A study warns against excessive exercise... How does it harm your blood?

A recent scientific study has revealed unexpected harms of excessive exercise, citing participation in long-distance running races.

The study explained that athletes who participate in long-distance races of more than 40 kilometers show signs of red blood cell breakdown , which affects the amount of food and oxygen that the body's cells receive.

It is known that red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells, and removing waste products from various physiological processes.

In order to perform this function, blood cells must be flexible enough to pass through the tiny capillaries in the body.

As part of the study published in the scientific journal "Blood Red Cells & Iron," which specializes in blood research, a research team from the University of Colorado Anschutz in the United States drew blood samples from 23 athletes, before and after participating in a 40-kilometer sprint or a longer marathon , and conducted analyses to determine the levels of protein, plasma, red blood cells, fats, and other components in the samples.

The researchers found that the red blood cells in the athletes' samples after strenuous races were less flexible and showed signs of aging and breakdown, especially for those who participated in long-distance running races.

The researchers attributed this to changes in blood pressure along with increased rates of inflammation and oxidative stress.

The research team indicated that more research is needed to determine how long it takes the body to repair these problems, and whether their impact is long-term or short-term.

The head of the study team said that he could not currently make a recommendation regarding participation in these strenuous sporting events, but he confirmed that continued physical exertion damages red blood cells.