Using nutrition to help you recover faster
Recovering from injury can be a very challenging time both physically and psychologically. I have been fortunate enough as a nutritionist to help a number of people including myself increase their rate of recovery through nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
My clients include well over 50 of the UK’s top stunt men and women and I have also worked with a number of athletes including British sprinters and competitive motocross athletes. I have numerous referral links with osteopaths and physiotherapists that welcome my input when helping clients achieve faster recovery rates from their injury.
How can nutrition help to speed up injury recovery?
When I fractured my leg and ruptured a couple of ligaments in my knee back in 2014, I was shocked at the complete lack of nutritional guidance people are given to support their recovery.
As I laid in hospital after my operation making friends with the rest of the patients on the ward who had also been in for their knee operations that day, we began discussing our recovery strategies. I mentioned what I did and discussed with them my thoughts on nutrition and its ability to support injury recovery. For many if not all of them I know this is the only nutritional advice they would have got throughout their whole recovery.
It is very interesting that both doctors and physical therapists tend to have very little regard for the role nutrition can play in the recovery of injuries and the rehabilitation process.
Interestingly the injury recovery process on a physiological level is an orderly one and one in which we can influence with nutrition and lifestyle management. Below I am going to take you through different phases of injury and how nutrition may help.
STAGE 1 – INFLAMMATION PHASE
This is the first stage of healing lasting up to about 5 days. Nutrition at this point plays a limited role, as you want the body to run through its own natural inflammatory response. Trying to use specific nutritional compounds at this point to calm inflammation can actually have a negative effect on the injury outcome, thus a general focus on health nutrition habits is all that is required.
Once the injury occurs blood-clotting forms, inflammation begins, clean-up cells are sent to the wounded area and the process of repair is initiated.
STAGE 2 – THE PROLIFERATION PHASE
From about day 4-5 this phase lasts for around a few weeks or more. Once the initial inflammation subsides and new blood flow is reestablished the body is now able to feed oxygen and nutrients to help the rebuilding process.
Nutrition can play a role in supporting blood flow, nutrients required to support normal and faster regeneration of tissue and can also be used to help control chronic levels of inflammation and continue the process of removing unwanted debris around the site of injury.
STAGE 3 – REMODELING PHASE OF INJURY
This phase can go from a few weeks lasting up to a couple of years or more. Many tissues have quite poor blood supply thus an injury can take some time to heal and fully recover. Optimising your nutrition means you can supply the body with the correct nutrients that are going to support recovery and also utilise nutrients and compounds that can enhance the recovery process.
Different tissues may require slightly different nutrient demands, thus targeted nutrition may help support specific injury rehabilitation.
"I appreciate everything Steve did for me, he’s honestly the most knowledgeable person I’ve ever know about the body, health and nutrition. He’s well known in the film industry for helping Stunt Performers and Actors with their body composition for specific roles, but he also plays a tremendous role in the support for sports people and necessary quick recoveries from injuries."
What are the main nutrition considerations during Injury Recovery?
TOTAL ENERGY DEMANDS
When we are injured this increases our energy requirements and a big mistake many people make during their recovery phase is they eat inadequate amounts of calories.
This can cause the body to tap into its reserves or lower metabolic functions which can slow down the recovery process. It is crucial not only to get the total calorie intake optimised but to also optimise the levels of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to suit the recovery and goals of that individual.
INADEQUATE MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE
Many people these days have micronutrient insufficiencies. Inadequate levels of any one single nutrient can have a significant effect on the regeneration of new tissue, affecting the rate of recovery. Also during the recovery phase there will be a higher demand for micronutrients, further increasing the demand on the stored nutrients or what we get from our food.
SPECIALIST NUTRIENT AND HERB SUPPORT
Unbeknown to many there are numerous natural food and herb based compounds that can support the recovery process. Many have been scientifically tested to look at how they affect specific types of injury, yet most practitioners are completely unaware of the compounds available that can support the healing process.
Can lifestyle impact on injury recovery?
