Anaemia is a condition which occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a red pigment which gives blood its colour...
The job of haemoglobin is to carry oxygen around the body. When red blood cells and therefore haemoglobin are low the blood fails to supply the body's tissues with sufficient amounts of oxygen. As your lungs and heart will then have to work harder to get oxygen into the blood, symptoms of anaemia, such as difficulty in breathing will begin to develop.
Anaemia can even affect women during pregnancy or women who suffer with heavy loss of blood with their periods.
There is not usually one cause of anaemia. Be aware of the following possibilities:
- Heavy periods
- Diet low in iron, particularly if vegetarian.
- Internal bleeding, for example if you have an ulcer or tumor.
- Diet low in vitamin B12 or folic acid.
- Blood diseases such as leukaemia.
- Infections, such as malaria
Symptoms of Anaemia:
- Pale or yellow skin
- Feel dizzy or weak
- Experience palpitations
- Tired and often falling alseep,
- Headaches
- Irritability
Dietary changes
Black tea, coffee, chocolate, egg yolk, wheat bran, antacids and excessive calcium intake can slow down iron absorption .
To actually improve absorption use iron with vitamin C and herbal bitters ie dandelion. Be wary of the iron supplements you take as many of them can cause constipation, stomach distress and rob you of Vitamin E.
