Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Anemia, the lack of red blood cells essential for carrying oxygen to where it's needed, is primarily fought at the table. With a strict diet, both iron-rich and well-balanced.

Index of topics

What

To fight anemia, make way for lean red meats, turkey, chicken, cod, tuna, al salmonThen there is the iron contained in fruit and vegetables, which doctors suggest taking together with vitamin C (Orange juice and Lemon;, first of all). Iron taken with cysteine, contained in white meat and fish, is absorbed at a rate 2-3 times faster than the iron contained in vegetables. And it must be kept in mind that in half of the cases of anemia (700 million people in the world suffer from it) the origin is precisely a nutritional deficiency, of iron.

According to the data reported by the magazine Lancet There are two billion people in the world who suffer from anemia. The highest prevalence is women of childbearing age, 33,7 percent, compared to 11,3 percent of men. The increase in life expectancy has meant that the anemic population now includes even older people. The use of certain drugs can induce anemia, such as chronic gastritis. Although there are different forms of anemia, the most widespread and well-known is undoubtedly the one due to a shortage of Iron.

To solve the problem, sometimes an adequate diet characterized by the presence of lean red meat, turkey, chicken, some varieties of fish such as tuna, cod and salmon and also cereals, legumes and vegetables. It is also necessary to integrate your diet with an adequate intake of Vitamin C able to promote the absorption of iron. Generally we speak of anemia when Hemoglobin levels in the blood are less than 13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women. Another parameter for identifying the pathology is represented by hematocrit values: we speak of anemia if they are less than 40 percent in men and 37 percent in women.

Cause

The most common anemia is the one that derives from lack of iron, which is called iron deficiency anemia (from the Latin sidereal, iron and penìa, poverty) or martial anemia. In practice, the lack of adequate levels of iron in our body greatly complicates the transport of oxygen through the blood. And the first effect is tiredness, exhaustion and shortness of breathBut what could cause a lack of iron in our body?

From one diet Iron deficiency. In some cases, this is also due to the need to lose weight, and to doing so through the wrong process.
from poor iron absorption following diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease or some ulcerative bowel disease.
from pregnancy or from breastfeeding, which are very delicate phases due to the greater quantity of iron necessary for the good growth of the fetus
From surgeries which resulted in the elimination of pieces of the intestinal tract, with a reduction in the capacity to absorb iron
Da hemorrhages and bleeding, which can also be hidden, slow, and chronic. For example, when you suffer from a hiatal hernia, a polyp, or a tumor.

Types of anemia

There are different types of anemia, which also differ greatly in terms of the severity and risks of the pathology.

Iron deficiency anemia: it is certainly the most common and also the least serious: it is necessary to focus a lot on a diet rich in iron. It is also called iron deficiency anemia or iron anemia: the damage is caused by the iron deficiency impairing the transport of oxygen through the blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath.
Anemia due to vitamin deficiency: the vitamins that are missing in this case of anemia are: B12 , C. Hence a reduced production of red blood cells.
Sickle cell anemiaThis is a genetic, hereditary blood anemia. Red blood cells mutate, becoming rigid, viscous, and easily clump together. Their shape (sickle or crescent, which gives this anemia its name) hinders their circulation in the blood vessels, thus slowing blood flow.
Mediterranean anemiaAlso called thalassemia, it is the most severe form of anemia. Caused by a genetic defect, it is hereditary (passed down from parent to child) and leads to the destruction of red blood cells or their poor growth.

Symptoms

Paleness, exhaustion, headache, sudden and unexplained acceleration of the heartbeat: these are some of the most common warning signs of anemia, a disorder caused by a shortage of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. However, given that In the initial phase, anemia may be asymptomaticAs the condition worsens, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cold hands and feet may also appear. These are all factors that should not be underestimated. In particular, tachycardia, in this case, is a compensatory mechanism: since red blood cells are low, the body perceives a reduced oxygen supply to the tissues and circulates it more quickly. straining the heart which promotes the accelerated transport of oxygen. In a healthy person, tachycardia is a symptom of significant anemia. Anemia produces tiredness that also leads to laziness and changes in lifestyle ("I'm too tired, I can't do it..."), and this is due to the constitution of the muscles. They require iron because they are made of myoglobin, a protein that depends on iron. A lack of iron prevents muscles from working properly and produces a sort of fatigue effect.

Anemia and the brain

The brain uses iron to maintain neuronal plasticity, the ability of its cells to function optimally, increasing the multiplication and connections between neurons. Among young people, it's no coincidence that the first symptom of anemia is a lack of concentration., That is, the brain's difficulty functioning properly. If iron is low, our body focuses its use on producing red blood cells and neglects other areas, such as brain cells.

Diagnosis

People who are prone to anemia should have a complete blood count done at least once a year. This will check their hemoglobin levels, as well as their iron levels. Vitamin B12 and folic acid. The correct levels of these nutrients depend on age, muscle mass, and lifestyle.

Remedies

If it is therefore a passenger disturbance which does not require any particular care but a simple modification of the dietHere are some useful tips to try to solve the problem naturally, without resorting to drugs.

