Symptoms of Anemia

Posted by sanjay on Friday 03 Apr 2009

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When the level of healthy blood cells (RBC) falls below a particular level in the body, it causes anemia and the person is called anemic. Blood derives its color from red blood cells that hold hemoglobin a red, iron-rich protein. RBCs are responsible for transportation of oxygen to tissues.

Our body requires iron, protein and vitamins from the foods we eat to generate hemoglobin. Being in an anemic state means that either your body is not producing the required number of red blood cells or they are getting destroyed faster than the body is capable of reproducing these. As a result, the content of red blood cells in your blood becomes low and they are carrying insufficient oxygen to your tissues, making you feel you tired.

Symptoms of Anemia

Though the main symptom of anemia is exhaustion, its other symptoms are:
• Weakness
• Listless, pale skin
• Abnormally fast heartbeat, particularly after exercise
• Breathlessness
• Pain in the chest
• Giddiness
• Cognitive problems
• Hands and legs getting cold
• Frequent headache
• Loss of appetite, particularly in infants and children

One essentially needs vitamins, protein, folic acid, and iron etc. to increase the population of red blood cells. Of all the components noted here, iron and protein are the key elements required for producing the much-needed hemoglobin. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are generally recommended if the anemia is traced to a deficiency of these nutrients.

Consumption of food that has a low content of nutrients like protein, vitamins, iron, etc. is mainly responsible for causing anemia. Another factor contributing to that state could be shortage of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Excessive loss of blood caused by injuries, piles or menstruation could also cause anemia.

Here are a few dietary hints to augment the formation of RBCs:
Soy bean, being a rich source of iron and protein, should be taken more frequently. Similarly, green leafy vegetables, particularly of the spinach variety, and a variety of fruit make rich and natural food to boost the supply of nutrients. Make these a part of your daily diet. Another handy and helpful item that has plenty of iron is fenugreek. Its consumption is helpful in avoiding anemia.