BLOG 94 ANEMIA

BLOG 94 ANEMIA

We want our body’s organisms to function properly so we can have the energy and ability to perform our best on our fitness journeys. Anemia is an example of our bodies not having what it needs to be at peak performance. Anemia is the most common blood condition, and the most common symptom, fatigue, is not conducive to exercise. So let’s take a look at anemia and explore this condition further. 

This major cause of fatigue is a lot more common than one might think. In fact, “It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women, young children, and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia” (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics#1). Women are susceptible during pregnancy, thus impacting the infant and are at risk during times of heavy menstruation. Here you have it: “Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen” (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics#1). 

Symptoms vary and might include the following (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20265323) :

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Personality changes
• Unsteady movements
• Mental confusion or forgetfulness

There are actually 400 types of anemia!!!! The 3 major categories include: (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics#1)

• Anemia caused by blood loss
• Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production
• Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells 

Blood loss can be an internal silent creeper, especially if one has ulcers or hemorrhoids. Having deficiencies in one’s diet like lack of iron or certain minerals can also contribute to anemia. Sickle cell anemia and bone marrow problems can also be factors. Iron deficiency, which I have most commonly heard of, includes (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics#1) :

• An iron-poor diet, especially in infants, children, teens, vegans, and vegetarians
• The metabolic demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding that deplete a woman's iron stores
• Menstruation
• Frequent blood donation
• Endurance training
• Digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease or surgical removal of part of the stomach or small intestine
• Certain drugs, foods, and caffeinated drinks 

When I was running cross country in high school, I did experience bouts of fatigue and felt like collapsing after races. Endurance training was taking its toll and at that age, I wasn’t aware of my diet and my body, plus I don’t eat red meat. 

Treatment usually involves taking iron supplements and making changes to your diet. Other conditions like sickle cell anemia and bone marrow problems may involve prescriptions from a doctor or even blood transfusions. Your body may also require more B-12 and folic acid if these vitamins are not being absorbed by your body. Shots and supplements might be recommended by your doctor. 

We need energy to exercise and complete the tasks required of us throughout the day. Fatigue is hard to push through, so getting the bottom of this problem is critical for our fitness journeys’ success. Be proactive and seek the advice and help of a doctor if fatigue is keeping you down. Anemia is treatable and we know we need to listen to our bodies when they speak to us.