Many people underestimate the role their lifestyle can have on recovery. Adequate rest and relaxation is crucial to the injury recovery rate. Working on removing or reframing stressors and optimising sleep is crucial for injury recovery.
Some people remain in a fight of flight stress response state even during their recovery, this state can enhance hormones in the body that promote tissue catabolism (break down), especially if combined with a diet that is not supporting their recovery requirements.
Relevant nutrition and health tests
There are tests available now to help look for insufficiencies in particular nutrients that may slow down the recovery process. For some individuals this may be something that we look to take advantage of to individualise their protocol even further.
These tests may include certain blood nutrient tests and specialist testing that assesses urine metabolites that indicate hormone health and cellular metabolic health as well. This is something that may be discussed, especially in those individuals looking to really speed up the recovery process as much as possible.
"I needed to get back to work and that would only happen after some serious bone growth… Enter Steve Grant who advised me on the best food choices for inflammation and healing and top quality supplement choices to speed up recovery."
How I can help you to recover quicker from an injury more quickly…
My process is simple; as with all clients it starts with an initial health screen, review of health history, medical history and review of your nutrition and lifestyle habits. We will also discuss your injury and any specific goals and targets you have in mind for your recovery process.
At that point we then work together to put together an individualised plan of action to support your health goals. We then look at scheduling follow up sessions throughout the recovery process to tweak and optimise your program.
Learn More About What Our Clients Have to Say
Puja
Choosing Steve as my health practitioner was an easy choice.
From the beginning, I immediately felt comfortable with him as he listened attentively to my health issues. Steve’s approach to health is very pragmatic, and he really delves into the root cause of the issues. The feedback reports I’m sent after...
Puja
Choosing Steve as my health practitioner was an easy choice.
From the beginning, I immediately felt comfortable with him as he listened attentively to my health issues. Steve’s approach to health is very pragmatic, and he really delves into the root cause of the issues. The feedback reports I’m sent after a session have always been thorough with clear, manageable action points. Not only does Steve have a great deal of knowledge about nutrition, but also about other aspects of health – mental and physical well-being. Steve has given me incredible support throughout my health journey and continues to. Anytime I have a question about anything related to my health, I know that I can turn to Steve for guidance. He has challenged me in certain areas of my health, which I have resisted for so long. Slowly that resistance is shifting – thanks to Steve’s constant encouragement and advice.
Steve and Fay provide outstanding service. They always respond promptly to emails and the communication is excellent. I’d definitely recommend Steve as a health practitioner. He is a very friendly and compassionate person.
Kathleen
Steve – I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made since seeing Steve. I don’t have bloating anymore, my skin has cleared up, my energy levels are a lot higher and I’m not snacking anymore. He’s taught me how to balance meals so I’m getting the most benefit from my...
Kathleen
Steve – I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made since seeing Steve. I don’t have bloating anymore, my skin has cleared up, my energy levels are a lot higher and I’m not snacking anymore. He’s taught me how to balance meals so I’m getting the most benefit from my meals. Everything has been explained clearly, taken at my pace and the reports you get after each consultation are so helpful. I’ve really felt like no problem is too big/small and I couldn’t be happier. I wish I’d contacted you sooner!
Fay – Thank you for your quick responses to all my initial queries. It makes a big difference who you first speak to and you’ve always had a nice and friendly manner. Thank you for always reminding me of appointments because it’s so easy to forget! I know if I ever had a query, you’d help me straight away.
Sarada
Now, after having worked with Jane, I have all the tools necessary to continue managing my condition (PCOS) powerfully. I have a much better understanding of how my body works, and how to deal with any issues that may arise.
Before I came to work with Jane at Steve Grant Health,...
Sarada
Now, after having worked with Jane, I have all the tools necessary to continue managing my condition (PCOS) powerfully. I have a much better understanding of how my body works, and how to deal with any issues that may arise.
Before I came to work with Jane at Steve Grant Health, I had really been struggling to manage my PCOS symptoms. It felt like I was constantly experimenting and never quite finding the right solution.
