Are Athletes at an increased risk of Collar Up Infections?
Shockingly, athletes may be even more susceptible to Collar Up infections than the average person–for many reasons that we are about to cover.
Firstly, studies have shown surprisingly poor oral and dental health among athletes, so pay
close attention! A 2015 [4] literature review of sixteen studies considered the oral health of athletes and reported high prevalence of oral diseases: dental cavities 15-75%, dental erosion 36-85%, periodontal disease 15%. Tooth decay, dental abscesses, and gingivitis are common issues as well. In 4 studies, between 5% and 18% of athletes reported negative impact of oral health or trauma on performance. Within the limits of the review, oral health of athletes is poor. Further research is required, but these are alarming initial findings.
Secondly, contact sport athletes are more likely to experience physical trauma to the head that could initiate a Collar Up infection. In that same literature review, 26 studies reported on dental trauma, which ranged in prevalence from 14% to 47% varying by sport and country. Thirdly, Athletes are more likely to suffer from dehydration and the negative effects of overtraining. Athletes are also more likely to prioritize the health of their muscles and body parts that directly affect their performance–not necessarily thinking about how oral health affects overall health.
Why are athletes more susceptible to “Collar Up” infections and their associated symptoms?
-Overtraining
-Dehydration
-Higher incidence of poor oral health
-Nutritional deficiencies
-Frequent travel and therefore exposure to different EMF (detrimental Electromagnetic frequencies) which actually causes bad bugs in our body to become irritated and give off more toxins (see previous blog on EMF)
-Higher levels of stress hormones that affect the immune system
-Trained to “push through” discomfort instead of listening to body’s signals
-Less likely to take sufficient amount of time to rest/heal after illness or surgery
-Poor dietary choices, sugary sports drinks and snacks for “quick boost”
-High incidence of head injuries in contact sports
-Body is working double time to recover from athletic training while fighting infections
-Possible low stomach acid in part due to loss of sodium and chloride through sweat, needed to
synthesize stomach acid (bloating, constipation, foul gas, indigestion/heartburn)
-Elite athletes train their bodies harder than they were likely designed to be, changing hormone
expression, immune function, metabolism, and mental state.
These factors can make athletes like you even more susceptible to the ravages of Collar Up infections, loss of peak performance, and delayed recovery time, especially for contact sport athletes.
This is one of the many reasons it is so important to work with a doctor who understands both sports medicine and function medicine! Click here to contact Vagus Clinic and work with Dr. Stephanie Canestraro.
Overtraining and Collar Up Infections
Many symptoms of Collar Up infections intersect with symptoms of overtraining. You may be overtraining and causing swelling of the lymph nodes, in addition to muscle breakdown. Other symptoms include persistent fatigue, worsening performance despite increased training, chronic sore throats and muscle aches.
Overtraining creates significant stress in the body, which impairs the immune system, increases risk of upper respiratory infection, alters stress hormone levels, and depletes essential nutrients [5]—making it easier for Collar Up infections to take hold.
Overtraining also leads to pain and injuries. Most athletes would simply take over-the-counter painkillers to dampen the body’s signals. Unfortunately, taking too many anti-inflammatory painkillers, like NSAIDs, can suppress immune system response and allow pathogens to flourish. [6]
Even though overtraining is generally glorified in the sports world, you can spare your health down the road by resting, recovering and refueling sufficiently.
If you are an athlete, your performance and recovery can’t wait another day. Work with a clinic who understands athletes’ unique needs when it comes to not only your athletic performance, but the longevity of your career, and your quality of life.
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