How Does Anemia Affect the Body?
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Anemia Symptoms
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Anemia is a blood disorder resulting from a shortage of hemoglobin (the red pigment that gives red blood cells their color) to the red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. People with anemia usually have a pasty complexion and are very pale because their cells can't transport the oxygen they need. If you are weak, short of breath, have a hard time concentrating, and experience a lot of fatigue, you could have anemia. Other symptoms are cold hands and feet, restless leg syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, belching, split nails, a racing heart, hair loss and colds. You should never self-diagnose when it comes to anemia. You should see a doctor and have a complete blood count (CBC) to be sure.
Causes and Types of Anemia
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Iron deficiency anemia is a lack of iron in the blood. If you don't get 200-240 mg of iron a day in the ferrous sulfate form, you're more likely to develop this type of anemia. A shortage of copper can cause copper deficiency anemia. Most people only get 1.6 mg of copper a day instead of the 2 mg they should get. Pernicious anemia is a deficiency of vitamin B12. Symptoms are different than those of other types of anemia and include a burning tongue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, memory loss, depression, irritability, and tingling or numbness in hands and feet. Anemia is caused by not eating enough of the types of food that give you vitamins and minerals you need. It can also be hereditary. Excess bleeding can lead to anemia, and many bone marrow diseases such as leukemia don't let bone marrow produce enough red blood cells.This is aplastic anemia. Other diseases such as HIV, AIDS and chronic diseases can cause anemia. Chemotherapy, kidney failure and infections can damage bone marrow and decrease the amount of red blood cells being produced. Long term alcoholics and strict vegetarians who don't take vitamin supplements can develop anemia. Your body's inability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals can cause anemia.
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Anemia Treatment
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After blood work has determined that you have anemia, the cause of the anemia must be discovered. Medication, surgery or procedures may be necessary to correct what is causing anemia. Doctors may recommend supplements and adding foods with vitamins and minerals you're lacking to your diet. Eggs, beef, lamb, nuts, yogurt, and whole grains are good. Eating 3 ounces of liver twice a month gives you easily absorbed iron along with folate and B12. Eat legumes such as chick peas, lima beans, and kidney beans. Add breakfast cereal with whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and turnip greens to your diet. Take vitamin supplements and ask your doctor about B12 injections. If you take zinc, limit yourself to less than 30 mg a day. More can increase your risk of anemia.
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