After reading about what Jane offered, I felt that she would be a great fit for me and what I’ve been dealing with, and I was pleased to discover that I was right!
What I valued most about Jane’s approach was that she listened and was thorough in learning all about my condition, and anything else that was going on for me. She provided me with a comprehensive program of nutrition, movement and supplementation, and as I continued working with her, I could see that some of the more difficult aspects of my condition began to subside. And even when I had an unexpected injury, that could have derailed my progress, Jane was always there to provide much needed support and advice.
Now, after having worked with Jane, I have all the tools necessary to continue managing my condition powerfully. I have a much better understanding of how my body works, and how to deal with any issues that may arise.
Thank you so much for making such a difference to my health and wellbeing!
Rian
I am so thankful to have met and worked with Ben over the last year. I suffered with severe bloating and other gut health issues but now I no longer suffer. Bens knowledge and expertise put me at ease throughout the whole process as I knew I was in the...
Rian
I am so thankful to have met and worked with Ben over the last year. I suffered with severe bloating and other gut health issues but now I no longer suffer. Bens knowledge and expertise put me at ease throughout the whole process as I knew I was in the right hands to help tackle my gut health issues. I now know what I can and can’t eat and can go out and enjoy myself without having to worry about feeling unwell later on in the day. The help Ben has given me has really been life changing and I can’t thank him enough! Also would like to say thank you to Fay for always being so friendly and always there to respond quickly to any queries I have had!
I’m confident that with the plan Ben has set for me, I will be able to continue my day to day life without any issues but if anything was to occur in the future I would not hesitate to get back in touch with him as I know he will be able to help & overcome any issues I’m experiencing!
Riz Ahmed
Steve grant is amazing. His holistic approach, range and depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and clarity and simplicity of methods make him a brilliantly effective guide in any process of body transformation.
Priya
After a long frustrating journey of visiting many different doctors and specialists, I can’t thank Steve enough for detecting my triggers and treating my complex allergies. The nutritional and supplement protocol that Steve gave me was incredibly detailed and easy to follow and is something I plan to keep as...
Priya
After a long frustrating journey of visiting many different doctors and specialists, I can’t thank Steve enough for detecting my triggers and treating my complex allergies. The nutritional and supplement protocol that Steve gave me was incredibly detailed and easy to follow and is something I plan to keep as part of my daily routine going forward even though I have been symptom free for a few months now.
Truly grateful for my amazing results which could only have been achieved with all your support, great insight and holistic approach, thank you Steve!
Mattie D
Steve has totally changed my view on what I thought I was supposed to be doing around my nutrition. As a result, I feel better on my bike and avoided what could have possibly been long-term health damage.
He’s set out a clear plan with me in line with my goals...
Mattie D
Steve has totally changed my view on what I thought I was supposed to be doing around my nutrition. As a result, I feel better on my bike and avoided what could have possibly been long-term health damage.
He’s set out a clear plan with me in line with my goals and has answered really quickly on any questions I’ve had. I’d recommend Steve to anybody very quickly.
Heida Reed
I bounced around from doctor to doctor until I was recommended by a personal trainer to see Steven.
He was the first one to really help me rebalance my gut naturally and work on having a healthier relationship with food.
I’ll be forever grateful for his expertise.
Michelle Barrett
Steve Grant’s knowledge of functional medicine is outstanding. I know many people who have approached Steve with a variety of health issues. Every time he uses data from different tests which he reviews carefully and then applies his immense knowledge alongside a whole body holistic approach. He combines all the...
Michelle Barrett
Steve Grant’s knowledge of functional medicine is outstanding. I know many people who have approached Steve with a variety of health issues. Every time he uses data from different tests which he reviews carefully and then applies his immense knowledge alongside a whole body holistic approach. He combines all the information to suggest corrections such as vitamin deficiencies, gut microbiome imbalances etc, all of which enable the body to function at its best. Some of the outcomes have been outstanding resulting in reduced hospital admissions and we are incredibly grateful. His considered approach, depth of knowledge, attention to detail, along with clarity & kindness make him a brilliantly effective guide.
