Anemia if I would simply say, is a reduced Haemoglobin level leading to decreased oxygen transport. Red Blood Cells (RBCs), are the major Oxygen transporters of our body. They function to transport Oxygen from our lungs to various parts of our body. These cells have a special Iron containing protein known as haemoglobin (Hb), which actually performs this function. As I am specifically mentioning this disease for women, the normal levels of Hb in a female human body are around 12-15.5g/dL.
Anemia is of a variety of types but today I will be highlighting anemia due a deficiency of Iron in women. It occaurs in elderly, children and women, but the latter are usually more severely affected.
According to survey conducted by W.H.O. in 2015 42% of the females in South East Asia suffer anemia due to Iron deficiency
This disease is multifactorial and has a myriad of causes, some important but not all will be mentioned as follows.
Anemia is of a variety of types but today I will be highlighting anemia due a deficiency of Iron in women. It occaurs in elderly, children and women, but the latter are usually more severely affected.
According to survey conducted by W.H.O. in 2015 42% of the females in South East Asia suffer anemia due to Iron deficiency
This disease is multifactorial and has a myriad of causes, some important but not all will be mentioned as follows.
- The major cause is the dietary deficiency of Iron.
- In women there may be an additional deficiency due to excessive menstrual bleeding which goes unchecked and uncured for a longer period of time.
- People who are infected with Hookworms also suffer this disease as this parasite lives in your intestines and feeds on your blood.
- Some people when have excessive stress, suffer from gastric ulcers, these ulcers bleed and give your stool a characteristic color ultimately leading to iron deficiency.
- Vitamin C is an important factor for the absorption of Iron, if a person is deficient in Vitamin C or has been suffering from scurvy may additionally acquire this disease also.
The signs and symptoms if I talk about them are
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Palor of the skin of palms and soles
- Shortness of breath
- And Cravings to eat ice or clay ( definitely consult your doc now)
- Spooning of nails.
For the treatment NEVER EVER TREAT YOURSELF ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR. Depending upon the condition this can be treated by either iron supplements or by a planned dietary regime. Intake of vegetables and fruits like, Dark green and Leafy vegetables (Spinach), nuts, dry fruits, tomatoes, Red Meat, Eggs and , liver (NOT HUMAN) that are rich in iron, are helpful.
If you are suffering from a vitamin C deficiency then you should opt for citrus fruits like lemons, oranges ,guavas and grape fruit.
For lactating mothers they themselves should be on an iron rich diet and should make sure to feed their children properly.
Popeye says BYE BYE!
No comments:
Post a Comment