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I just found out that I'm slightly anemic, and I remember reading in another post here that long distance runners are at risk for anemia. (Anyone know why?) So my doctor said I need to take an over the counter iron supplement for the next 4 months or so and then go back in for another blood test. I was anemic before a couple of years ago, and I took an iron supplement at the time and hated it. It was really rough on my stomach, and I have GERD anyway, so I was not a happy camper. I'm wondering what quick and easy to prepare foods would help me build up my iron.
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Kristin, there's actually something called a "runner's anemia," it's so common among athletes like yourself.
It has to do with your body's use of oxygen. Here's a page about runners that explains this phenomenon (and some more things to do about it):
http://www.time-to-run.com/doctor/anemia.htm
And here's a newsletter about runner's anemia from the Journal of the American Medical Assn., reprinted in Olympic Coach:
http://coaching.usolympicteam.com/coaching/kpub.nsf/v/60
At least you know you're in very good company!!
April 15, 2009 - 8:12amThis Comment
Wow -- I'd never heard of "footstrike" anemia -- how fascinating. And it totally makes sense. Thanks so much for these articles. That was very helpful in helping me understand how this happens in runners. How wild that even just running in softer, more padded shoes can help.
April 15, 2009 - 10:05amThis Comment