Anemia arises from a lack of hemoglobin in the blood and is a very common condition that causes unusual tiredness, headaches and difficulty concentrating in those who suffer from it. It is therefore a difficult condition to diagnose because it can easily be confused with a stress situation, so common today. One of the best ways to prevent anemia that occurs most among the population is to follow a balanced diet, something that, given the growing number of people with anemia, seems difficult to achieve.
Blood problems
- Our body needs all the nutrients for its proper functioning. In the case of anemia problems, it happens that the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells due to a lack of hemoglobin. And to produce red blood cells, the body needs its vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the right amount, especially iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. Of course, the best and healthiest way to get all the nutrients is through a balanced diet.
- Although the main cause of anemia is inadequate nutrition, it can also appear as a consequence of some diseases such as cancer, leukemia, some chronic diseases and, in some cases, it can respond to a hereditary factor. Pregnancy is one of the moments in the life of women in which there is the greatest risk of suffering from anemia.
- The symptoms that announce anemia can be characteristic of many other conditions, so it is convenient to see a doctor to make a sure diagnosis. Apart from tiredness or exhaustion, the person suffering from anemia may notice brittle nails, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Relationship between anemia and diet
- Once anemia appears, treatments range from immune system medications to blood transfusions to iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplements. But in the case of a problem, most of the time, of poor nutrition, it is convenient to emphasize the importance of prevention.
- Much has been said about how lucky we are in these latitudes to have Mediterranean food for its well-known beneficial effects on health in general. However, the cases of anemia related to food only increase, which shows us that we eat poorly. The ideal is to eat a balanced diet at all times, but those people who tend to suffer from anemia should increase the consumption of red meat and shellfish due to their high iron content, as well as chocolate and soy.
- It is also important to take into account that there are periods in people’s lives that are especially conducive to the appearance of anemia, so it is important to be extremely careful in a good diet at those times. Pregnant women need a greater amount of iron and children when they stop eating milk can suffer from anemia. Adolescence, menopause and old age are also times of risk for anemia.