« Influence & Money | Home | Marketing Materials »
Anemia & Iron Deficiency
By peace | August 1, 2007
Anemia is a lack of red blood cells and is usually due to bleeding. Anemia is unusual in males, unless there is some hidden source of bleeding, such as the gastrointestinal tract (for example, ulcers or polyps). However, it is quite common in women who are still menstruating, especially if this monthly blood loss is not accompanied by adequate iron in the diet. Regardless of the cause of the anemia, it should always be investigated by your doctor.
The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause and your underlying health problems. Anemia may be associated with other medical conditions such as hemorrhage, ulcers, menstrual problems or cancer — and specific symptoms of those conditions may be noticed first. Anemia may occur without symptoms and be detected only during a medical examination that includes a blood test. The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms.
Symptoms of anemia may include:
- Weakness and fatigue are the most common symptoms of even mild anemia.
- Shortness of breath on exertion, particularly with exercise.
- Rapid heartbeat, particularly with exercise.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Irritability and other mood disturbances
- Pale skin
- Iron deficiency
- Mental confusion
- Loss of sexual drive
- Leg cramps
- Insomnia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Iron deficiency appears to be on the rise, perhaps because many people are avoiding red meat in their effort to cut cholesterol. However, red meat is one of the highest sources of iron! It is not easy to obtain large amounts of iron from the diet since only about 10% of dietary iron is absorbed from plant food and only about 40% from meats.
In order to ensure that adequate iron is being absorbed from our diet, we should include food that have a high vitamin C content — Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. Preparing food in cast iron cookware can increase iron content up to threefold too. Eat breads, cereals, and pastas that have been iron-fortified; the label on the package will tell you whether this has been done. Avoid drinking coffee or tea with your meals, since these beverages reduce iron absorption by as much as 50%! Finally, a glass of red wine with your meal can boost absorption of iron by as much as 300%!
Topics: All Posts, Health, Man's health, Woman's Health |