Emanuela N
I’ve been working with Jane for 1.5yrs and I’ve reached truly amazing results. I was severely underweight, training excessively, fighting IBS + PCOS and in a bad place mentally – all whilst trying to regain my long-lost period. Steve Grant Health came recommended from a friend but I didn’t quite know...
Emanuela N
I’ve been working with Jane for 1.5yrs and I’ve reached truly amazing results. I was severely underweight, training excessively, fighting IBS + PCOS and in a bad place mentally – all whilst trying to regain my long-lost period. Steve Grant Health came recommended from a friend but I didn’t quite know what to expect.
After submitting an online questionnaire, I was assigned to Jane and I still vividely remember my first appointment with her. We talked and talked about everything that was going on in my life and how I had reached the point I was at. We started devising a plan for my recovery and we met monthly for a while to track progress. I was very worried about putting on weight and I had so many ups and downs, but Jane has not been just a nutritionist for me – she basically held my hand the whole way and helped me see and embrace a whole new way of living, eating, managing stress, and enjoying food and exercise in a much more balanced way.
Jane has a very compassionate holistic approach, which helps a lot, and you can really talk to her about anything that’s on your mind. The SECA machine they use it’s also very useful to have realtime data about your body composition and they have recipes of all sorts that meet you right where you are.
With Jane, I not only regained my period, but I’ve also learnt both how to keep my IBS (haven’t had a flare-up in many many months!) and PCOS at bay. Having done some separate blood tests, I’ve also had the scientific proof that my hormones are in a much healthier state.
Shout-out to Fay too, who makes the bookings and general admin so quick and easy. It is truly such a welcoming place and you feel safer the moment you walk in, I can’t recommend it enough.
Sarah Faraj Dellipiani
In less than 4 months Jane has helped me transform my health. For many years I have been working to try and resolve chronic health issues, with some success, but not enough. I was tired of being exhausted, having seemingly random but severe intolerant reactions to food and lesser, albeit...
Sarah Faraj Dellipiani
In less than 4 months Jane has helped me transform my health. For many years I have been working to try and resolve chronic health issues, with some success, but not enough. I was tired of being exhausted, having seemingly random but severe intolerant reactions to food and lesser, albeit draining, symptoms. I had tried everything, educating myself about gut health, excluding different things from my diet, having intolerance tests, trying different supplements, basically an amateur process of trial and error. So, when I turned to Jane for expert help, I have to confess that my expectations weren’t very high. I assumed that there would be a few tweaks and I would have to just put up with suboptimal health.
Right from our initial conversation, my hopes were raised and I had immediate confidence in Jane’s deep knowledge combined with her rigorous, empathetic approach. I could have cried (in fact I think I did). For the first time, I believed I would have some well-founded answers and a path to better health and wellbeing.
After following Jane’s plan for just 3 months, I don’t have severe bloating anymore, my skin has cleared up, my energy levels are a lot higher and I’m not snacking as much anymore. Jane has taught me how to balance meals so I’m getting the most benefit from my meals. I’ve really felt like I have found a way of life to continue improving my health, and have realised that no drastic changes need to be made. I wish I’d contacted you sooner!
Jonah Hauer-King
I was required to undergo an emaciation process for a role. Steven Grant expertly facilitated this with incredible results, achieving it not only quickly but safely. It had the potential to be both physically and psychologically challenging, and Steven offered attentive support and advice throughout. Not only did we achieve...
Jonah Hauer-King
I was required to undergo an emaciation process for a role. Steven Grant expertly facilitated this with incredible results, achieving it not only quickly but safely. It had the potential to be both physically and psychologically challenging, and Steven offered attentive support and advice throughout. Not only did we achieve our goals, but we worked together to come out of this extreme period and go back to a healthy, sustainable weight. He provided great duty of care above and beyond what was required. I would highly recommend Steven to anyone, and look forward to working with him again.
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