Welcome! Today, we're diving into five critical steps to help your Achilles tendon heal and thrive—especially if you've experienced damage from antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or have chronic sprains and strains.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in your body, yet it’s also the most injury-prone. Why? Blood flow—or lack of it. There's a particular area in your Achilles tendon known as the "zone of hypo-vascularity" that doesn't get much blood. Less blood flow means a higher risk of injury, pain, and slower healing.
Achilles Tendon Blood Flow and Damage
Blood is essential for healing, but your Achilles tendon doesn’t have great circulation. Two arteries—the peroneal and posterior tibial—provide blood to the tendon, but it’s still not enough. Without proper blood flow, tendons don’t heal well, especially in the middle section, where most injuries occur.
Step 1: Blood Work—Your Healing Foundation
Before jumping to expensive treatments like stem cell therapy, you must start with the basics—blood work. If your thyroid, blood sugar, or inflammation levels are off, it can stop your tendon from healing.
Thyroid: Proper thyroid function keeps your metabolism running.
Hemoglobin A1C: Keep it between 5 and 5.2 to avoid inflammation.
Vitamin D: Shoot for levels around 80 to boost healing.
Magnesium and Iron: Both are critical for blood oxygenation and energy.
Poor Blood Flow Equals Slow Healing
If your blood is too thick due to high sugar levels or inflammation, it can’t reach your tendon effectively. This makes it harder for your body to heal the damaged tissue.
Step 2: Carnivore-ish Diet for Optimal Recovery
For 4-8 weeks, adopt a “carnivore-ish” diet: eat lots of protein and low-sugar fruits (like apples and pears, avoiding fruits with seeds like strawberries and raspberries). Why? Protein is essential for muscle and tendon repair. Aim to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
Why Eliminate Vegetables?
Some veggies can cause inflammation or digestive issues, slowing your healing. Stick to meat and low-sugar fruits for best results.
Step 3: Stabilize Blood Sugar for Consistent Energy
Check your blood sugar regularly—before and after meals, and at bedtime. Keep it between 85 and 120 to avoid spikes and crashes. Consistent energy helps repair damaged mitochondria in your tendons.
Energy Is Key to Tendon Repair
Low or high blood sugar interrupts energy flow to your tendons. Without proper energy, healing slows down.
Step 4: Move for Better Blood Flow
Movement is crucial. If your tendon is too painful, start small. Even a few minutes on a stationary bike or a gentle exercise machine can increase blood flow to the tendon.
Balance Exercises: Stand on one leg or on soft foam with your eyes closed to improve communication between your Achilles tendon and brain. Better brain-tendon communication helps with stability and healing.
Gradually Increase Movement: Start simple—stand with your eyes open, then closed. As your balance improves, try more challenging exercises like tandem standing (heel-to-toe walking). This strengthens the damaged pathways in your brain that communicate with your Achilles tendon.
Magnesium is vital for tendon repair, and most people don’t get enough. Sip magnesium powder mixed with sea salt throughout the day to replenish your body. It helps with over 400 enzymatic reactions, including energy production.
Why You Need Trace Minerals
Magnesium, along with trace minerals like selenium and iodine, supports energy production and tendon healing. Add high-quality sea salt like Baja Gold to your drinks to supply your body with these essential nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Healing your Achilles tendon takes time, but with the right steps—starting with blood work, a carnivore-ish diet, stable blood sugar, regular movement, and magnesium—you’re on your way to recovery. Follow these game-changers, and you’ll notice improvement before you know it. Remember, where there’s hope, there’s healing!