What Is Anemia and What Causes It?
Anemia is the lack of red blood cells in the blood stream, red blood cells are vital to your body’s health as there jobs is to carry oxygen around the body. Without them we cannot live, this is why it is important to have a plentiful supply. When we become anemia our bodies become tired, your skin may turn pale and you may become dizzy often. Usually the symptoms don’t become clear until the condition progresses, the only way to really prove you have anemia is by taking a blood test. Your blood will be examined by a professional to decide if you have a lack of red blood cells.
Different Types of Anemia
There are a few different forms of anemia, you will be able to determine which one you may have by talking to a professional such as a doctor.
Iron Deficiency 1mg of iron daily is enough to keep your iron levels high enough to produce the correct amount of hemoglobin, sometimes if our diets lack the correct amount of iron we may get anemia. It is more common in women who are menstruating because of blood lose so it is recommended they increase their iron intake.
You can find iron in many foods such as liver, kidney, black pudding, oat and wheat bran, cashew nuts and almonds along with plenty of other tasty foods.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Lack of vitamin B12 in our diet can cause reduced production of hemoglobin, vitamin B12 is usually found in animal products so vegans and vegetarians may lack this. Although it may not be down to just diet, some people lack the ability to absorb vitamin B12 through the walls of the stomach. This type of anemia usually occurs in those over 40 with thyroid or diabetic problems. It is also more common in people of northern European descent with fair skin.
Sickle Cell Anemia This is the most deadly form of anemia it affects around 0.5% of the population and is inherited, it most commonly affects African-Americans. The symptoms are pains in the joints and infections, heart failure can also occur.
Sickle cell anemia is when the red blood cells are deformed and unable to fit through blood vessels as they are very stiff.
Blood Loss When we have heavy blood loss, the body does not have enough iron to keep the body functioning this may results in anemia. Causes of blood loss may be heavy menstrual bleeding, internal bleeding, internal ulcers, cancer of the colon or wounds.
The diagnosis of anemia should be done by a doctor, never assume you may have anemia it is always better to get professional help.