What is Anemia?
Anemia hampers the health of over half of India’s population. It is identified by the low level of iron in the body. The iron helps to make the protein called hemoglobin which functions as an oxygen carrier across the body. Consequently, low levels of iron decrease the hemoglobin levels, and the body cells and tissues are unable to receive enough oxygen. Anemia can be identified with breathlessness and fatigue. It also makes your skin pale.
What are the different types of anemia?
A few common types of anemia are-
Iron- deficiency anemia: It is a condition in which the blood lacks iron and doesn’t have sufficient red blood cells. This deficiency can be improved by iron supplementation.
Sickle cell anemia: This anemia is an inherited disorder caused due to two sickle hemoglobin genes. In this condition, the red blood cells are shaped like a sickle that is unable to move freely through blood vessels. This reduces the blood and oxygen flow in the body. Sickle cell anemia is not treatable but its symptoms can be controlled.
Aplastic anemia: In this blood disorder the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. It can occur rapidly or take a long time. Aplastic anemia can either be genetic or acquired.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: The lack of vitamin B12 produces large blood cells. This decreases the capacity of carrying oxygen in the body, resulting in anemia.
What are the causes of Anemia?
Anemia can be inherited or acquired. It is mainly caused due to inadequate red blood cells production, blood loss, and destruction of red blood cells in the body. There are three types of blood cells produced in your body red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The red blood cells or RBCs are manufactured in the bone marrow. RBCs contain hemoglobin which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and also imparts red color to the blood. Hemoglobin is produced with the help of nutrients like vitamin B-12, Vitamin B-9, iron, copper, and protein. The white blood cells help the body to fight against foreign particles, whereas, platelets aid in blood clotting.
A few of the common causes are:
Deficiency of vitamins
Late menopause
Deficiency of iron and folic acid during pregnancy
Shortage of red blood cells due to cancer
Autoimmune disorders
Inherited blood disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Heavy menstruation
What are the visible symptoms of anemia?
The symptoms of anemia depend on the severity of the disease. Many a time the symptoms are too mild to be noticed. They get more complicated as the condition aggravates. Some of the detectable symptoms are:
Breathlessness
Headaches
Loss of sleep
Coldness in hands and feet
Problem in concentration
Light headedness
Tiredness and exhaustion
Pale skin
Cramps in legs
Uneven heartbeat
Is Anemia preventable?
The inherited anemia cannot be prevented but can be kept under control via different treatment methods. The anemia caused due to nutrient deficiency can be avoided and treated by supplementing the required vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
Vitamin B-12 is not produced in your body. It is an essential nutrient and has to be sourced externally. Eggs are a great source of vitamins and proteins. Other foods like Shiitake mushrooms, dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese, fortified foods, and nutritional yeast are good sources of vitamins.
Vitamin C can be derived from fruits like lemon, tomatoes, melons, potatoes, and peppers.
Vitamin B9 or Folate can be extracted from broccoli, soybeans, kidney beans, peas, cereals, rice, and fruits like bananas and oranges.
Iron can be obtained from nuts, leafy vegetables, beans, chickpeas, soybean, and meat.
The treatment of anemia depends upon the type of blood disorder. The acquired anemia is mostly treatable with iron and vitamin-rich food. The acquired genetic condition may need medical intervention of different kinds. Anemia must be treated well on time to prevent any mishap as in most cases, anemia is preventable and is non-threatening.
