Mason Wood: How caring for my gut health made me a better player

For most people, unexplained weight loss and fatigue would be a cause for concern. But if you’re a professional athlete whose body is their livelihood, this is especially true. So, when St Kilda forward Mason Wood started exhibiting these symptoms (and more) – he was suitably alarmed.

“At the start of 2017, I was playing in a game, and I had no energy and felt dizzy at half-time,” recalls Wood. “I’m always trying to find the next thing to further my football career,” he says. “When you physically take a step backwards, it’s a bit daunting.” Unfortunately, it was a journey that got worse before it got better. “I ended up dropping five kilos.”

After a consultation with a gastroenterologist, Wood was advised that food intolerances may have been responsible for his mysterious health issues. In response, he adopted the low-FODMAP diet – an eating regime designed to restrict fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger gut-health problems – and the results were compelling. 

“Straight away, my energy levels were back,” he recalls. “And my ability to concentrate. When I had food that messed with my guts, I’d feel really foggy in the head.” Beyond these noticeable improvements, there were other benefits too. “Day-to-day, I was in a better mood. We often talk about reducing the amount of stress in your life, and it reduced a whole lot from mine.”

There’s a growing body of research dedicated to exploring the link between the brain and gut, and how they can affect one another. It’s something that Wood has come to recognise in his own life. “I know my gut health is stress-related,” he says. Reflecting on the sudden decline in his health, he now sees the link between the two. “As much as [I] don’t want to admit it, it goes hand-in-hand with one of the more stressful times I’ve had in football.” 

The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain can also create something of a pattern. Stress causes our bodies to produce the hormone cortisol, which can impact the gut’s ability to function. This, in turn, can lead to greater stress – and the cycle continues.

Still, Wood regards the overall process as a positive one. “I can honestly say I’m better for the experience,” he says. He credits his gut-health journey for inspiring a further interest in the impact of diet on his performance. 

“I was always conscious of my nutrition. [Now] it’s come to the point where I cook six or seven nights of the week. It’s definitely made me a more diligent cook, if not a better one,” Wood laughs. “I don’t do stuff from a can anymore. I make all my spice mixes myself. I [only] use oils that are good for my gut.”

In fact, Wood has managed to redefine his relationship with food entirely. What was once a source of discomfort is now something he relishes.

“Cooking has certainly made me less stressed,” he says. “[It] has become almost meditative. It’s a low-level engagement you don’t need to focus on, and whatever is stressing you in football can dissipate. It’s part of the week that I really love.” He’s even becoming something of a culinary mentor to teammate (and recent housemate) Cooper Sharman. “If he doesn’t like my cooking, he hasn’t had the guts to tell me,” Wood laughs.

Nowadays, Wood is in a much better place with his health. Working alongside the St Kilda dietitians and trainers, he’s able to manage his food intolerances – in the process proving you can still function at an elite athletic level on a restricted diet.

“Technically, it could be said to be a form of injury,” he says. “It’s just one of those things. You stay on top of your physical prep, and you need to stay on top of what you put in your body as well. It’s just part of the deal”

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Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances