Putting the Pieces Together

Wait a second, I just figured out some information that definitely made my day. Warning, this is probably not going to sound that exciting to anyone else, but I felt like sharing regardless. So in my previous studies, I'd learned that athletes need to make sure they get more Vitamin B, particularly B12, than most people. I just committed this to memory and never asked questions...ok, make sure I get my B12.

Today, I happened to be learning about the cardiovascular system, in particular the red blood cells. Their job is to transport oxygen to the lungs and also to the rest of the cells in our body so that we can function. Because athletes use more oxygen once exercise becomes quite strenuous, the red blood cells have to work much harder. Studies have shown that athletes actually contain twice as many red blood corpuscles as people living sedentary lives! WOW!!

From here, in order for the bone marrow to manufacture more red blood cells, the body needs iron, haemoglobin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and proteins. Now we all know that relatively speaking, athletes tend to require more protein and iron in their diets for "energy". That energy is produced by the oxygen transported by the red blood cells themselves! With low levels of these nutrients, the body cannot manufacture the proper amount of red blood cells to support the activity of a athlete under physical stress. Unbelievable. I love it when things come together and make perfect sense to me! Now I completely understand the vital role of the B vitamins, iron, and of course protein for a dancer such as myself. This is not something to be messed around with. When I'm tired with low stamina, I know exactly what needs to be done.

Yeah for education! haha...I'm a nerd. On that note, I would like to include a video that a friend sent me...it's about 40 day Sadhanas and how they are related to the renewal of our red blood cells. I find it very interesting. Something to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxcimeKrfpU

P.S. I would like to clarify a previous statement I made above. (thanks, Dad) Red blood cells do not actually work harder to pump oxygen throughout the body. The body simply requires more of them to accomplish this task. :)