Exercising With Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the production and the number of red blood cells are below the normal level. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Anemia, which can make you feel tired, can reduce your ability to exercising and will not allow you to complete training.

Causes of Anemia

Anemia can be caused by a large number of cases, most of the underlying deficiencies in nutrients or diseases. Preventive causes include iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases such as cancer or HIV, bone marrow diseases and sickle cell conditions. Dr. Carol Otis says that anemia due to iron deficiency, or tired blood, is the most common form of disease.

Symptoms of anemia

The exercise is a good way to notice the symptoms and feelings that cause anemia. Anemic people may be very tired after doing mild to moderate exercise or other activities that you would not expect to wear. You may feel weak, dizzy, irritable, depressed and unable to breathe. External signs may also include pale skin, cold hands and feet, headache and irregular heartbeat.

Exercising With Anemia

Intense exercise can be even more a problem for the most common form of anemia that is caused by a shortage of iron. Heavy exercise can increase iron demands by 1 to 2 milligrams per day. This can increase the condition. Iron loss through sweat, blood loss, or red blood cell demolition from foot striking in exercise may increase the need for iron.

Diagnosing and treating anemia

Anemia is diagnosed via blood tests to check the levels of red blood cells. A CBC or full blood test, the primary test is used to investigate the size and shape of your red blood cells. This can be used to reduce the cause of anemia. Anemia treatment options in case of serious illnesses are limited to combating the symptoms of those diseases. Treatment of anemia due to deficiencies is possible through supplementation with iron or vitamin B-12 and by making changes to the diet.