Anemia
Anemia is one of the major blood complications, which occurs when the amount of normal erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood becomes very low, causing iron deficiency. Anemia is commonly found in women of the African race, even though it can affect those of Indian, Mediterranean, Caucasian, and Saudi Arabian descent. If you have anemia, your red blood cells can not transport sufficient oxygen to the vital organs of your body.
Causes of Anemia
The most known reason for anemia is a deficiency of iron. Your body requires iron to produce hemoglobin. The level of iron in the body might decrease due to excessive menstruation, folic acid deficiency, intestinal parasite, certain cancers such as sigmoid colon cancer, colon ulcer, genetic factors, or nutrition that does not include rich iron.
Anemia also occurs frequently because of alimentary canal bleeding caused by drugs, including well-known medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Anemia happens when there is a decrease in erythrocytes in the body. Erythrocytes are essential because they transport oxygen from your pulmonary to all vital organs. Anemia is common during pregnancy since a female must have adequate red blood cells to transport oxygen to her body and fetus. Most cases of anemia are moderate, including those due to chronic illness. Even so, mild or moderate anemia can minimize oxygen supply in the blood, causing weakness and decreased physical ability. Anemia is a situation that influences your erythrocytes. If you have anemia, your cells cannot get adequate oxygen-rich blood.
Consequently, you may feel fatigued and have other clinical manifestations. This condition can be analyzed when there is low hemoglobin in the blood.
You probably don’t give anemia much thought unless you experience its symptoms. But if you’re experiencing fatigue regularly or your skin is paler than usual, there’s a good chance that you might have anemia. Recognizing the condition early on and taking steps to address it can help prevent more severe complications. Anemia is common in people recovering from a bout of flu or another illness, pregnant women, and women who are menstruating for the first time. As so many people with anemia experience it as a result of iron deficiency (the most common cause), following a balanced diet rich in iron-rich foods can help keep your levels healthy.
Types of anemia
There are five main types of anemia; based on their cause and pathology. They are as follows:
Aplastic anemia
- You have aplastic anemia if your body stops making enough healthy red blood cells. The condition makes you weak, increasing your risk of being sick or bleeding uncontrollably.
- It is commonly treated with medication, blood transfusions, or a stem cell transplant (sometimes called a bone marrow transplant).
Iron deficiency anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia caused due to decreased healthy red blood cells. The body's tissues rely on red blood cells to provide oxygen.
- As the name indicates, iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body. The deficiency of iron prevents the body from producing enough of a component in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen across the body (hemoglobin). Consequently, iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue and difficulty breathing.
- Iron supplements are the primary line of treatment for iron deficient anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated with further tests and medications if your doctor detects internal bleeding.
Sickle cell anemia
- Blood disorder characterized by abnormally formed red blood cells (sickle cell anemia) is one form of a set of genetic diseases called sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body and change form. Because of their shape and pliability, red blood cells can readily navigate the body's intricate network of blood channels.
- Some red blood cells in people with sickle cell anemia take on a sickle or crescent form. Blood flow is impeded or perhaps stopped altogether due to the rigidity and stickiness of sickle cells.
- Most persons with sickle cell anemia will never find a treatment that works. Medications can lessen discomfort and protect against further disease-related issues.
Thalassemia
- It's a genetic condition that produces abnormally low hemoglobin levels in the blood. Hemoglobin is essential for oxygen transport in red blood cells. Having thalassemia can lead to anemia, which can make you feel exhausted.
- It's possible that thalassemia can be managed without medication if it's modest. Blood transfusions may be needed frequently for more severe cases. To combat exhaustion, try adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating well and regularly exercising.
A lack of vitamins causes anemia
- If your vitamin B-12 and folate levels are inadequate, you may suffer from vitamin deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells. This can develop if you don't get enough vitamin B-12 and folate from your diet or your body has difficulties metabolizing these nutrients.
- Without essential micronutrients, the body generates impractically big and ineffective red blood cells. Because of this, their capacity to transport oxygen is diminished.
- Weakness, loss of breath, and vertigo are all possible side effects. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can be remedied with the help of pills or injections.
Here are the superfoods to combat anemia
1. Eat more iron-rich foods
The element Iron has a crucial role in blood production. If you don’t consume enough iron in your diet, your body may start to miss out on this essential mineral. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency, so by upping your iron intake, you can decrease the risk of developing the condition. Iron-rich foods include beans and legumes, dark leafy greens (such as spinach, spinach, and Swiss chard), dry fruits, for example, prunes, apricots, figs, and fortified cereals.
Make sure to consume these foods with vitamin C-rich foods, as it helps your body absorb the iron they contain. Include iron-fortified foods, such as iron-fortified cereals, in your diet. For vegetarians, a daily dose of iron supplement and the duration of taking it should be discussed with their physicians.
2. Beans and legumes
You might assume that red meat is the best source of iron. But in fact, legumes are much better for you. Red meat contains heme iron, which is more difficult for your body to absorb), but non-heme iron, found in beans, is more easily absorbed. Iron-rich foods like beans and lentils are also a great source of plant-based protein. They’re particularly beneficial for vegetarians, as they are a great alternative to meat. About two billion individuals worldwide suffer from iron insufficiency, making it the most widespread dietary deficit. It’s most common in people recovering from a bout of flu or another illness, pregnant women, and women who are menstruating for the first time.
3. Eggs
One egg has about 0.6 mg of iron, so eating eggs regularly can help keep your levels up. If you’re concerned about cholesterol in your diet, you may want to avoid eating lots of eggs. However, recent research has suggested that consuming up to one egg daily is not linked with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. To reduce your risk of anemia, you can try substituting some of your other protein-rich foods with eggs. If you’re concerned about cholesterol, you can try replacing one egg with an egg product, such as an egg substitute or egg white omelet.
4. Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens, such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, are not only rich in iron; they also contain vitamin C, which helps your body absorb the iron they have. Vitamin C also benefits your immune system, which is another good reason to include it in your diet. Vegetables are a great way to get your daily iron, as they are low in calories and can be eaten almost limitlessly.
5. Dry fruits
Dry fruits, such as figs, apricots, and raisins, are another tasty way to add iron to your diet. One serving of dried fruits (about one handful) contains about 0.7 mg of iron. You can add dried fruits to your breakfasts, lunches, or dinners. You can also mix them into salads and casseroles or use them as a topping on your desserts. Dry fruits are packed with nutrients but have lots of calories, so eat them in moderation.
Conclusion
Anemia is a medical condition caused mainly due to iron deficiency. Eating iron-rich foods can help prevent anemia. Iron-rich foods include beans, legumes, eggs, dark leafy greens, and dried fruits. You can also add iron to your diet with supplements and by drinking tea. Suppose you’re experiencing fatigue regularly, or your skin is paler than usual. In that case, there’s a good chance you might have anemia, and you should consult your doctor. Recognizing the condition early on and taking steps to address it can help prevent more severe complications. A balanced diet rich in iron-rich foods can help keep your levels healthy. Cured.com is here to keep you updated on your health status. Continue reading our blog for more information on health and fitness-related topics.
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