Anaemia is a disease which is caused when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red blood cells have an iron-binding protein i.e, haemoglobin. Haemoglobin has four heam groups and iron ions. Iron ions chemically bind with the oxygen atom, forming oxyhaemoglobin. When there is not enough haemoglobin, the oxygen cannot be distributed in the body evenly. Resultantly, many harmful implications will arise. There are different causes, symptoms and cure for anaemia.

Anaemia differs from moderate to severe. There are different types of anaemia depending on the root cause. The types of anaemia are as follows

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the red blood cells that can carry adequate oxygen. The major causes of iron deficiency anaemia are:

• Blood loss due to injury or heavy mensural bleeding
• The body is not producing enough red blood cells
• Pregnancy
• Use of pain-relievers like aspirin
• A serious illness like cancer, ulcers

Doctors check for iron deficiency by Hb level. The cure for iron deficiency anaemia is taking iron supplements, eating iron-rich foods, in severe conditions injections are also prescribed by doctors.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Along with iron, our body also needs folate and vitamin B-12 for producing healthy red blood cells. An imbalanced diet without healthy food can lead to this type of anaemia. Doctors recommend supplements and a balanced diet for the cure for anaemia.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anaemia is a life-threatening condition in which the body stops producing red blood cells. It can develop at any age. Aplastic anaemia gives rise to fatigue, infections and severe bleeding. Causes of aplastic anaemia include certain deadly infections, auto-immune diseases, use of certain medicines and chemical toxicity. Treatment of aplastic anaemia includes a bone-marrow transplant. Doctors recommend immune suppressants, blood transfusions for the cure for anaemia.

Hemolytic Anemia  

Hemolytic anaemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than it can produce by the bone marrow. It is a blood disorder which can be a genetic disorder or developed later on in life. The causes of hemolytic anaemia are tumours, lymphoma, enlarged spleen, leukaemia, autoimmune disorders, infectious hepatitis. E.t.c. Doctors recommend blood transfusions, medicines, plasmapheresis, surgery, bone marrow or stem transplant for the cure for anaemia.  

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder, in which the shape of red blood cells changes from round to sickle. They are not healthy red blood cells, which die prematurely and pass through blood vessels with great difficulty. The symptoms of sickle cell anaemia are pain, heart diseases and lung diseases. There is no cure for sickle cell anaemia but doctors have recommended blood transfusions for the cure for anaemia.

 Symptoms of Anemia

The main symptoms of anaemia include

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pale skin
• Hairfall
• Short breath
• Increased heart rate
• Restless legs
• Cold hands and feet
• Chest pain  

Cure for Anemia by Food

Anaemia usually aggravates because of malnourishment and lack of nutrients. It is a common disease in under-developed and developing countries. But in developed countries, anaemia is also a severe disease from which every other citizen is suffering. Almost 30% of the US population is suffering from anaemia. Doctors recommend a balanced diet and supplements for the cure for anaemia. Through food, we can cure almost 90% of the anaemia. There are some foods which do wonders to our body. Such five foods for the cure for anaemia will be discussed below.

Dark-Green Leafy vegetables

Dark-green leafy vegetables include spinach, coriander, spring onion, kale, collard greens e.t.c. these leafy green vegetables are rich in iron, pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron in the blood. That is why leafy green vegetables are recommended by everyone for the cure for anaemia. Two types of iron need to be absorbed by body heme and non-heme whereas Non-heme iron is present in leafy green vegetables like spinach. Nutritionists highly-recommend use of green vegetables for the cure for anaemia.

Seafood

Seafood provides essential minerals, vitamins and heme iron. Shellfish, oysters, crabs, scallops, shrimps, clams are a rich source of iron. Iron in shellfish is heme iron which is easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron obtained from plants. Fish oils contain some important vitamins which are important for the proper functioning of the body. So, nutritionists recommend eating seafood at least once a week for the cure for anaemia.

Legumes

Legumes are rich in nutrients. they are rich in iron, folate, magnesium and potassium. Some of the common legumes are kidney beans, soya beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils. Studies have shown that consumption of legumes reduces heart diseases and reduce inflammation in diabetic patients. It is also a light food with low calories high in nutrients. So, the use of legumes is good for the cure for anaemia.

Red Meat

The food which doctors recommend for the cure for anaemia is red meat. Doctors suggest eating at least one ounce of boiled meat daily for an anaemic patient because red meat is rich in iron and protein. So, the consumption of red meat increases liver health and the production of red blood cells. Eating meat with non-heme iron sources (vegetables) can cure anaemia very quickly.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Nuts and dried fruits are nutrition-rich foods which have been consumed for centuries. Dried fruits have more iron content than fresh ones. They are rich in vitamins, fibres Dry fruits include walnuts, almonds, raisins, apricot, cashew nuts and many more. Consumption of nuts will increase the absorption of iron and haemoglobin production.  Nutritionist highly recommends the use of nuts and dried fruits for the cure for anaemia.

End Notes

Iron is an essential element for the functioning of red blood cells. A slight difference in iron and vitamin concentration can lead to anaemia. Anaemia has further severe implications on health. It can lead to deadly diseases. So, take care of yourselves, take iron and vitamin supplements.

For more health articles, CLICK HERE