Anemia

Anemia is not a disease, but a symptom of disease occurring when there is a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and a resulting decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry.

When there is not enough oxygen in the blood, cells may not be able carry out normal functions including muscular repair and cell building. Anemia can be an indicator of infection, arthritis, cancer, sickle cell disease and thalassemia, but the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency.

Iron is critical to the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the blood stream. Iron deficiency can be caused by insufficient iron intake and/or absorption or significant blood loss. Initial signs of anemia may include loss of appetite, constipation, headaches, irritability, and/or difficulty concentrating. In more serious cases soreness in the mouth, cessation of menstruation in women, pale lips and eyelids, pale and brittle nails, overall pallor, weakness, fatigue, coldness of the extremities, depression, dizziness may be seen.

For those suffering from anemia, eating food high in Vitamin C is recommended to enhance iron absorption. Also consume a good amount of iron rich foods including apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, egg yolks, kelp, leafy greens, okra, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, purple grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains, and yams.