Anemia

Anemia is a common disorder that is caused by an acquired or hereditary abnormality of red blood cells’ (RBC) decreasing ability to provide adequate oxygen supplies to body tissues. It may be a result of a decreased number of red blood cells, or its precursors, or it may be a manifestation of a nonhematologic disorder. There are many types of anemia due to a variety of underlying conditions. These are classified as anemia of B12 deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, folate deficiency, hemolytic anemia, idiopathic adiopathic anemia, immune hemolytic anemia, drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, secondary aplastic anemia, and sickle cell anemia, etc. Iron deficiency is an important cause of anemia among young children and women of reproductive age in the U.S. In low-income populations and certain ethnic groups, such as Alaska Natives, the prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia in children less than 5 years of age may substantially be higher, ranging from 10-30%. Among middle-class children, on the other hand, anemia is uncommon and tends to be mild. Iron Deficiency Anemia among pregnant women is also a common situation. Among low-income, pregnant U.S. women, a low hemoglobin level and/or low hematocrit is present in 6% of white women and 17% of black women during the first trimester and in 25% of white women and 46% of black women during the third trimester. U.S. populations with a high prevalence of anemia include blacks, Alaska Natives and Native Americans, immigrants from developing countries, and individuals of low socioeconomic status.

The clinical manifestations vary with the age, degree and rapidity of onset, presence of subjacent illness and other factors. Mild anemia is often a symptomatic. Typical symptoms of anemia of iron deficiency include:

The following steps can be used to prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency: 

Iron deficiency may be caused by an increased iron requirement, poor intake of iron in the diet, diminished iron absorption or utilization, folic acid deficiency, blood loss, or a combination of factors. Sometimes, even if iron and folic acid intake are sufficient, a pregnant woman may become anemic because pregnancy alters the digestive process. Anemia develops slowly after the normal stores of iron have been depleted in the body and in the bone marrow. Women, in general, have smaller stores of iron than men and have a higher level of iron loss through menstruation, placing them at higher risk for anemia than men. In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually a result of gastrointestinal blood loss associated with ulcers or the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Diagnosis of anemia is based upon: 

For treatment of dietary deficiency, iron-rich foods should be added to the diet. Iron-rich foods include: 

Begin with some mild exercises daily to enhance oxygen uptake. Get morning sunlight every day if possible for vitamin D. Avoid pesticide sprays and fluorescent lightening that causes mineral leaching from the body. Poor food combinations also account for iron deficiency

Exercise and stress free mind are nearly always the key to a healthy life. A stress free mind helps the body to recover and is always necessary for a healthy life.