What is Anaemia?

Anaemia

Anaemia is the term used for abnormally low levels of hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood.



This is usually an impact from consumption of refined foods and is among the most common diseases affecting human beings. Hemoglobin is the red, iron-containing pigment that is stored in red blood cells. About half of the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s tissues. Tissues need oxygen to function, enabling them to 'burn' sources of energy (such as glucose) for work such as muscle contraction, production of secretions, conduction of nerve impulses, etc.

Approximately, one trillion new blood cells are formed daily in the bone marrow. The raw materials required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins and vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12. Of these, iron and proteins are essential in building up the red coloring matter, called hemoglobin.

There are many causes of anaemia, but in all cases, red blood cells are lost more rapidly than they are replaced.



Red cells live approximately 120 days and are being destroyed and replaced daily. The normal concentration of hemoglobin in the blood is 16 g/dl for men and 14 g/dl for women. Anaemia is a condition when hemoglobin concentration drops below 14 g/dl for men or 12 g/dl for women.

Symptoms of Anaemia:

1 Feeling of tiredness, lack of stamina, pale skin.

2 There is associated light-headedness, shortness of breath on slight exertion, palpitation of heart and chest pain.

3 Complaints of weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness are common among anaemic symptoms.

4 Jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin, can be present, if the anaemia is due to breakdown of RBCs (Red Blood Corpuscles).

5 The skin and mucous membranes look pale, the nails appear brittle and there may be sores at the corners of the mouth.

6 Other symptoms include a haggard look, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory and headache; slow healing of wounds, and mental depression are signs to look out for.

Causes of Anaemia:

Lack of nutrition and a balanced diet are one of the key reasons that result in anaemia. Here we list some of the most common causes that contribute to an anaemic condition:

1 Low formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow, either due to defects in the bone marrow itself or to an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins and protein, is one of the main causes of anaemia

2 Intestinal parasites or worms are yet another cause of anaemia. Hookworms, pinworms, roundworms and tapeworms feed on the supply of blood as well as the vitamins.



Symptoms of intestinal worms are itching at the rectum, restlessness during night with bad dreams, diarrhea, foul breath, dark circles under the eyes and a constant desire for food. Garlic, fresh papaya and grated raw carrot can help overcome some types of intestinal parasites.

3 Dietary lack of iron is the most common cause of anaemia, because the body needs iron to make hemoglobin.

4 Lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the diet can also cause anaemia. Infections, drugs, or other diseases can destroy RBCs.

5 Bleeding due to injury, bleeding piles or excessive menstruation are probable causes of anaemia.

6 Inherited diseases like thalassaemia, cancer and leukaemia can also cause anaemia.

7 Emotional strain, anxiety and worry which hinders the production of hydrochloric acid, which is needed for digestion of iron and proteins in the body, could also lead to anaemia.

How to tackle anaemia?

1 Iron tablets taken after meals to avoid an upset stomach.

2 Vitamin B12 or folic acid also can be given in tablet form. It is advisable to take the medication as prescribed.

3 Eating well-balanced meals, three or four times a day. Meats, fish, and poultry are iron rich foods. Other foods high in iron include raisins, sweet potatoes, beans, green peas, pulses, enriched cereals and breads and green leafy vegetables.

4 Females, particularly those with heavy menstrual periods, must have a higher intake of iron to prevent anaemia.

Dietary Treatment:

Diet is of the utmost importance in the treatment of anaemia. Refined foods like white bread, polished rice, sugar and desserts rob the body of the much-needed iron. Iron should always be taken in its natural organic form in food, as the use of inorganic iron can prove hazardous. Intake of inorganic iron may cause destruction of protective vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, serious liver damage, miscarriage during pregnancy and delayed or premature births.

Diet for anaemia:

1 The diet should be predominantly alkaline. The emphasis should be on raw fruits and vegetables, which are rich in iron. Iron rich vegetables are spinach, green onions, squash, carrots, radishes, beets, celery, yams, tomatoes and potatoes (with jackets).

2 Fruits rich in iron include bananas, apples, dark grape, apricots, plums, raisins and strawberries. Bananas are particularly beneficial as they also contain, besides easily assailable iron folic acid and vitamin B- 12 both of which are extremely useful in the treatment of anemia.

3 Other iron-rich foods are whole wheat, brown rice, beans, soyabeans, sunflower seeds, molasses, eggs and honey. Honey is also rich in copper, which helps in iron absorption. The diet should also be adequate in proteins of high biological value such as milk, homemade cottage cheese and eggs.

4 Vitamin B-12 is a must for preventing or curing anemia. This vitamin is usually found in animal protein and especially in organic meats like kidney and liver. Consumption of meat comes with its own set of disadvantages as all meats are becoming increasingly dangerous due to widespread diseases in the animals, which are slaughtered. Other equally good sources of vitamin B 12 are the various dairy products like : milk, eggs and cheese.

5 Wheat germ , peanuts and soyabean also contain some B l2.



Vegetarians should include adequate amount of milk, milk products and eggs in their diet. For prevention of anaemia it is essential to take the entire b complex range which includes B-12 as well as the natural foods mentioned above. Eating lacto-ovo products which are complete proteins containing vitamin B-12 is good insurance against the disease.

6 A liberal intake of ascorbic acid is necessary to facilitate absorption of iron. At least two helpings of citrus fruits and other ascorbic acid rich foods should be taken daily.

7 Mention must be made of beets, which are extremely important in curing anaemia. Beet juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, B2, niacin, b6 C and vitamin p. With its high iron content beet juice regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies the body with fresh oxygen.