Is exercise beneficial for anemia?

Exercise can provide certain benefits to patients with anemia, but the choice of appropriate type and intensity of exercise should be based on individual conditions.

Adequate physical activity can promote blood circulation and metabolism, improve cardiac pumping efficiency, aid red blood cell production, and enhance oxygen transportation. This may help alleviate symptoms caused by reduced blood volume and insufficient oxygen supply, such as palpitations, chest tightness, and dizziness. It is particularly beneficial for patients with mild anemia.

Patients with anemia have lower-than-normal blood volume. Excessive exercise increases oxygen consumption, which may worsen symptoms due to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity from reduced red blood cell count. Therefore, patients with anemia should avoid strenuous exercise and may choose aerobic activities such as hiking, walking, or brisk walking.

Exercise can play a role in improving anemia, but the type of exercise should be selected according to the severity and type of anemia. At the same time, patients with anemia should actively seek medical treatment to address the underlying causes.