Concussions can have a profound impact on our brains and are not always the result of a direct blow to the head.

This week I interview Erik Bustillo, RD on concussions, what they are, how they impact the brain, how they can happen, nutrition supported recovery and the impact they can have on mental health.

Erik Bustillo, MS, RD, FISSN, CISSN, CSC, CPT practices as a Registered Dietitian, Strength Coach, Fitness Trainer, and Health Coach. He attended Florida International University and earned his B.S. in Dietetics & Nutrition and his M.S. in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Nutrition from Concordia University Chicago. Additionally, Erik is the current Co-Vice President and a Fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) as well as a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), a Certified Strength Coach through the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF), and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Erik has experience in research and working with professional, collegiate & tactical athletes, weekend warriors, avid CrossFitters, and in an outpatient setting helping individuals with weight loss/gain as desired outcomes using motivational interviewing and seeing medical nutrition therapy patients.

We talk about:

• How Erik became interested in sports nutrition 
• What is a concussion and how does it affect our brain? 
• Are there any implications on mental health from concussions?
• What sports are at risk of concussions
• Long term impacts of concussions
• How does nutrition play a role following a concussion? Can it impact return to sport?
• With all the crazy supplements out there focused on enhancing brain health - are there any supplements to take or avoid in concussion recovery?
• Is there any link between gut health and concussion recovery?
• What about Probiotic use for concussion recovery? 

Connect with Erik on Instagram or on Twitter or on his Facebook here as well!