
The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place
Jeff Sankoff is the TriDoc, a physician who will do the research so you don't have to in order to understand if any of those things marketed to endurance athletes can deliver close to what they promise. Before you put anything in or on your body, understand what the science says by listening to an expert who has done the work for you.
Latest episodes

Jul 14, 2023 • 59min
Ep. 123: Exercise and cardiovascular health in women/Jochem Batstra-race director of the Saba Triathlon
In this episode:Cardiovascular health deteriorates for women rapidly after menopause but new research suggests that much of the impact of the loss of sex hormones can be mitigated by regular exercise. While training throughout life seems to be the most beneficial, starting around menopause can also be very helpful. On the medical mailbag we discuss the latest findings and have a special guest to help us get the most out of them. Plus, a conversation with the race director of possibly the most difficult short course triathlon in the world. Jochem Batstra oversees the Saba triathlon on the tiny Dutch Island in the Caribbean. Hear what this race is about and see if you might be brave enough to give it a try!Segments:[07:28]- Medical mailbag: cardiovascular health in perimenopausal women[31:46]- Jochem BatstraLinks@event66_jochem on Instagram Jochem's Website Jochem's Facebook page

Jun 30, 2023 • 58min
Ep. 122: Chocolate milk/Eric Abecassis of Humango
In this episode:Is chocolate milk really all it's cracked up to be as the 'best drink for recovery'? And what is really meant by recovery in this context anyways?? Plus, a conversation with the founder and CEO of Humango, Eric Abecassis. Eric has developed an AI based platform to help athletes and coaches motivate and plan for the best training possible to achieve their goals.Segments:[08:41]- Medical mailbag-Chocolate milk for recovery[28:04]- Eric AbecassisLinksHumangoHumango on FBHumango on IG

Jun 16, 2023 • 57min
Ep 121: Gender differences in hydration needs/ Matt Sharpe and Chris Leiferman on their epic Boulder 70.3 race
In this episode:Men and women differ in many ways and recent research has suggested that one of these may be in how they need to hydrate during sporting activities. Menstruating women start out better hydrated than men and appear to lose less fluid than their male counterparts meaning that different genders may want to consider different hydration strategies. Coach Juliet Hochman and I discuss in the Medical Mailbag. Then, professionals Matthew Sharpe and Chris Leiferman join me to recount what went down in their epic race for the podium with Lionel Sanders at the Boulder 70.3 triathlon last weekend. Her the inside scoop from the men who finished in 3rd and 5th on the daySegments:[06:07]- Medical Mailbag: Gender differences in hydration needs[28:51]- Interview with Matthew Sharpe and Chris Leiferman

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep 120: Inflammation/Jackson Landry
In this episode:Inflammation is poorly understood and yet a vital response to illness and injury. Unchecked it is also a cause of myriad chronic diseases. Recent research has also linked a heightened inflammatory state to aging suggesting a concept of inflammaging. So what is the inflammatory response and how concerned should we be with trying to control it? Plus, an interview with professional triathlete Jackson Landry. Off to a great start in 2023, Jackson shares his thoughts on the doping scandal that rocked our sport as well as fad diets and much more.Segments:[06:38]- Medical Mailbag: inflammation[36:52]- Interview: Jackson Laundry LinksJackson's Facebook page @jacksonlaundrytri on Instagram Jackson's Website Jackson on YouTube

May 19, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep 119: The agents used for doping in sport plus an interview with Soj Jibowu founder & CEO of Varlo
In this episode:The recent doping scandal has rocked triathlon and made many question if the sport is as clean as they think. I review the science on what agents dopers use, whether or not they actually improve performance and the shocking numbers of age group athletes that admit to using some form of banned substance in order to get an edge. Plus, an interview with the founder and owner of Varlo the triathlon apparel brand that has taken multisport by storm. Soj Jibowu has infused the company with a work ethic and enthusiasm that only partially explains its success. We talk about the company's philosophy and how their mission is to make triathlon more inclusive for whoever wants to participate.Segments:[05:35]- Medical mailbag: Doping in sport[34:00]- Soj Jibowu of VarloLinksSoj Jibowu Varlo on IGVarlo website

