Integrative Conversations Ep 40: The Integrative Athlete: Nutrition, Recovery & Nervous System Support with Dr. Bethany Tennant (USA)

In this episode, Meli sits down with Dr. Bethany Tennant, a Naturopathic Doctor and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) who specializes in sports and performance nutrition. With a unique lens that blends functional medicine, naturopathy, and athletic experience, Dr. Tennant helps athletes and active individuals optimize recovery, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term health.

Together, they explore the REAL meaning of performance — beyond reps, macros, and hustle — and dive into how the nervous system, trauma patterns, and chronic stress impact the modern athlete. Dr. Tennant shares her personal journey as a basketball player, how her own experiences shaped her integrative approach, and why recovery practices are often the missing piece in athletic culture.

You’ll learn: • What integrative performance nutrition actually looks like • Why many athletes operate in chronic sympathetic activation • How trauma and high-achiever patterns show up in training • What most active individuals get wrong about recovery • Foundational nutrients for energy, brain health, and longevity • How to support the parasympathetic system for better performance • One simple practice you can start TODAY to support recovery

This episode is for athletes, active professionals, movement lovers, and anyone who pushes their body — sometimes a little too hard — without realizing the toll on energy, hormones, and the nervous system.

Connect with Dr. Tennant:

@dr.bethanytennant | drbethanytennant.com

Connect with Meli: @melikirkwood | melikirkwood.com Rebuilding energy from the root one episode at a time. Produced by Bululú Wellness.