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Nutrition and Recovery in Esports

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Esports Nutrition

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Abstract

Recovery is a crucial yet often overlooked component of performance optimization in esports. Unlike traditional athletes, esports athletes face unique recovery demands due to prolonged screen exposure, sedentary behavior, and intense cognitive engagement. This chapter explores evidence-based strategies that support physical and mental recovery, including nutrient timing, anti-inflammatory meal plans, active mobility exercises, and sleep-enhancing technologies. Practical insights from professional teams such as Team Liquid, Astralis, and Cloud9 are presented alongside examples from amateur players. The role of omega-3 fatty acids, hydration, stretching, and digital tools like Oura Ring and Headspace is discussed to provide a holistic framework for sustainable performance and recovery in competitive gaming.

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Abbreviations

DHA:

docosahexaenoic acid

DOMS:

delayed onset muscle soreness

EPA:

eicosapentaenoic acid

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Acknowledgments

Edited and corrected with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT-4o, 2025.

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  1. Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Balikesir, Turkey

    Sedat Arslan

  2. Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ayça Aydin

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    Sedat Arslan

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Arslan, S., Aydin, A. (2025). Nutrition and Recovery in Esports. In: Arslan, S. (eds) Esports Nutrition. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-99625-2_5

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