Nutrition Testing & Vitamins

Proper nutrition is vital for your body's health. Many of the conditions that we treat at Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates respond effectively to adjustments in diet, supplements, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Addressing these key issues in your daily lifestyle can make a notable difference to your overall health, including the health of your joints, bones, and muscles. Treating chronic illnesses, reducing the risk of injury, and speeding recovery times are a few of the myriad ways that diet and nutrition can help.

Vitamins and Sports Medicine

Everyone needs to get the proper vitamins for their bodies to enjoy peak performance, but this is especially true for active individuals. Getting the proper vitamins will help support healthy metabolic processes, enhance physical performance, and reduce the risk of some sports injuries. Some key vitamins for athletes include the following:

• B Vitamins: Responsible for releasing energy and supporting metabolism, B vitamins help support good energy levels and athletic performance.
• Iron: As many as 52% of female athletes have an iron deficiency. Low iron levels result in a lack of energy and low endurance levels.
• Calcium: Calcium sustains healthy bones, regulates muscle contraction, and supports nerve conduction. 
• Magnesium: Magnesium plays an essential role in the production of aerobic and anaerobic energy. It supports muscle contraction, cardiac activity, fat synthesis, and more.
• Zinc: Zinc helps with energy production and the repair and growth of muscle tissue. It must be carefully regulated for optimal performance, as too much zinc is as problematic as low zinc levels.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps optimize calcium absorption for better bone health. Getting proper calcium reduces the chances of suffering from a stress fracture and improves overall sports performance.

It's best to work with a healthcare professional regarding vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Your doctor will likely address nutrition first to see if you can get the proper vitamins from your diet before you add supplements. Many vitamins are hazardous at both high and low levels. A professional healthcare provider can monitor your health closely to make sure you're getting optimal doses of any supplements that you need.

Nutrition Following Orthopedic Surgery

Proper nutrition helps support healing after orthopedic surgery. Consuming a healthy diet, complemented by supplements when necessary, will help you get back on your feet again as quickly and comfortably as possible post-surgery. We can design a personalized recovery plan for you that reduces inflammation, minimizes muscle loss, and speeds recovery.

This recovery plan begins with proper nutrition. You should consume high-quality proteins to help broken bones and other wounds heal as quickly as possible. You can minimize inflammation post-surgery with foods that naturally reduce inflammation, including berries, broccoli, peppers, avocados, and fatty fish. You may also need supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin C. Consult our team for a personalized regimen to help cut down on your recovery time post-surgery.

Nutrition for Orthopedic Injuries and Health

If you're consuming the right diet proactively, you can minimize your risk of experiencing orthopedic injuries and decrease the severity of these injuries if they do occur. Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet is a great way to promote overall health even when you're not actively fighting an injury or recovering from surgery. An anti-inflammatory diet could reduce your risk of developing heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and more. 

An anti-inflammatory diet can include both whole foods and helpful herbs and spices. Cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, and cardamom can all help battle inflammation. Many of these herbs are available in the form of supplements as well. Some research suggests that essential oils may help with inflammation. Some oils that may have anti-inflammatory properties include fennel, rose, clove, thyme, and bergamot. You can dilute these oils for use in a topical massage or place them in a diffuser so you can inhale the scents.

Our team can help you navigate the many options available and find the best regimen for your individual needs.

Nutritional Testing Services

It's difficult to diagnose nutritional deficiencies without proper testing services. At our office, we provide complete regular and intracellular nutritional testing for a comprehensive look at the vitamins and minerals in your body. We also offer lipid profile testing for a complete analysis of your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels that will give you a detailed understanding of your heart health. Our lipid profile testing is especially important for individuals who suffer from or have a family history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome. 

Our nutritional testing uses whole blood cells for a more comprehensive health evaluation than you would get with traditional serum testing. Our tests can evaluate your autoimmune function, hormone levels, inflammatory response, and more. With this information in hand, we can make the proper recommendations for healing, recovery, and long-term health.

Comprehensive Solutions and Nutritional Services

Dr. Schoene has a keen interest in nutrition and vitamins. She regularly attends functional medicine and nutrition conferences and lectures. She enjoys offering advice about nutrition that goes beyond the somewhat limited scope of traditional orthopedic medicine. Addressing diet and supplements, Dr. Schoene offers a more comprehensive approach to sports medicine and orthopedic treatments that will serve the patient's whole body and ongoing health.

We work with Metagenics, DoTERRA oils, and Xymogen to help connect you to reliable suppliers for supplements and essential oils. We'll let you know what to look for and point you toward suppliers who can provide just what you need for enhanced overall health, greater sports performance, and faster orthopedic recovery. From preventing chronic injuries to improving your immune response, the potential benefits associated with better nutrition are nearly endless. 

If you're interested in learning more about how you can benefit from proper nutrition and supplements, contact Dr. Schoene at Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates. We can help you effectively enhance the way you approach your health for lasting changes that you can enjoy every day.

"My first visit was a very positive experience. I did not have to wait long, was well attended to, & questions answered as I mentioned my concerns. I appreciate the excellent expertise & friendly manner of Dr.Schoene. Very helpful visit!"

- K. C.