Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

Protein & Tendon Healing with Dr David Minkoff

Jan 29, 2025

Dr. David Minkoff, an expert in integrative medicine and author of The Search for the Perfect Protein, shares insights on the vital role of essential amino acids in healing injuries like proximal hamstring tendinopathy. He explains how protein deficiencies can hinder recovery and performance, while emphasizing the importance of gut health in protein absorption. Minkoff also discusses the effectiveness of creatine for runners, the truth about collagen for tendon health, and the transformative effects of amino acid supplementation on athletic performance.

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ANECDOTE

Mercury Toxicity

Dr. Minkoff's wife became ill after mercury fillings were improperly removed.
She developed thyroiditis, hepatitis, and neuropathy, which resolved after mercury detoxification.

ANECDOTE

Hamstring Injury & Amino Acids

Dr. Minkoff's hamstring injury wouldn't heal despite various treatments.
Discovering his low essential amino acid levels, he supplemented and achieved full recovery, even improving his Ironman time.

INSIGHT

Amino Acids: The Building Blocks

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, essential for various bodily functions.
Eight essential amino acids must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot produce them.

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Protein and Tendon Healing with Dr. David Minkoff

In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, we are joined by Dr. David Minkoff, an expert in integrative medicine, author of The Search for the Perfect Protein, and an accomplished athlete with 43 Ironman finishes. We discuss the critical role of protein, specifically essential amino acids, in healing injuries like proximal hamstring tendinopathy, optimizing recovery, and improving overall performance. If you’ve struggled with chronic injuries, want to enhance muscle repair, or are curious about how protein intake affects running performance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How amino acids are the building blocks for tendon repair and injury recovery.
✔️ The impact of protein deficiencies on healing and performance.
✔️ The role of gut health in protein absorption and utilization.
✔️ Why tracking protein intake may not be enough for optimal recovery.
✔️ How Perfect Amino can enhance muscle repair and prevent injuries.
✔️ The truth about collagen for tendon health—does it really work?
✔️ How endurance athletes can optimize protein intake for peak performance.
✔️ Creatine supplementation—should runners be taking it?
✔️ How to structure your protein intake to maximize tendon and muscle recovery.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 Essential amino acids are crucial for tendon and muscle repair, especially if you suffer from tendinopathy.
🔹 Many runners are protein-deficient despite eating a high-protein diet due to poor digestion and absorption.
🔹 Collagen lacks key amino acids (like tryptophan), making it a suboptimal choice for tendon repair on its own.
🔹 The best sources of protein are high-quality animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs) combined with essential amino acid supplements.
🔹 Taking Perfect Amino before meals or workouts ensures optimal absorption and utilization.
🔹 Runners with injuries should double their essential amino acid intake for enhanced recovery.
🔹 Strength athletes and endurance runners can benefit from creatine supplementation alongside amino acids.

Recommended Products & Resources:
📖 The Search for the Perfect Protein by Dr. David Minkoff –
💊 Perfect Amino – Order from Body Health.
📰 Body Health Newsletter – Get daily insights on nutrition, performance, and recovery.

Connect with Dr. David Minkoff & BodyHealth:
🌐 Website: https://www.bodyhealth.com

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For ALL Other Resources, Visit the Website proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info
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