ASPRIN/Trainning/Endurance

[aldosweeting]

I was wondering if someone can help me answer a question. I am an athlete that needs a bit more endurance to finish my races. At this point I am looking for every way possible to get a little edge. You know, I have heard great things about taking baby Asprin to thin the blood on a daily basis which will allow my blood cells to squeeze through my capillaries faster and smoother. But on the other hand I have heard that thinning the blood lowers the hematocrit levels. Is this okay--? Epo (which i understand works great) from what I understand thickens the blood, what should I be trying to do to my blood in order to increase my racing performances? Should I be taking baby asprin on a daily basis or should I not worry about anything? ( In my sport I can't take epo or any other illegal supplements)

Thanks!

 

[Warpath]

Aspirin acts by irreveversibly acetylating the cyclooxygenase enzymes on the surface of platlets in your blood, thus making them inactive. The cyclooxygenase enzymes function to produce a prostaglandin called thromboxane 2. Thromboxane 2 constricts arterioles and enhances platelet aggregation and clot formation. So by taking aspirin you are essentially dilating your arterioles and inhibiting clot formation around your body. Theoretically taking 80-325 mg of apirin a day could help blood flow, but only if you were having clotting and arteriole dilation in the first place which isnt very likely if you are less than 35 years old. Taking aspirin as far as I know does not effect your rbc count.