Blood is approximately 7-8% of body weight. This little percentage is unable to review the thing that, how important the blood is! Blood is like a flowing helper, who 24/7 supplies necessary elements to every part of the body. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. The most important function of blood is to transport oxygen which keeps us alive. Defects in blood or its functions can be fatal.
Anemia also called a lack of blood, a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. To carry an adequate amount of oxygen to your cells. A normal RBC's count for men is 4.7-6.1 million cells/mcL, and for women is 4.2-5.4 million cells/mcL. In a routine blood test, anemia is reported as low hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the most important protein present in your red blood cells, it transports oxygen and carbon dioxide from lungs to tissue and vice versa, also helps to maintain acid-base balance.
Brittle nails, fatigue, skin pallor, fast heartbeat, lightheadedness are some signs of anemia.
Sickle cell diseases are a group of disorders that affects RBCs to be misshapen and break down. In this 'Anemia' people may have RBCs that have an unusual shape or size larger than normal or smaller than normal.
Following are the symptoms you may experience
Feeling low in energy and fatigues(as you're lacking RBCs to provide oxygen for your cells to produce energy).
Drowsiness.
Increased thirst.
Leg cramps, cold hands, or feet.
Anxiety, headache.
Chest pain.
Pale or yellowish skin.
Dyspnea.
It is very important to see a doctor if you're having any of these symptoms.
There are different types of anemia, but the most common type is iron deficiency anemia. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron. Iron plays an important role in hemoglobin synthesis. Around 70% of the body's iron is present in the hemoglobin, as the body doesn't have enough iron, hemoglobin level decreases and the body can't get a sufficient amount of oxygen. Women of childbearing age are at a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia due to heavy bleeding during menstruation or pregnancy. Another one is sickle cell anemia it is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in a gene called hemoglobin beta(HBB). If both parents are carriers there is a chance their child could be born with sickle cell anemia. This condition causes the red blood cells to develop sickle-shaped and less flexible. Mostly this can be cured only by blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant.
Have a look at the causes
Lacking folate, vitamin12, and iron increases your risk of anemia.
Pregnancy or menstruation ( due to heavy blood loss).
Decreased number of RBCs or malfunctioning.
Conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, cancer.
Post-surgery.
Enlarged spleen; this condition traps red blood cells and destroys them.
Kidney or liver disease.
Family history.
Anemia is a huge problem, especially with women. Also,o it affects the language and motor skills of kids, death of childbirth, deformities, and low immunity. Its treatment needs good medical care, also some type of anemia are preventable. Following preventive measures may help you.
Don't let your body starving for iron, eat plenty of green vegetables.
It is better to avoid coffee or tea, they can affect the absorption of iron.
Eat nutrient and vitamin-rich food, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Women of childbearing age must grab the iron supplements.
Have vitamin c in your diet. It increases iron absorption.
Exercise regularly, to increase your gut health for good absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
To treat and manage anemia, knowing what type of anemia you're having is very important. The complete blood count(CBC) test is used to diagnose. And then your doctor will find out if the anemia is being caused by poor diet or a more serious health problem.
Here are some ways to manage anemia
Patients with severe anemia (Hb<4g/dl), should admit to the hospital. They are at risk of developing cardiac failure.
Include pranayama or any breathing exercises in your routine. It helps to improve the breathing capacity of the lungs and so the oxygen content of RBCs increases.
On an empty stomach in the morning drink one or two glasses of warm water with lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoon of honey. As honey is high in iron, copper and manganese, and lemon its absorption.
Undisturbed sleep for 8 hours is a must for anemic patients.
Add dates and bananas to your diet, to gain some energy healthily.
With proper guidance, if your doctor, make a routine that includes medications, exercise, and diet. Have faith and do not take the stress. Also, don't let the fear overcome your routine!
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