How could I have become anemic if I eat right, run long distances, and hydrate accordingly?

Question

Everything seems to be in check except for my iron stores and hemoglobin levels.

Answer 1

stop trying so hard

Answer 2

You are not eating enough things with iron in them. Running means you need even more iron because you need more red blood cells which use iron for hemoglobin which carries oxygen to the cells. It is also possible you have a medical problem preventing proper use of iron or absorption. See your doctor and if necessary a nutritionist. If you are a vegatarian definately see a nutritionist. Also: are you purging or binging or both? That can lead to iron deficiency. Are you excercising too much? That too can be a problem. Please see a health professional and write down your questions in advance so you can give the list to the doctor or nutritionist and they will know what you are concerned about and be sure to include that in the exam and talking to you about the issue. You may need a supplement too.

Answer 3

If you are not eating enough red meat, or you bleed too heavy during menstruation, these can be causes of 'anemia'. It's not that you are doing anything 'wrong', some people just don't store Iron as well or maybe in an effort to stay healthy and away from red meat, you aren't getting the Iron you need. Get some vitamins and/or have SOME Red Meat a couple of times a week. Other sources are Spinach (dead crop now) and Kale I believe. Red meat truly is the best source though.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You need to eat more red meats and take a multivitamin or/plus an iron pill.

Answer 5

Obviously, you are not taking in enough iron.
The most common dietary deficiencies in the US are iron and vitamin A.
Many if not most women of child-bearing age are iron-deficient to some degree.
See your doctor.

Answer 6

if you don't have sufficient iron in your diet, which your body uses to build hemoglobin and red blood cells, you will become anemic

Answer 7

Iron and anemia are hereditary traits......Maybe you just need an iron supplement because your body rids itself of iron quicker than the average person. No big deal, really, and your body will rid itself of the excess.........

Answer 8

perhaps your nutrition is the problem, try eating more foods with iron in them or taking a iron pill.

Answer 9

if you're female it could be from your period. you just may not absorb iron well.

Answer 10

eat more greens and take a muti-viteman.