According To Science, You Can Actually Be Allergic To Exercise

Nov 05, 2018 by apost team

Can one really be allergic to exercise? Science has proven that there is some truth to this statement. Sure, most of us have heard or even said that we can't work out because we're allergic to physical fitness. However, while some people may say this as a joke, the reality is that it can be true!

Most people may find it difficult to make a habit of hitting the gym and oftentimes come up with excuse after excuse as to why they won't work out.

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With all of the benefits that exercise brings, it's a wonder that more people don't try to push past these excuses. Regular exercise helps people lose weight, increase energy levels, boost one's mood, build bone density, and significantly decrease one's risk of developing chronic diseases. However, with all the good that comes with exercise, some people truly do benefit from avoiding working out. That is if that person is allergic to exercise.

Believe it or not, someone can really develop an allergy to exercise. This allergy, much like being allergic to household cleaners, jewelry or pollen, affects individuals that cannot perform strenuous activities.

Scientifically, this allergy is known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis or EIA. Though EIA is a rare condition, it affects about 2% of the population in the Western world. While it may be humorous to say, "I'm allergic to exercise", this condition is very serious.

Individuals that have EIA often complain that they have trouble breathing, in addition to experiencing swelling and itching.

These types of symptoms occur when the body's allergy cells start to release histamines that are typically used to help rid the body of allergens.

During anaphylactic shock, the body begins to flood the bloodstream with a large number of inflammatory cells. These cells overwhelm the body, resulting in nausea, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Oddly enough, EIA isn't actually triggered by exercise. It is caused by certain foods that people eat prior to working out. Popular Science published a story of a man suffering from EIA after he spent 30 minutes working out on an elliptical machine. His anaphylactic reaction was caused by what he ate before his gym visit: pizza with peppers and tomatoes. This combination of food resulted in his reaction of EIA.

While EIA is rare, it can occur with any type of food. People suffering from this condition should visit an allergist in order to determine what foods they are sensitive to.

EIA can strike any time, but women that try to exercise during their menstrual period may find themselves more susceptible to the symptoms of EIA. This is due to the fact that a woman's estrogen levels are higher during her period. This estrogen will bind to her cells, resulting in an allergic reaction.

Similarly, strenuous exercises like swimming, biking or running can bring on EIA, specifically if they happen after the consumption of certain drugs like aspirin. Though the symptoms and onset of EIA can seem terrifying, EIA typically affects 50 people out of a group of 100,000.

Since EIA is so rare, most people will never truly be able to use the "I'm allergic to exercise" excuse.

How interesting! Can you believe that this type of allergy is real? Have you ever experienced something similar to EIA? Tell us your story in a comment below.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!