RED-S: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

RED-S: the result of not eating appropriately for the amount of energy that your body expends, specifically during sport.

This is MUCH MORE common than originally realized and can affect every system in your body!

This isn’t just seen in elite athletes. We see it in adolescent and adult athletes, anyone who exercises and even pregnant & postpartum women. Women do not have to be lean or in a weight class sport to experience RED-S.

Symptoms usually begin as chronic fatigue and low mood, but can eventually lead to issues with fertility, loss of menstruation, recurrent injuries and even possible stress fractures.

Unfortunately under fueling, especially postpartum as women are beginning to get back into exercise and are possibly still breastfeeding/pumping, puts an increased demand for adequate nutrition on the body. If this demand is not being met women may begin to experience:

🔹Depression

🔹Irritability

🔹Decreased concentration

🔹Hormone imbalances (especially with regard to thyroid function)

🔹Decreased muscle strength

🔹Decreased endurance

If you have been noticing any of the above listed signs or symptoms of RED-S, please reach out! Stay tuned for some amazing and interactive information coming from Dr. James, Dr. Rachel and myself in the near future as well!

About the Author: Dr. Sarah Tirimacco

Dr. Sarah Tirimacco was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. After graduating with honors from The University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology. She is excited to be offering quality chiropractic and wellness care to pregnant people, postpartum people, athletes and their families in the Rochester community. She is specialty trained as a pregnancy chiropractor and also has extensive training in postpartum care.