According to researchers at Oregon State University, a new sports-related medical syndrome, dubbed the “female athlete triad,” may be affecting the health of female athletes. The components of the triad are inadequate food intake, the disruption of menstrual cycles, and low bone density. According to researchers, female athletes may spur the “female athlete triad” when they don’t eat enough food to cover all their physiological functions. Researchers believe that the reasons are numerous but that the “thin is in” notion in popular culture may be particularly responsible for female athletes not eating enough. However, if women don’t get enough nutrients or energy, their menstrual cycles shut down and this disrupts women’s hormonal balance and bone growth—leading to a higher number of stress fractures and bone injuries. This can be amended by proper eating habits, i.e., well-rounded, nutritious meals and high-protein snacks throughout the day.
I mean, we all do, of course. But can you imagine trying to accomplish some of the sports these competitors take on without enough fuel in your body? Simply cracking bones seems like a lucky break. (sorry, just couldn't help myself).
Female Athletes Who Under-eat
Posted by Nirmala N.
According to researchers at Oregon State University, a new sports-related medical syndrome, dubbed the “female athlete triad,” may be affecting the health of female athletes. The components of the triad are inadequate food intake, the disruption of menstrual cycles, and low bone density. According to researchers, female athletes may spur the “female athlete triad” when they don’t eat enough food to cover all their physiological functions. Researchers believe that the reasons are numerous but that the “thin is in” notion in popular culture may be particularly responsible for female athletes not eating enough. However, if women don’t get enough nutrients or energy, their menstrual cycles shut down and this disrupts women’s hormonal balance and bone growth—leading to a higher number of stress fractures and bone injuries. This can be amended by proper eating habits, i.e., well-rounded, nutritious meals and high-protein snacks throughout the day.