Anemia

Anemia/Iron deficiency is a decrease in normal number of  red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from  the lungs to the rest of the body,  in the blood.

Symptoms include  feelings of weakness, or fatigue, headache and sometimes poor concentration. Individuals may  also report shortness of breath, on exertion.  Irritability, loss of appetite, pale skin, abdominal pain, coldness, fainting, sore mouth or tongue, brittle nails and/or hair, sore mouth and tongue are also symptoms of someone who may be anemic.

Individuals who are severely anemic,  may have signs of a hyper-dynamic circulation which is  a fast heart rate (tachycardia), flow murmurs, and cardiac enlargement. There also may be signs of heart failure.

Less common symptoms may include swelling of the legs, restless leg syndrome,  swelling of the arms, chronic heartburn, vomiting, increased sweating, and blood in stool.

Pica, which is the consumption of non-food based items such as dirt, paper, wax, grass and paint, may be a symptom of iron deficiency, although it occurs often in those who have normal levels of hemoglobin.

Causes of Anemia : can include excessive menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, autoimmune conditions as well as parasites. Stomach surgery, malfunctioning kidneys as well as an iron deficient diet may cause anemia as well.

Treatment:  The treatment of anemia depends on severity and the cause of the iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia can be  treated by iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous peptonates or ferrous chelates. Vitamin C  promote the body’s ability to absorb iron.

A multivitamin that contains Vitamin A will also assist with the digestion of iron. One should also consider Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E which both increase energy levels , Zinc which will promote endurance  and Folic Acid which assists in prevention of anemia.

Iron rich foods include red meats such as liver and other organ meats, veansm black strap molasses, dried fruits,  whole grains, brown rice, seafood, eggs, poultry and green leafy vegetables. Individuals should avoid almonds, black teas, coffee, beets, spinach, and  asparagus  because these items interfere with iron absorption.

 

**Please consult your physician/health care provider further for treatment.