Dealing with Anemia
Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which also decreases your blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout your body. Those suffering from anemia often feel run down, weak, and “under the weather.” Lack of energy prevents them from doing many of the things they want to do, and feeling bad so much of the time can lead to feelings of depression.
Anemia can have a profound effect on your daily life. Luckily, there are ways to deal with this condition.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
While women and children seem to be more prone to anemia, men can suffer from this condition, too. Those suffering from anemia will have some of the following symptoms.
* Constipation.
* Dizziness.
* Elevated heart rate.
* Exhaustion/fatigue.
* Frequent headaches.
* Inability to concentrate.
* Irritability.
* Lack of appetite.
* Listlessness.
* Often feel cold or chilled.
* Reduced sense of taste.
* Shortness of breath.
If you’re suffering from several of these symptoms, you may have anemia.
What are the causes of anemia?
There are many things that can cause anemia.
* Antibiotics
* Bleeding/ hemorrhaging
* Certain medical conditions
* Dietary deficiencies
* Drugs and alcohol
* Iron deficiency
* Lactating
* Menstruation
* Pregnancy
* Ulcers
Eat plenty of foods rich in iron to fight anemia.
A common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. So, eating foods that are rich in iron can help you fight anemia. Some of these foods include:
* Apples
* Asparagus
* Bananas
* Beets
* Broccoli
* Brown Rice
* Carrots
* Honey
* Lean red meats
* Liver
* Plums
* Potatoes
* Raisins
* Tomatoes and tomato juice
* Whole grain breads, cereals and pastas.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is the best way to fight anemia.
Get plenty of vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. So, eat foods rich in vitamin C, or have a glass of orange juice with your meals. Also, taking vitamin C or drinking a citrus juice along with your iron tablets will help your body put the iron to better use.
Avoid things that hinder iron absorption.
Certain foods decrease your body’s ability to absorb iron, which can lead to anemia. There are some things you should avoid, especially right before or after taking iron tablets, or eating meals.
* Try to decrease your consumption of sugar.
* Also try to decrease your consumption of coffee and tea.
* Don’t take antacids right before or after taking iron tablets.
* Sometimes, it’s not good to eat all of your vegetables. Vegetables like spinach, lentils, and butter beans can interfere with iron absorption. If you’re eating a meal rich with iron, avoid those vegetables.
* If you take iron tablets in the morning, take your other supplements in the evening, or vise versa. Some, like calcium and zinc, can block iron absorption.
If you’re suffering from anemia, there’s no reason for you to go on feeling run down and listless. There are things you can do to deal with anemia, and recover some-if not all-of the energy you’ve lost.
