Exercise and the Body
Not eating enough can make your body weaker and less stable during exercise, increasing your risk of this.
Injury
What hormone helps your body feel full and drops when you’re not eating enough?
Leptin
What are the building blocks of protein?
Amino acids
Which nutrient makes up the largest part of your body and helps regulate temperature?
Water
What mineral is required to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen needed for movement?
Iron
Which stress hormone increases with excessive exercise and low intake?
Cortisol
This condition involving reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk can result from prolonged low energy availability.
Osteoporosis
What structural protein is a major component of tendons and ligaments?
Collagen
This electrolyte is critical for muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
Potassium
What vitamin is required for normal calcium absorption to support bone loading with movement?
Vitamin D
This occurs when the body does not have enough energy to support both movement and basic physiological functions.
Low energy availability
Adequate energy availability supports this state of balance during and after movement.
homeostasis
After movement, protein supports this process in the body.
Muscle repair
This electrolyte is primarily responsible for fluid balance and is lost in sweat.
Sodium
What mineral allows muscles to contract and relax by triggering muscle fiber activation?
Calcium
This process allows the body to repair and strengthen after movement.
Rest
What syndrome links under-fueling with impaired performance and health across multiple systems?
RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)
Protein works alongside this macronutrient to support recovery after exercise.
Carbohydrates
This organ plays the primary role in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.
The kidneys
What vitamin is necessary for collagen formation, supporting tendons and ligaments during movement?
Vitamin C.
This physiological response may increase during recovery, especially when reintroducing movement, requiring more energy than expected.
Hypermetabolism
This hormone involved in metabolism and energy regulation may be suppressed during chronic energy deficiency.
Thyroid hormone
After activity, protein helps your body recover and supports this system that helps fight off illness.
Immune system
When fluid intake is insufficient, this may increase as the body works to conserve water.
urine concentration
What vitamin helps your body make red blood cells, and can make you feel tired if it’s low?
Vitamin B12