Hey guys, Jessica here…
This Wellness Wednesday, we’re diving into two crucial yet often overlooked areas of health for active individuals—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and pelvic floor health. Whether you’re an athlete or simply committed to your fitness, this info could help you stay strong, balanced, and injury-free.
What is RED-S?
RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), occurs when your body doesn’t get enough energy (calories) to support the demands of training and essential bodily functions.
Why does this matter?
When we underfuel, our bodies are unable to meet the demands of life as well. This can carryover and interrupt many of our body systems, including pelvic floor health.
Let’s face it, most of us are not high level athletes training for a competition; However, we live busy, chaotic lives. Taking care of kids, work, household responsibilities, and being active in general requires more than we realize. Think about it- what if output > input?
Too often we are focused on being in a calorie deficit for aesthetic and health reasons. Yes, obesity is an epidemic and portion control, well balanced nutrition, and fitness are hugely important. That is undeniable. However, we can sometimes overshoot that or just be unaware of our intake in general. I am certainly guilty of the occasional: being so busy taking care of everyone and everything else, that I “forgot to eat”. Yet then I wonder why I’m fatigued, moody, or feeling off. Those scenarios are when we end up on the opposite end of the spectrum and inadvertently we are underfueling! Sadly, many of our body’s systems, including our pelvic floors are paying the price!
While my previous example was related to low blood sugar, it is certainly a risk factor and precursor for RED-s. If that were to continue it could lead to LEA (Low Energy Availability) which is a component of RED-s, and along with other factors can have a significant effect on our health and daily lives. Here are some common symptoms of RED-s:
- Fatigue and frequent illness
- Irregular or missed periods
- Decreased performance
- Mood changes
- Stress fractures or bone loss
Why It Matters:
Over time, RED-s can impact cardiovascular health, immunity, and metabolism. Low energy availability (as in RED-s) can also negatively affect muscle function and hormone balance which directly impacts pelvic floor health-especially in those experiencing menstrual dysfunction or low estrogen. This can also play a role in urinary incontinence, particularly in active individuals.
So, the next time you plan a workout, start training, or a new exercise routine… make sure you are fueling sufficiently.
Because:
Protecting your energy availability = Protecting your whole-body performance, including the pelvic floor!
So,
Prioritize rest, balanced nutrition, and body awareness. Your health IS the foundation of your performance. Whether that means being a top tier athlete, new momma, fitness pro, or just ‘adulting’. We can’t be our best selves or help those we love, without first loving ourselves.
Until next week MOT fans….
Stay Well and Much Love,
Jess and the Moment of Truth Team💜
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