In August of 2015 I went in for a physical,  to get my heart and iron levels checked because of my struggles with breathing during Ironman Boulder, both bike and run course and was worried, read my race report here.  When I saw my ferritin, the major protein concerned with iron storage levels, was 8 (normal is 12-15) my first thought was “Why was I anemic?  I feel fine….expcect I am struggling with finished strong in my events” .

I associate anemia with fatigue and exhaustion. Some friends of mine have struggled with extreme fatigue issues, barely able to work, often taking months to build back their stores and feel “normal” again soon after.

I did some research to answer questions I had.

1. Anemia and nutrition
2. Why do you people get anemia?
3. How do you treat anemia?
4. Should you train hard and race if you are anemic or will that put you over the edge?

I am sure many folks thought, myself included, that anemia was related to not eating animal products.   I have been vegetarian most of my life (no red meat) and tried my first vegan based nutrition eating plan in 2008.  I ended up having the race of my life that year. After reading the Paleo Diet for athletes in 2009, I ate red meat obsessively for 6 months and had my iron levels tested, which have always been in the low normal range.

Then I started following a plant based nutrition lifestyle again in 2012.  I had my iron checked in in 2013 and again in 2014, still maintaining low normal levels. So this is a new issue for me, something that has happened over the past 8 months.

I wanted to share the research with you.  Please keep in mind I am not a medical professional. I got most of my information from following the Plant Based Dietitian,   Vegan RD and pub med

What is Anemia?

• Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the body’s stores of iron in the liver become depleted, and it no longer has enough iron to make all the red blood cells it needs for optimal oxygen distribution.

Two Main Causes of Anemia

There are three main reasons people become anemic: blood loss, a reduction in the body’s ability to produce new red blood cells, or an illness that leads to increased destruction of red blood. The most common cause, not limited to nutritional deficiency is actually menstruation in women as this monthly loss of blood leads to depleted iron stores over time.

Anemia Signs and Symptoms
People who are anemic most often experience fatigue. I have not.  As an athlete, it is normal to feel tired after a long training session. I found out when you’re anemic, you feel weary after shorter and shorter periods of exertion as your body’s cells become starved for oxygen (weakness and short of breath during Ironman). Other symptoms associated with anemia include: Shortness of breath (I am more breathless when I run, even at a casual pace) irritability, weakness, dizziness, cold hands and feet (normal for me), or irregular heartbeat, chest pain (the cause of getting tested).  

Nutritional Source of Iron

Iron is one of those nutrients many people tend to think only exists in animal products (like vitamin B12, Calcium, and protein). Many plant foods are great sources of iron, especially leafy green vegetables (kale, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, chard, spinach), lentils and legumes.

I eat a healthy variety of beans, greens, fruits, and vegetables. For those the know me and are part of my Health, Fitness and Sport group or Plant Based Recipe sharing group on Facebook, know that  I eat lots of tofu, beans, lentils, and leafy greens! All excellent sources of iron!

Iron Absorption

After doing reading more research from the Plant Based Dietician and Vegan R.D, both of whom I follow of  Facebook and twitter for the latest research on plant based nutrition, I think being vegan actually allowed me to continue functioning at a higher level, despite the anemia.

The culprit is – like my mother and 40% of all American women, and maybe as much as 75% of women in my age group – is my monthly, and for the past 6 months, bi-monthly menstruation.  I’ve always had a heavy “flow,” and because I’ve never experienced any pain, cramping or other discomfort, I never thought anything about it until this year (2015) when my cycle started happening 2 times a month.  Then when I stopped performing in my sport, I needed to figure out the underling issue.

“When the amount of blood loss is greater than your body’s ability to replace the lost red blood cells, you can become anemic. Women who experience heavy menstrual periods, for example, and people who have internal bleeding due to ulcers or other digestive problems, are at the greatest risk for anemia. Sometimes this type of blood loss is silent and unrecognized until anemia shows up on a blood test” Click here to learn more.

I have been very mindful about maximizing my Iron absorption by eating my normal iron rich foods with Vitamin C foods.  After doing research, I learned that NON-vegans actually have a HIGHER risk of being anemic than vegans. Dairy blocks iron absorption and vegans naturally eat more Vitamin C rich foods which increase iron absorption.  I am now drinking spinach smoothies daily with added hemp protein which is high in Iron, and blending in orange juice instead of Almond milk. I am taking an iron supplement called Hema-Plex.  Eating an orange or other Vitamin-C rich foods with your meal increases iron absorption greatly – some sources say up to 600%!

 

Training with Anemia

The weekend after Ironman Boulder, I ran 40 miles during the Ragnar relay. I ran well.  I knew I had the endurance, just not the top end speed. The following weekend I hiked up Longs Peak.  After talking to some friends, I was worried that I might be doing more harm by continuing to train. My doctor, as well as other medical professionals I consulted, confirmed that as long as I keep taking my supplements,  I can keep doing what I do.  But if I feel any shortness of breath or pressure around my heart I need to stop. Two weeks after climbing Longs Peak, I raced the Boulder Sunset Triathlon. I did not feel great on the run;  total glycogen depletion.

After 4 weeks of taking supplements, I noticed a change. I actually felt like running.  I ran 4 days in a row.  I raced the Black Squirrel Half Marathon, and actually had some breath in me to finish strong.  I’m going to continue tracking my  progress.

If you are diagnosed with anemia, don’t immediately assume it is your diet. Please have yourself checked out for other physical causes first. If you are a woman, heavy menstruation might be the cause or fibroids, or other female issues.  Keep in mind that athletes who regularly workout at a high intensity, may be at a greater risk of anemia.   Ironman posted related article for athletes about getting a full medical check up each here, read it here.

Stay turned to results of my blood test in October to see how the changes I am making change my iron levels.