Exercise is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle, but for some it's especially challenging. A physical debility or chronic illness can often make any form of regular exercise difficult to achieve. One such illness is pernicious anemia, or megaloblastic anemia, a disease of the blood. Its symptoms include dizziness and extreme fatigue, which both make it difficult to maintain a high level of fitness.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia, or megaloblastic anemia, is a medical condition in which the body can't manufacture enough vitamin B12 to ensure healthy, functional red blood cells. There are a number of potential causes, including genetic defects, autoimmune problems and some cancers. Regardless of its cause, the net effect is that the blood system can't adequately oxygenate the body's tissues. This leads to a range of symptoms, including dizziness and fatigue, pale skin, diarrhea and shortness of breath. The disease is treated with vitamin B12 either by injection or large doses of oral supplements.
B12 Regulation
Pernicious anemia is rare among children, and most commonly diagnosed after the age of 60, according to the National Institutes of Health. Left unchecked, the disease is normally fatal within three years. However, treatment with vitamin B12 brings immediate relief from symptoms. Determining the appropriate dosage for each patient is the physician's primary concern. Patients who lead an active lifestyle, with regular exercise, will typically require larger dosages to support their greater needs for oxygen in the body's muscle tissues.
Exercise and Anemia
For those who have been active throughout their adult lives, the relatively sudden onset of fatigue during a familiar exercise routine can be one of the first warning signs of anemia. If diagnostic testing suggests that you're anemic, your doctor may advise you to cut back on your exercise program while your body adjusts to the treatments with vitamin B12. Listen to your body. Exercise until fatigue tells you to stop, and don't try to "work through" the unpleasant sensations. Overwork will weaken, rather than strengthen, your body.
Adapting
If your diet is low in foods containing vitamin B12, your physician may suggest changes to your diet or refer you to a dietician for a detailed dietary plan. Cut back your exercise program and focus on low-impact activities, such as walking, rather than strenuous aerobics or lifting. Although there is no clinical support for the idea, some members of the Pernicious Anemia Society report that close attention to their blood sugar levels helps minimize fatigue during exercise.
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