Anemia: Everything You Need To Know About This Condition
The cause of anemia is not only based on the lack of consumption of foods rich in iron. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin (the pigment that gives color to red blood cells – erythrocytes – and has the vital function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues) within the red blood cells, by reducing the number of red blood cells in the blood.
Anemia can be chronic or acute. Among its symptoms are sleep, tiredness and paleness. Foods rich in nutrients and iron help with your treatment.
What causes anemia?
It is not always the bad diet that causes it. Other health problems can also cause the red blood cells to decrease in the blood and, as a result, lead to this condition.
Its main causes are: loss of blood (hemorrhages), lack of production of red blood cells or a low concentration of hemoglobin.
Symptoms
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- leg pain
- weak nails
- Dry skin
- Loss of hair
- ankle swelling
- memory failures
- Pallor
- feeling faint
How to identify it?
To find out if there is a picture of anemia, it is not enough just to be based on the above symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor, who will surely ask for a blood count, a simple and ideal exam to verify the problem.
This test consists of counting white cells (leukocytes), red cells (red cells), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), red cell indices, and platelet count.
If the values are too low, anemia is proven. The measurement of hemoglobin accurately informs the identification of anemia, providing an index of intensity.
Types of anemia
- Iron deprivation (due to lack of iron)
- sickle cell (genetic cause)
- Pernicious (due to lack of vitamin B12)
- Aplastic (bone marrow decreases the production of blood cells)
- Hemolytic (antibodies destroy blood cells)
- From Fanconi (genetic origin, finger anomalies)
How to treat her?
In the case of iron deficiency, there are basic foods that can offer us this mineral. For example:
- Bean
- Parsley
- Açaí
- fortified milk
- special wheat flour
- Brazil nuts
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach, watercress and arugula)
- Meat
- Chickpea
- Eggs
- Strawberry
care
To eat red meat, for example, it is recommended to eat it in small amounts, 2-3 times a week. Unlike white meat (fish and chicken), which can be consumed daily.
In order for iron to be better absorbed, it is important to drink fruit juices that have vitamin C, including orange and acerola, and avoid coffee, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, etc. These foods impair iron absorption in the body.
