What to Eat to Reduce Injury and Recover Faster | Dr. Stephan Esser | The Exam Room Podcast

Published 2024-06-10
Dr. Stephan Esser, a distinguished sports medicine specialist, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to plant-based living.

In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Esser sits down with host Chuck Carroll, "The Weight Loss Champion," to explore:
- His personal journey as a fourth-generation plant-based eater
- The connection between plant-based nutrition and athletic performance
- Key nutrition tips for athletes to prevent injuries, reduce inflammation, and boost recovery

Trained at Harvard and the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Esser has served as the team physician for the University of North Florida's Division I athletics and now runs a sports and lifestyle medicine practice. Beyond his professional credentials, he also has experience as a top-ranked tennis player, giving him a personal understanding of the demands of high-level athletic performance.

Dr. Esser also shares transformative stories from his practice, highlighting the profound impact of nutrition on athletic performance and overall health.

Join us for this enlightening discussion on how a plant-based diet can help you achieve peak health and performance, only on The Exam Room podcast.

🔗 SHOW LINKS 🔗
Dr. Stephan Esser
Website: esserhealth.com/
Esser's Ranch: esserhealth.com/essers-ranch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/esserhealth
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EsserHealth

🎟️ EVENTS 🎟️
National Health Association Conference
Where: Online
Date: June 27-30
Who: Drs. Neal Barnard, Caldwell Esselstyn, Joel Fuhrman, Alan Goldhamer, Stephan Esser. Plus, Chuck Carroll, Ann and Jane Esselstyn, and more!

International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
Where: Washington, DC — Grand Hyatt
Date: August 15-17
Who: Drs. Neal Barnard, Dean Ornish, Alan Desmond, Gemma Newman, Jim Loomis, Thomas Campbell, Kristi Funk, and more!

🍍 BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP 🍍
Sign up: www.pcrm.org/examroomvip
Benefits
- Exclusive early access to select interviews
- Pre-sale opportunities for live event tickets
- Exclusive live online events

🎧 FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE 🎧
The Exam Room Podcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast
Apple: apple.co/2JXBkpy
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pMLoY3

Chuck Carroll
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chuckcarrollwlc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chuckcarrollwlc
X: www.twitter.com/chuckcarrollwlc

Physicians Committee
Instagram: www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PCRM.org
X: www.twitter.com/pcrm

About Us
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around th

All Comments (21)
  • @motogsprx7251
    Here's a chat gpt summary of the transcription of the video (which foods to eat). Hope that helps somebody: Based on Dr. Stephan Esser's insights from the podcast transcript you shared, here’s a summary of the key foods and dietary practices that athletes can adopt to enhance performance, reduce injury, and accelerate recovery: Increase Plant-Based Foods: Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, which is crucial for healing and recovery. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Include foods that naturally reduce inflammation in the body. Berries, cherries, leafy greens, and spices like turmeric and ginger are especially beneficial. Hydrate Well: Proper hydration is essential for optimal athletic performance and recovery. Water supports every metabolic function and nutrient transfer in the body and is crucial for reducing post-exercise fatigue and preventing injuries. Include Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and are important for joint health. Adequate Protein Intake: Ensure sufficient protein intake from varied plant-based sources like legumes, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, and edamame. These help repair muscle tissue and promote recovery. Whole Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains and starchy vegetables for sustained energy. Foods like sweet potatoes, oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide the energy required for high-intensity training and recovery. Micro-Nutrient Dense Choices: Aim to include a variety of colorful foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. This not only helps in reducing inflammation but also enhances muscle recovery and general well-being. Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Reduce intake of foods that can exacerbate inflammation, such as processed foods, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats. Recovery Nutrition: Post-exercise, focus on consuming carbohydrates and protein to replenish muscle glycogen stores and aid in the repair of damaged tissues. Smoothies with fruits, greens, and plant-based protein powders can be an excellent choice. Implementing these dietary recommendations can help athletes reduce the risk of injury, enhance performance, and improve overall health. Dr. Esser emphasizes the powerful role that diet plays in sports performance and recovery, aligning with the broader understanding of nutrition in athletic health management.
  • @danakennett4772
    Jacksonville is so lucky to have Dr. Esser! Due to my husband‘s lower back issues, we met him back in 2018. Little did I realize that he would be the person to convince me to change what I ate. I reversed my auto immune problems within a few weeks, and I’ve never looked back!🎉🎉🎉🎉
  • @jedikfc
    Dr. Esser needs to be a monthly regular.
  • @AzerPaul
    To have two of the most articulate guys in the virtual world talking with each other about serious topics is a real treat. I learned so much and plenty to help me modify my lifestyle for the better. Man, I don’t think I heard an “uh” the whole time. Thanks, Chuck, for having this great guy on your show.
  • 23:44 chuck at his best - asking the really pressing questions that we all wanting to hear said. That's what I super de duper love about chuck - you don't have to ask - he already does - he just already knows!!!
  • @karenprice3886
    He's the best! I'm currently in his 8 week program. AMAZING!
  • @tamaraberg8908
    He is a great speaker and his wife often speaks with him
  • I love listening to esser so much - like you all wouldn't believe - clear, straight to the point, and actually has something to say. He's kept me going vegan when I struggled, as has PCRM! PCRM is of course 1st - but I place dr esser in 2nd.
  • @krista9835
    Please have Dr. Esser on regularly! He is so informative and motivating!!
  • Dr. Esser is an amazing human being! He is such a great speaker and so encouraging!. Thank you for having him on the show.
  • 27:43 imagine being at your worst and hearing someone say that to you - blowing your mind, emotions, wishes for animal products, etc. out the window!🤣what a sight to see. While I've seen just about all of esser's interviews be spot on - I really like this interview by him. It's hilarious
  • @dephnekus9796
    Wow, why am I only hearing about this doctor now. He's a gem! Please feature him more.
  • 16:24 berry microgreens salad sounds so amazing just about now - of amaranth and sunflower - hits the spot!
  • I love the idea of juices after a workout. I also don't mind smoothies. Berries and greens are the top athletic combo for me!
  • Wow, I’m always so impressed with all the guests & people on the show, and this just kept the bar amazingly high. Great show Chuck! 🎉
  • @WFPB_4_Life
    Love Dr. Esser! So much great info shared. Thank you!🌱💪