Anemia is one of those conditions that creeps up on you and before you know you’re left exhausted, nauseous and wondering what the hell is going on!

I watched my poorly 75 year old elderly dad sleep 18 hours a day as a result of anemia. When I mentioned he should have a blood test as he could have an iron deficiency, he brushed it off as if vitamins and minerals don’t play any part in our everyday health.

What is Anemia?

What is Anemia?
Anemia is a disorder that is accrued from the reduction in count of red blood cells in the body or reduction in hemoglobin levels. It, therefore, can result in all manner of symptoms and health consequences if allowed to carry on for much longer. So watch out for the following symptoms.

Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms would depend on the severity and the cause of having an anemia. The most common symptoms of having anemia are the following:

Fatigue and weakness
Pallor skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Cold hands and feet
Chest pains
Irregular heartbeats
Problems in thinking, such as troubles Consentrating or memory loss

Causes of Anemia:

There are actually many possible causes of anemia. A few of them are:

• Iron deficiency: You can even be iron deficient but not yet anemic. This is the most prevalent factor in anemia as low levels of iron in the body results in the formation of hemoglobin.
• Lack of vitamins: Vitamins B12, Folate, or vitamin C deficiencies can result in anemia as well
• Chronic diseases: This is the system. Example is the like of kidney disease, cancer, or inflammative diseases  which disturb the formation of red blood cells.
• Genetic disorders : INheritently affected diseases include sickle cell anemia or thalassemia that can elevate abnormalities in the production of red blood cells.
• Blood loss: Blood loss is severe due to accidents, surgeries, and perhaps even during your menstrual period.
  Cardiovascular issues: Anemia puts more pressure on the cardiovascular system, and as a result, chances of orthostatic hypotension, heart failures, and arrhythmias increase.
  Brain damage – Severe anemia has even causes lack of cognitive skills, such as memory loss or an inability to concentrate.
  Complications in pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight for the baby, and maternal mortality.
• Immune dysfunction: Anemia is also able to impair the immune response, so patients are susceptible to various types of infections and diseases.
  Types of Anemia
  In general, there exists multiple types of anemia, which are usually characterized by specific unique features and causes. Some of the common types include:
• Iron-deficiency anemia: This takes place when the body faces a deficiency of iron to manufacture the hemoglobin.
• Vitamin-deficiency anemia: This form of anemia is associated with a deficiency in either vitamin B12, Folate or vitamin C.
• Sickle cell anemia: A genetic disorder in which red blood cells become misshaped to sickle cells and breakdown easily.
• Aplastic anemia: A disorder that is quite rare. The bone marrow is not capable of making enough red blood cells.
• Hemolytic: Red blood cells being destroyed exceeds the destruction to its production rate.
  Anemia Tests:
  Anemia diagnosis may involve a combination of blood tests and physical examination. Some common tests that could be done to diagnose anemia include:
• FBC: This is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood.
• Iron studies: The tests will assess the levels of iron in the blood and highlight whether the anemia is due to an iron deficiency.
  Vitamin B12 and folate levels: Blood levels of both these vitamins are measured to establish their insufficiency as the cause of anemia.
  Bone marrow biopsy: This may be undertaken in a small number of cases to assess the production of the red blood cells by the bone marrow.

Treatment of Anemia:

Anemia is treated based on what is causing your anemia. Treatments for anemia can vary but here are a few common ones:
Iron supplementation: To build up body iron content, iron supplements are often recommended for iron-deficiency anemia.
Vitamin supplementation: If anemia is of the nutritional type—vitamin deficiency anemia—then supplementation with either vitamin B12, folic acid, or vitamin C may be considered.

• Blood transfusions: One can undergo treatment with endless anemic conditions using blood transfusions, which elevate the level of red blood cells in the body at a very rapid rate.
• Medication: For some patients, medicines such as erythropoietin-stimulating agents are given by the physician to develop the production of red blood cells.

Food Sources That Can Help with Anemia:

Besides these medical treatments, some dietary modifications can help in tackling anemia and improving general health. Some foods that are rich in iron, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C and that can be helpful in anemia are:
Iron-rich foods: Lean meat, poultry, seafood, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified breakfast cereals are rich in iron.
Vitamin B12 foods: This vitamin is highly prevalent in animal derivatives like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Folate foods: these are found in green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils, and also enriched in fortified cereals.
Vitamin C foods: Citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes all are excellent in vitamin C and would aid the body in absorbing iron.

Although anemia is a quite common blood disorder with potentially severe consequences if left untreated, it is easy to cure.
One can understand symptoms, causes, dangers, types, tests, treatments, and dietary recommendations for anemia to take measures for better health management regarding the condition of their body.
In case of a suspicion of anemia, there should be consultation with a healthcare provider to establish the proper diagnosis and further treatment.