The TV news and national papers are constantly asking if we’re getting enough vitamin D, calcium and protein. And it’s good news that these nutritional deficiencies are making headlines and that we’re becoming more focused on the foods we need.
But one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the country -- and the world -- hasn’t made the headlines much. We’re talking about anemia, a condition that affects more than 3.4 million Americans.
So what is this disorder that isn’t getting the attention it deserves? In a nutshell, anemia is a condition that occurs when you have a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells in your body. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficient blood. Without iron, the red blood cells are quickly depleted of a protein called hemogloblin, which carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. In essence, a person suffering from anemia is basically suffocating from the inside out.
Not sure if anemia is at the root of your health woes? Check out these five symptoms:
Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
1. You are exhausted.
If you feel tired all the time, even after a great night’s sleep, you may be anemic. Unfortunately, this symptom is also an easy one to ignore because many people associate feeling tired with normalcy. “Women are so used to having frenetic lives and feeling tired,” says Dr. Nancy Berliner, editor of the journal of Blood. "They often just dismiss being tired as part of life.” If your feelings of exhaustion also include feeling weak, irritable, and unable to focus, it may be an iron deficiency.
2. You’re Pale
Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and your skin a pinkish hue. That means that low levels of the protein can suck the color straight from your skin, says Dr. Jacques Moritz, director of gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, via Fox News.
It’s easy to tell if you’re paler than usual if you have a light complexion. But even darker-hued people can do a quick spot-check. Examine the inside of your lips, gums, and the bottom eyelids—if they’re lighter than usual, it may be due to an iron deficiency.
3. You Have Heavy Periods/Excessive Blood Loss
In women, the leading cause of iron deficiency is periods that are too heavy, continues Dr. Moritz according to Fox News. “They lose too much blood, replace about half of it, and then lose too much again the following month,” he says. “It’s like filling up a car with a small hole in the tank.”
Your period should only consist of two to three tablespoons of blood each month. Most physicians recommend the tampon test: Changing your tampon more often than every two hours means you should talk to your doctor.
But both men and women of any age can experience blood loss that leads to anemia. Excessive blood loss can be caused by stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, stomach or colon cancers and medications (including longer-term use of NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
4. You Often Feel Out Of Breath
If you find yourself getting short winded doing everyday activities or activities you once did easily, it may be from a lack of iron. If simple tasks such as climbing stairs, doing housework or even walking from one room to another leave you feeling lightheaded, talk to a doctor.
5. You’re Anxious And Don’t Know Why
Iron deficiency may make you feel more anxious. The shortage of oxygen may “rev up” the sympathetic nervous system, which according to Dr. Nancy Berliner via Fox News, is like your body’s gas pedal. Lack of iron can also cause a racing heart, which can make you feel more anxious.
Less Common Signs Of Anemia
· Shortness of breath
· Pale skin
· Brittle nail and hair
· Cold hands and feet
· Racing or irregular heartbeat
· Inability to concentrate or think clearly
· Chest pain
· Sexual dysfunction
What Causes Anemia?
There are three main ways most people develop anemia—through blood loss, the body’s inability to produce new red blood cells, or an illness that causes the body to destroy its red blood cells.
Blood loss. The most common cause of anemia is heavy bleeding. If the volume of blood lost is more than your body’s ability to replace these lost red blood cells, a person will soon become anemic. Women with heavy periods month after month and those with a bleeding ulcer or other internal bleeding disorder are at the greatest risk. Excessive bleeding following surgery or trauma can also cause anemia.
Inadequate production of red blood cells. Your body must constantly replace old red blood cells with new red blood cells. Some things might affect your body’s production of red blood cells.
· Diet. A diet lacking in folic acid, iron, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients can cause a diminished production of red blood cells.
· Medical conditions. Cancer, diabetes, AIDS, and kidney disease may slow down or even stop the manufacture of red blood cells. Pregnant women also may be anemic.
· Genetic disorders. Inherited conditions can also halt the production of red blood cells. These include aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia and hemolytic anemia.
Destruction of red blood cells. In some cases, your body may actually attack its red blood cells in a condition known as hemolysis. The most common cause of hemolytic anemia results from a diseased or enlarged spleen, the organ responsible for removing red blood cells. A damaged spleen will eliminate far too many red blood cells. Certain pain medications, acetaminophen, tumors and hepatitis may lead to the destruction of red blood cells.
Poor nutrition. Insufficient nutrition is the most common cause of anemia, says Dr. Allen Nissenson, a nephrologist and professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, via the New York Times. Production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen on red blood cells, depends on iron found in red meat, poultry and egg yolks. Iron is in green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and dried beans and peas as well enriched and whole grain cereals and bread. Foods that contain vitamin C may help absorb iron.
B vitamins, especially B12, B6 and folic acid, are vital to the production of healthy red cells. B12 is only found in animal products, especially meat, fish, eggs and milk. Some very good source of folic acid is dark green leafy vegetables, while whole grains are an excellent source of B6.
Diagnosing the Disorder
To discover whether or not you’re anemic, your doctor will perform a complete physical, as well as test your blood. Some of the tests may include:
· A complete blood count (CBC), a blood test that measures all the different components of your blood.
· A medical and family history that can indicate whether you've become anemic due to illness or a genetic condition.
· Check your breathing or heartbeat has become irregular due to anemia.
· Other blood tests that will check for iron or vitamin deficiencies and look more closely at your red blood cells and hemoglobin