What Is Anemia?

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. Having anemia may make you feel tired and weak.
There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe. See your doctor if you suspect you have anemia because it can be a warning sign of serious illness.

Types Of Anemia :
 

Iron deficiency anemia
Thalassaemia
Aplastic anemia
Haemolytic anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Pernicious anemia
Fanconi anemia

Symptoms :

Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause of your anemia. They may include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headache
At first anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens.
Causes :
Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if:
Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells
Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced
Your body destroys red blood cells

Diagnosis :

To diagnose anemia, your doctor may ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run the following tests:
Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. For anemia your doctor will be interested in the levels of the red blood cells contained in the blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.
Normal adult hematocrit values vary from one medical practice to another but are generally between 40 and 52 percent for men and 35 and 47 percent for women. Normal adult hemoglobin values are generally 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women.
A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells. Some of your red blood cells may also be examined for unusual size, shape and color.
Additional diagnostic tests
If you receive a diagnosis of anemia, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. For example, iron deficiency anemia can result from chronic bleeding of ulcers, benign polyps in the colon, colon cancer, tumors or kidney problems.
Occasionally, it may be necessary to study a sample of your bone marrow to diagnose anemia.

Eating the right foods :

1. Increase Iron Rich Food:
It is seen that those who suffer from iron deficiency usually exhibit the symptoms of anemia. You could take up:
Food that is rich in iron content
Vitamin supplements 

These steps will ensure that you step up the iron content in the body which is the main element needed to produce hemoglobin

2. Fruits:
Apples are rich in micro nutrients including iron. Thus, if you are anemic you need to intake:
Fruits of different kinds
Consume more than one apple a day
Consume Citrus Fruits. It is necessary to have citrus fruits which increase the iron content in the body and the absorption of the micro nutrient.
Have at least more than one citrus fruit a day
Choose between limes, lemons and other fruits
Try Figs
Figs are seen to be excellent remedy for anemia
One should consume three to four figs daily in order to combat anemia
Try Bananas It is important to incorporate bananas in one’s diet.
It is known to be a good source of magnesium
Banana combined with honey will surely help one to step up the necessary salt content for increasing hemoglobin in the blood.

3. Honey:
Honey is known to be an excellent source of cure for anemia.A concoction of honey, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar will prove to be ideal to combat the anemic conditions.Such a mixture is known to be a powerful antioxidant and will help to address general health issues as well. It is necessary to increase honey intake as it is beneficial for an anemic person. It is rich in iron, manganese and copper. These micro nutrients are known for their necessity to step up the hemoglobin content in the bloodstream

4. Beetroot Juice:
It is imperative that one know the vegetables that are rich in iron content.• Beetroot is one such vegetable which is beneficial for those who have low iron content and suffer from anemia• Beetroot can be had as a cooked vegetable or in the form of beetroot juice which is more effective

5. Currants In The Morning:
One could soak currant and consume them to feel the benefits. About ten currants should be soaked overnight. The seeds should be removed. They should be eaten first thing in the morning. 
This should be done for a period of three to four weeks

6. Increase Red Colored Fruits And Veggies In Your Diet:
The red colored fruits as well as vegetables contain the necessary vitamins which will enrich the blood of hemoglobin and reduce anemia.
Have apples
Use tomatoes in your diet
Consume beetroot as vegetable or in juice form

7. Consume Green And Leafy Vegetables:
One should consume green and leafy vegetables as that helps to step up the level of micro nutrients in the body. 
Increase iron content
Increase salt content

8. Vitamin B12:
It is seen that anemic patients are usually low on their vitamin B12 content. This can be increased by:
Consuming fruits and food items rich in such a micro nutrient
Taking up supplements rich in this complex micro nutrient

9. Avoid Caffeinated Drinks:
It is best to avoid coffee as the caffeine increases the heart rate and might not be ideal for anemic patients. Try and consume decaf version. Limit the number of cups of coffee consumed.

10. Stay Active:
The more active one stays the more the capability of the blood to circulate and keep one healthy. Regular exercises should be done. Strength training will increase muscle mass and help keep up strength and keep away fatigue.