Beetroot

We've already talked about the importance of eating beetroot, a real "booster" for those who suffer from anemia and dislike red meat. To replenish your red blood cells, try drinking two glasses of beetroot juice a day for at least a month.

Nettle

The the nettle, as well as having diuretic and draining properties It is rich in iron and vitamin C. Use it to prepare risottos, herbal teas and soups.

Studded apple

Another natural remedy is that of studded applePreparing it is very simple: just stick 6 or 7 iron nails into the flesh of an apple and leave them in the fruit for a whole day. You can then remove them and reuse them on a new apple. Essentially, the apple's metabolism is able to transform the inorganic iron contained in the nails into highly absorbable organic iron. And if the saying goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," it's worth a try.

Orange and lemon juice

Orange and lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, are perfect for promoting iron absorption. For this reason, never miss a good freshly squeezed juice for breakfast or use lemon juice to dress your salads and green leafy vegetables such as spinach or lettuce. broccoli. Also ceci e pistachios They prove useful against anemia. natural remedies for iron deficiency anemia They don't end here. In fact, the winning solutions are sometimes the simplest ones. First of all, the sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower, all foods rich in iron and folic acid, which also makes them ideal for pregnant women and those suffering from anemia. Another recommendation is to use molasses, an excellent ally in combating iron deficiency. In fact, it has important beneficial properties, including that of providing a good dose of Iron. Added to this are several B vitamins and numerous others minerals involved in red blood cell productionDid you know that a spoonful of molasses, mixed in a glass of water or milk, twice a day, helps provide the body with about 30 percent of the daily iron requirement.

Foods to increase ferritin

Low ferritin can be treated with two natural remedies. These include adding certain foods to your menu: red meat (but not too much), eggs, fish, beans, and spinach. The second natural remedy is physical activity, starting with the healthy habit of walk often e walk up the stairs. Remember that normal ferritin values for adult men are between 50 and 500 mg/ml and for women between 12 and 150 mg/ml.

Foods to increase hemoglobin

When hemoglobin is insufficient, oxygen circulation within the body becomes poor, which alters various metabolic processes. In this case, too, the food you eat is important: fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in vitamin C), eggs, legumes, grains, and nuts.

What to eat with anemia

A correct diet can effectively combat iron deficiency anemia. Green leafy vegetables, in particular spinach e salad, can be a winning weapon. But the repertoire is much broader. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, you can resort to the help of:

cabbage
broccoli
white and red beans,
lentils,
peas,
parsley
dandelion

Without forgetting the fresh fruit, pomegranate, apple e banana for example, and also the dry one like dates e blackcurrant.

What to avoid with anemia

Finally, to avoid hindering the absorption of iron, try not to drink too many cups of tea or coffee and limit the consumption of dairy products: the high content of Calcium hinders the absorption of iron. For this reason it is also advisable not to consume together dairy product and iron-rich foods.

What to drink with anemia

While coffee and tea should be avoided, drinking plenty of water is very helpful in dealing with anemia. two glasses of beetroot a day, for a period indicated by the doctor. A teaspoon of may also be beneficial. ventilated clay, dissolved in half a glass of water. Also excellent grape and cranberry juicesFor anemia it is useful to drink anything that contains vitamin C, such as orange juice or smoothie. KiwiOr even lemon juice, in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. Coffee and tea, however, should be consumed at least an hour after meals as they slow down iron absorption.

Diet against anemia

Never as in the case of anemia, a diet must be very varied and balanced. An example could be this:

A balanced diet to combat anemia should include a variety of foods. A sample daily diet to prevent or treat anemia might include:

Breakfast: oat flakes with fresh fruit (such as oranges or Kiwi) and walnuts
Lunch: spinach salad with lentils, tomatoes, red peppers, avocado, and a vinaigrette with lemon juice Lemon; (to improve iron absorption)
Price: grilled chicken breast with a side of steamed broccoli and Quinoa

Prevention

After having seen how anemia is prevented at the table, with foods rich in vitamins and iron, and with certain beverages, such as beetroot. Here are some other tips for avoiding and managing it. If anemia persists even after changing your diet, it's essential to consult your doctor. This can also help determine whether it may be associated with other conditions, from celiac disease to heart failure to colon cancer.

Avoid Excessive alcohol consumption: it can interfere with the ability to absorb folic acid, which is needed to produce red blood cells.
Do not use useless supplements, an absolute waste, without first discussing it with your doctor.
If excessive aerobic exercise is one of the causes of your anemia, which can happen, all you need to do is reduce it.
Folic acid It plays an important preventive role against anemia. It is found in abundance in legumes, citrus fruits, and banana, in dark green leafy vegetables, in fortified cereal products.
Vitamin C too It is useful for preventing anemia problems. Citrus fruits and vegetables are rich in it. berries.

When anemia becomes dangerous

Anemia becomes dangerous when it forces you to live "wearily," that is, with a constant feeling of tiredness. This can be involved, with more serious consequences, in the cardiovascular system which tries to compensate for the lack of strength due to iron deficiency. A compensation that goes as far as the feeling of "heart in the throat". Chronic anemia can become dangerous as it undermines our daily activities, Both physical and mental. Finally, anemia can lead to weakness and have negative effects on growth.

Anemia: causes, symptoms, and remedies