The menstrual cycle acts as a monthly report card on how well the body is balancing energy, demands, and recovery. Alarmingly, 37% of female athletes have menstrual irregularities, with many unaware of the long-term health implications. Sleep plays an important role not only in recovery, but also in regulating the menstrual cycle. If we rule […]
Iron and energy production are integral to sports performance. When it comes to physical performance, many female athletes find themselves caught between balancing dietary preferences and ensuring that iron intake is adequate. This is particularly the case for plant-based athletes or athletes with limited intake of red meat. Intense physical exertion increases the body’s need […]
Have you ever heard of hepcidin? It’s definitely worth understanding particularly if you are a female athlete, or someone who suffers from iron deficiency anaemia.
Anaemia caused by iron deficiency is a condition in which there is not enough iron to form enough healthy red blood cells of sufficient size to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. Iron plays a crucial physiological role in your body. But despite its importance, iron deficiency anaemia is still a common problem […]
Iron deficiency is one of the most common issues athletes face. Iron and thyroid health go hand in hand and the effects of exercise on the thyroid gland and hormones are not well understood. Iron and thyroid function Undiagnosed iron deficiency presents an increased risk of impaired thyroid function. Active women have high-energy lives, managing […]
In this article, we discuss how to obtain accurate pathology tests. Whilst this article is not meant to serve as a diagnostic tool, it may help you understand why pathology tests are useful and how to get the most reliable test results. Longer-term patterns of pathology results can provide a holistic picture of your overall […]
Vegetarian and vegan athletes are at greater risk of anaemia due to reduced intake of animal products containing iron and B12. It is important to remember there are two different forms of dietary iron. Heme iron is found in animal meats such as liver, lamb, beef and kangaroo. Non-heme iron is derived from plant sources […]
Iron plays a key role of forming haemoglobin in red blood cells necessary in the transportation of oxygen around the body which is essential for everyone and critical for athletic performance. Iron is needed for protein metabolism; collagen and antioxidant synthesis, key enzymes in energy production, muscles, metabolism, DNA and hormone synthesis; and immunity.
