In 2022, during my annual routine medical exams, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with anemia. This came as a surprise to me and my family because at the time I practiced three sports—volleyball, basketball, and soccer—never experienced symptoms and was performing well in school (academically).
Following doctors orders, I underwent several months of additional testing to identify the root cause of my illness. Eventually, doctors determined that I had iron‑deficiency anemia, triggered by heavy menstrual periods.
Along with taking iron supplements, my doctor emphasized that I also needed to improve my diet by eating foods rich in iron.