Tips to Help You Fight Anemia
Winter 2001
Anemia - a common blood disorder - is defined
as a deficiency in the number of red blood cells
(RBCs) or a low level of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying
protein found in RBCs. Approximately 3.4 million
Americans suffer from anemia. Anemia is found
to be more prevalent among women than men. There
are several forms of anemia:
- iron deficiency anemia
- hemolytic anemia
- vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia
- folic acid deficiency anemia
- anemia caused by inherited abnormalities
of RBCs (for example, sickle cell anemia and
thalassemia)
- anemia caused by a chronic disease
Mild anemia usually does not produce any symptoms.
Weakness, fatigue, and pale skin frequently characterize
more severe cases of anemia. As a severe case
of anemia worsens, you may notice lightheadedness,
rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain
or heart failure.
Maintaining a high iron level will help fight
anemia. To help improve your iron level, try
the following:
- include foods rich in iron - red meat, liver
and dairy projects - into your diet
- add folic acid - commonly found in leafy
greens, spinach, broccoli, and whole wheat
- to your daily diet
- reduce the amount of caffeine and foods containing
EDTA - a common preservative in processed foods
- in your diet.
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