All about Anemia

Popular beliefs about Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the blood contains less of red pigment (hemoglobin) than normal. This could of course happen due to several reasons. Some have this as a genetic ailment that they are carrying on, others might be anemic due to shock, or even stress and still others due to the lack of iron, or nourishment. Generally when the hemoglobin level is low, the red blood cells (RBCs) cannot carry as much oxygen to the body tissues as they should. As a result, one tires easily and may even feel dizzy, breathless, or have angina (heart pain). And mind you this stage does not only restrict itself to the elderly. Anemia can have different causes, and the symptoms depend on its severity.

The occurrence of Anemia
Dietary lack of iron is one of the most common causes of Anemia. This is also because the body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Interestingly, like when you heat iron and it turns red, similarly the body requires iron for the reddish tinge in the red blood cells. Lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the diet can also cause Anemia. Infections, drugs, or other diseases can destroy RBCs. Anemia can also be caused by bleeding, inherited diseases like thalassaemia, cancer and leukemia.

What are the symptoms?
A general feeling of tiredness, lack of stamina, with pale skin, palms of hands, gums, eyes, and nail beds. These people are largely lethargic, not because of their personality types, but more because of the sickness that they seem to suffer from. So they might appear white to you, in reality they are truly pale. There is associated light-headedness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and chest pain. Jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin, can be present, if the Anemia is due to breakdown of RBCs. The RBC’s need to be supported by the WBC’s and additional nutrition for you to get back in shape and color.

Simple blood tests for the Hemoglobin levels can confirm Anemia. Further blood tests and possibly a bone marrow biopsy may be needed to determine the cause, in case it may be required.

Anemia Treatment
Usually, iron deficiency is treated with iron tablets. And iron tablets are slightly heavy on the tummy, so its best if you take these after your meals. Another natural suggestion are dates, they are rich in iron, with the only hitch being that you need to brush your teeth really well, after date consumption. If not taken care, dates have special fibers and their sugar can actually char the enamel of your tooth, making you lose it ultimately. Iron tablets should be taken after meals to avoid an upset stomach. Vitamin B12 or folic acid also can be given in tablet form. Any underlying disease that is causing the Anemia also needs to be treated.

Solutions for Anemia
Follow the doctor's advice for treating anemia and any underlying cause:

Take the medication for as long as advised.
Eat well-balanced meals, three or four times a day. Meats, fish, and poultry have the most iron, especially fish.
Other foods high in iron include raisins, sweet potatoes, beans, green peas, pulses, enriched cereals and breads and green leafy vegetables, especially spinach.

Females, particularly those with heavy menstrual periods, must have a higher intake of iron to prevent Anemia. Buts the best thing to do besides all of this, for those who really cannot find the time to cook all of the above mentioned, is to simply make it a habit to use as much as silver as possible in your daily use. Silver when exposed gets oxidized and you can use silver, tongue cleaners, or even a silver glass to have your daily intake of water and beverages!