May 5, 2023 • 51min
Ep 118: Supplemental ketones as fuel/Jen O'Keefe of First Bourne
In this episode:The ketogenic diet is not a great idea for endurance athletes but some of the theoretical benefits of ketones as fuel are enticing. Supplemental ketones have been used by professional cyclists for some time now, is there any evidence to suggest this is a viable strategy for triathletes? Plus, a conversation with the co-executive director of First Bourne, a new company that offers exciting new options with full service for triathlon camps to athletes and coaches.Segments:[08:29]- Medical mailbag: ketone supplements[27:40]- Jennifer O'Keefe Links@first.bourn on Instagram

Apr 21, 2023 • 48min
Can open water swimming make you sick?/Thomas Lenneberg of USA Triathlon Foundation
In this episode:The dangers of open water swimming are well documents but many also claim that open water swimming made them sick. Is this possible? If so then what can we do to decrease our risks and what should we be watching out for? Plus a conversation with the executive director of the USAT Foundation Thomas Lenneberg. He shares with me the Foundation's history, its mission and some of the good work that they have done over the past couple of years.Segments:[06:13]- Can swimming make you sick?[23:37]- Thomas Lenneberg of USATFLinksEpisode 18, discussion of SIPEThomas Lenneberg Thomas's Facebook page @USATFoundation on X Thomas's Website @usatfoundation on Instagram

Apr 7, 2023 • 56min
Stress, heart disease and the effects of exercise/Scott Tindal
In this episode:Stress has long been known to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality. How psychological stress translates to physical disease has not been well understood though. New research suggests a mechanism for this connection and suggests how regular exercise may serve as a buffer of sorts, decreasing the impact of stress and improving long term outcomes. I review the evidence. Plus a conversation with the founder of nutrition app FuelIn, Scott Tindal. We chat about the importance of iron deficiency in athletes and whether or not supplementing with iron is a good idea.Segments:[10:20]- Stress and the heart and how exercise might help[22:58]- SCOTT TINDAL LinksSCOTT 's Facebook group SCOTT 's Facebook page @getfuelin on Instagram SCOTT 's Website SCOTT on YouTube

Mar 24, 2023 • 59min
Updates: CWI,PRP, HCO3, stretching/Dr. Izzy Smith of FEMMI
In this episode:Science is not static and as new papers come out it is worthwhile revisiting previous topics to see if any of my previous conclusions should be updated. On this episode I look at newer research on topics previously covered in several different episodes to see if I should revise what I concluded at that time. Specifically, cold water immersion, platelet rich plasma injections, bicarbonate supplementation and stretching. Plus, endocrinologist Dr. Izzy Smith joins me to talk about FEMMI a women's coaching and educational organization in Australia and New Zealand that helps women and the men that work with them better understand the female reproductive cycle and how it may impact individual training and racing.Segments:[08:55]- Science updates[29:28]- Izzy Smith Links@doctorizzyksmith on Instagram FEMMI

Mar 10, 2023 • 1h 1min
SAD/Ben Hoffman
In this episode:Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very common mood disorder in the northern hemisphere experienced during the fall and winter months by as many as 5% of the population who live there. What role does exercise and physical activity play in managing the symptoms and can exercise be helpful in preventing this problem? I review the evidence. Plus, an interview with multiple Ironman winner and 2014 IMWC runner-up Ben Hoffman. Ben has had a long and successful career that includes his win at last December's Patagoniaman Xtri in Chile. He joins me to chat about all of that as well as his plans for 2023.Segments:[08:25]- Seasonal Affective Disorder[20:35]- Ben HoffmanLinksBenjamin Hoffman @bhoffmanracing on Instagram