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podcast

September 9, 2024

Understanding REDs: What Active Women Need to Know

with podcast guest

Kelly Slovin

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Kelly Slovin is a Sports Dietitian and expert on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) with a background in helping athletes, and active individuals fuel their bodies for peak performance. After navigating her journey with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), which she now identifies as REDs, Kelly has become a passionate advocate for educating others about the critical importance of proper nutrition and menstrual health.

In this episode, Kelly and I discuss the nuances of REDs, how it differs from the older concept of the Female Athlete Triad, why maintaining a regular menstrual cycle is vital for athletes, the detrimental effects of over-exercising and under-fueling, signs and symptoms of REDs to be aware of, challenges in researching female athletes, strategies for long-term management and prevention of REDs, and more. Enjoy the episode!

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Highlights

  • Understanding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and how it differs from the Female Athlete Triad concept
  • Kelly’s experience with hypothalamic amenorrhea and learning about REDs
  • Health implications of missing periods
  • Prevalence of REDs and the need for more REDs-informed providers
  • Signs and symptoms of REDs
  • Debunking the myth that losing periods is normal for female athletes
  • Why maintaining menstrual health is crucial for female athletes
  • Recovery outlook for REDs
  • How chronic stress from REDs can lead to digestive problems
  • A nutrition-first approach to recovery
  • What a balanced plate looks like for active individuals
  • Early warning signs for REDs
  • What to consider when building a treatment team
  • Recognizing the role of eating disorders
  • Long-term strategies for managing REDs and preventing relapse
  • Navigating the conflict between an athlete’s competitive goals and health needs
  • The critical need for better education among those supporting athletes
  • How social media misinformation impacts female athletes
  • The value of foundational nutrition over fad diets and quick fixes

Resources

Podcast Production: Amazing Gains

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Medical Disclaimer
Information in this post and on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information is a result of practice experience and research by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.