Anemia, or anemia - a pathological condition, which is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin and in the overwhelming majority of cases of the number of erythrocytes in a unit of blood volume. Hemoglobin - protein, which is contained in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and tolerate oxygen from the lungs in fabrics and body organs.
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What is anemia?
Anemia arises in all periods of human life not only with various diseases, but also in some physiological conditions, for example, during pregnancy, in the period of reinforced growth, lactation. The most common cause of anemia is a deficiency of iron in the body (iron is necessary to generate hemoglobin).
Symptoms of anemia:
- Often there are no symptoms
- Pallor
- Fatigue
- Unusual shortness of breath during sports
- Fast heartbeat
- Cold palms and feet
- Nail fragility
- Headaches
What causes iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency in the body may be caused by a number of reasons:
Disadvantage of iron in the diet. This phenomenon is especially common among children and young girls. Iron deficiency threatens children who drink a lot of milk, but do not like products rich in iron, and girls who comply with fashion diets.
Enhanced increasing organism. Children under 3 years old grow so quickly that their body does not have time to produce the required amount of iron.
Pregnancy.Women during pregnancy or breastfeeding (lactation) need two and a half times more iron than men. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to take tests on anemia and enrich the diet of food with high iron content (for example, apples) or daily taking nutritional supplements of iron.
Loss of blood. This is one of the most common causes of iron deficiency in adults. For example, anemia can cause abundant menstruation. Blood loss can also be associated with internal bleeding, for example, in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, cancer or long-term drugs such as aspirin and similar to it, can cause gastric or intestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is so important as possible to determine the cause of the iron deficiency in the body.
How to diagnose anemia?
If you suspect that the anemia is sick, consult a doctor. For diagnosis of anemia prescribed blood test. To clarify the causes of the disease, a number of other analyzes must be held.
Can I prevent anemia?
Some types of anemia can be prevented, in particular, caused by a disadvantage of iron in nutrition. To prevent such anemia, enrich the ration with rich gland products, the approximate list of which is shown below.
- Liver and meat
- seafood
- dried fruits - dried apricots and raisins
- Orekhi
- Beans, especially Lima Beans
- Green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach
- Cane Melassia
- Whole grains
- Iron-rich bread and porridge (see. Information on the package)
How to treat anemia?
The treatment of anemia depends on its causes. So, if anemia is caused by blood loss, it is necessary to treat the cause of bleeding. If anemia is caused by insufficient consumption of iron-containing products, the doctor will recommend changing the diet or take supplements of iron.
How to increase iron consumption?
Best of all the body perceives iron in meat. Consumption of a small amount of meat along with other sources of iron, for example, certain vegetables, will provide the body with the necessary amount of iron. The combination of iron-containing products with vitamin C or food rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits and juices) promotes better absorption of iron by the body.
Some products prevent the absorption of iron, including coffee, tea, egg yolk, milk, fiber and soybean protein. Try to do not use these products in combination with iron-containing products.
Are food additives dangerous supplements?
Iron additives can cause stomach disorder, heartburn and constipation. Be sure to inform the doctor if you notice these side effects.
