest studies by
Julia Rucklidge
(Psychologist in NZ)
Micronutrients
(Vitamins +
Minerals) were given
to ADHD sufferers

15. Latest
Research
Within 8 weeks their
signs and symptoms of
ADHD normalised.
Hyperactivity, Impulsivity,
ADHD symptoms were
less impairing and less
interfering.

16. Good News
More and more studies have shown this
now.

17. New Common Theme
“A well nourished body + brain is better
able to withstand stress + illness”

18. Some benefits of
Micronutrients on ADHD
Better sleep

19. Some benefits of
Micronutrients on ADHD
Better sleep
Decrease anxiety

20. Some benefits of
Micronutrients on ADHD
Better sleep
Decrease anxiety
Mood stability

21. Some benefits of
Micronutrients on ADHD
Better sleep
Decrease anxiety
Mood stability
Decrease demand on meds

22. Some benefits of
Micronutrients on ADHD
Better sleep
Decrease anxiety
Mood stability
Decrease demand on meds
Decrease healthcare costs

23. All studies on Western Diets
No benefits to
mental wellness

24. So should athletes just eat
better?

25. There may be an Answer?
Mediterranean Diet YES
Vs
Western Diet NO!

26. What is the
Western
Diet?
Heavily processed
High in refined grains
Sugary Drinks
Take Away Food and Drink
Low in Fresh Produce

27. What is a
Healthier
Diet?
Everything Fresh
High Fruits/Veg
Fish, Nuts, Healthy Fats
Less Processed Foods

28. Simply:
Eat like our
Grandparents

29. Athlete
Assessments
If mood, sleep,
anxiety issues are
detected what
should we do?
REFER ON

30. Athlete
Assessments
Could
supplements,
nutrients help?
Yes,
Possibly

31. Athlete
Assessments
Is it worth
a try?
Yes

32. Athlete
Assessments
How quickly may
they see results?
Research
says within
months

34. Final Thought
How important would this be to your athlete?