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The lack of normal red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues in your body is called Anemia. It comes in many different forms, and common symptoms are feeling weak and exhausted. Anemia has different ranges, and it can be temporary or permanent. If you are suffering from Anemia, you should consider visiting your doctor because it can mean that there is an underlying health issue.
There are different treatments for Anemia, such as taking supplements, but you may require surgery if that does not work.
Two common anemia types and causes are:
· Aplastic Anemia
This occurs if your body stops making fresh blood cells; at this point, you become fatigued and more prone to getting an infection, and if you get a cut, you will bleed uncontrollably. Aplastic Anemia is very rare, and there is no age limit with its development. It can happen slowly over time, or it can happen suddenly. This type of Anemia ranges from moderate to critical. The different sorts of treatment given to someone with Aplastic Anemia are stem cell transplants or blood transfer. Some indications of Aplastic Anemia are your skin starting to look pale in color, difficulty breathing, feeling fatigued, rashes on your skin, headache, and fever. One cause of Aplastic Anemia is being exposed to deadly substances.
· Sickle-cell Anemia
This type of illness is hereditary. The reason for Sickle-cell anemia is the defective hemoglobin form that forces the red blood cells to change into a crescent shape, leaving your body desperately short of those blood cells because they eventually die. Normally the red cells have a circular shape and flow easily through the blood vessels. Unfortunately, there is no cure known for a person with sickle-cell Anemia; however, treatment can alleviate pain.
Other types are:
· Vitamin Deficit Anemia
· Thalassemia
· Iron Deficit Anemia
The main culprit behind anemia deficiency is lack of iron. Women are especially easily susceptible because of a monthly menstruation cycle. If you believe that your iron count is low or you are showing any symptoms above, then it's time to visit your doctor. There are, however, other ways to get your iron count back to normal such as eating foods rich in iron, especially if you've ever been diagnosed with iron deficits. Consuming iron-rich allows extra oxygen to go into your blood, which aids in correcting the deficit. Even though there is iron-rich food out there that can be used to correct your deficit, it is best to speak to your doctor because the matter might be more serious than you think, and never take any supplements unless directed by a doctor.
Left untreated, Anemia can pose many difficulties such as severe fatigue, a complication with pregnancy, developing heart disease, and you can die.
There is no correct or incorrect way to take iron-rich supplements; the worst that can happen is that your body will be better. If you're a vegan, you don't have to worry about the different iron sources used in the supplements because they have plant-based iron supplements.
However, one side note for persons who love to drink coffee while eating, it blocks iron absorption, so it isn't advised to consume coffee while eating food containing iron-based foods. Below you will observe a list of foods that you can consume even though you are anemic.
· Vegetables that are of a leafy, dark and green kind
Two types of iron are found in your food sources non-heme and heme. Heme is observed mostly in food from animals, and your body absorbs approximately seventy percent of it. Non-heme is seen in plant-based food, and approximately only thirty percent of the iron is absorbed by your body. So, if you're a vegetarian, you will need to consume more vegetables than normally to support iron retention. Dark, leafy, green vegetables, e.g., spinach, are an excellent non-heme source, especially when cooked and a small amount of lime juice is added.
· Consuming Seeds and Nuts
Some of the various nutrition-based food that you snack on is different seeds and nuts. Seeds such as pumpkin seeds are rich in iron, and it's also a great snack to keep close to you. Nuts such as pistachio provide approximately six percent of your daily admission of iron.
· Eating red meat
A cut of beef can give you a daily intake of twenty-two percent worth of iron. To increase iron absorption, you can consider eating food that contains Vitamin C, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
· Adding shellfish to your diet
If you lack iron, adding shellfish to your diet is a good way to get iron. The best portion size of shellfish to consume is 3 ounces, and if you add a little lemon juice, it will help in absorption. If you are someone who likes shellfish, then sardines are an excellent alternative.
· Consuming Quinoa
If you are looking to add a variety of iron-based foods to your diet, then Quinoa is that alternative. Studies done showed that Quinoa is packed with iron also; other grains such as Kamut, whole wheat, and oats can be used as alternatives.
· Adding chicken to your menu
If you are not interested in eating beef or shellfish to get your iron's daily input, you can instead eat chicken breast. This portion of the chicken is lean and has a quantity of heme, which can significantly improve your iron intake daily. Eating 3 ounces of chicken with spinach, tomatoes, or broccoli is a great way to get your day's worth of iron.
· Legumes
Another great idea for persons with Anemia is to add lentils to their diet. Half a cup of lentils will give you at least twenty percent of your daily consumption of iron. The double advantage of eating lentils is they are great fibrous food.
· Eating eggs
Eggs contain a great deal of iron naturally, making them the perfect food for persons who has Anemia. If you would like to eat an iron-filled breakfast, you can pair eggs with Quinoa and sauteed spinach.
· Molasses
Molasses have been under the radar for too long; this superfood is packed with magnesium, calcium, selenium, Vitamin B6, and a high iron source. Unfortunately, most individuals have never heard about it. The most reliable way to eat molasses is to combine it to toast, topping in your oatmeal, or add a spoonful to your smoothie. Molasses contains a great deal of sugar, and therefore you want to use caution when adding it to your food.
The risk factors of Anemia
You will be in danger of getting Anemia if you:
· Menstruate heavily
· Have a illness of the intestines
· Are pregnant
· Have a Anemia in your family history
Preventing Anemia
You cannot prevent many forms of Anemia; however, you can avoid getting iron-deficit Anemia if you use food high in:
· Iron
These foods include meat and beef, dark green leafy vegetables, and beans like lentils and different dried fruits.
· Vitamin C
Food like citrus, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberry, and melons helps increase your chance of iron intake.
· Folate
The artificial form of folate known as folic acid is present in juices created from fruits, green, dark and leafy vegetables, nuts such as peanuts, green peas, kidney beans, rice, and pasta.
· Vitamin B12
Some foods that have Vitamin B12 are soy, dairy, meat, and some cereal.
If you feel that you are not consuming enough minerals and vitamins, you can speak to your physician about adding a multivitamin to your diet. Speaking with them will also help guide you towards the most effective meal plans for your condition. They may also help by providing you with useful resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
