Ep. 4: So You Wanna Go Pro? A 'Stick in the Spokes' and Changing Focus

We're back with Episode 4 of "So You Wanna Go Pro" featuring elite triathlete Matt Bach. This episode takes an unexpected and somewhat ironic turn of events. Listen to Ep. 3 here. Matt discusses recent developments in his health & plans to heal: Diagnosis: Stress reaction in femur, osteoporosis, and double genetic mutation in MTHFR with C677T variant What's a stress reaction vs. fracture, why did this happen, risks, treatment (was on crutches for 6 wks), plan Bone health and association with low testosterone Leanness, calories, nutrient absorption and more Immediately ceased all focused training and racing It takes many months, or even years, to destroy T levels and bone density; will take months to restore it Matt's T #s already improving along with better energy and libido Matt shares a non-scientific survey he did of 22 elite/pro triathletes and their hormonal health & more research: 13 diagnosed with hormone problems, 6 have symptoms but no official diagnosis, 3 reported no problems Will Matt still pursue going pro?! Getting more answers with further testing such as 23andMe soon Further research shows: >3 risk alleles = greater risk (30% vs 5% for 0 risk alleles) On MTHFR: Very common! Body less efficient at producing an enzyme that converts inactive folic acid into active form of folate (i.e. 5-MTHF) Why most of us want Methylated folate/5-MTHF vs. folic acid (and brands we trust for supplementing i.e. Thorne) Folate helps with cell reproduction Also the role of B12 Recommended supplement to boost methylation Matt's approach to healing via nutrition, supplements and lifestyle: All-natural approach, taking nothing that is banned. Plan to return to competition, don't want side effects Picking the right team of doctors Not much endurance training (1x per week swim/bike) More sleep More social time and time with wife, Lauren! Physical Therapy Strength work On diet: Continue eating clean and healthy, Metabolic Efficiency Training, and figuring out if this is the right "diet" for Matt still? Tons of Supplements, some temporary Strontium, multivitamin, methylated folate and B12, magnesium Increased to 5000 IU D3, D-Aspartic Acid Powder, BCAAs, Pregnenolone Omega-3s Also a Probiotic, vitamin K2, Selenium, vitamin C, CoQ10 and Gaia HPA Axis Psychology and ongoing plans to go pro: Pro plans on hold, but not gone, patience to heal first is key! Not as restless as expected with changes Headspace and mental work to stay happy and motivated Off crutches, can't run still, but Alter-G soon Sponsors awesome, continue to support; new ways to help them What others are saying to Matt The influence of other athlets struggling, and how Matt is finding solace in their stories on overcoming hardship Resources Ep. 1: So you wanna go pro Ep. 2: So you wanna go pro Dr. Phil Maffetone on Folate vs. Folic Acid Pt 1 Dr. Maffetone on Folate vs. Folic Acid Pt 2 Dr. Maffetone on Folate vs. Folic Acid Pt 3 Dr. Ben Lynch's mthfr.net website for more on this common gene mutation Dr. Tamsin Lewis on MTHFR Cody Beals' blog Matt Bach's blog