Vijay Singh
New Delhi [India], November 2: As a woman, do you experience frequent fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, pale skin, brittle nails, and unusual hair loss?
Does this sound like everyday stuff?
If so, don’t ignore these symptoms; they are more than just a stress signal. These uncomfortable symptoms may indicate a more serious medical condition, like Anemia.
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Anemia has many forms, and each type has telltale symptoms. Some common types of anemia include:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
The human body requires iron to produce hemoglobin—insufficient iron = insufficient hemoglobin, which makes it harder to move oxygenated blood efficiently throughout the body.
If not treated promptly, anemia can lead to serious health complications that affect heart health and overall organ function.
Why are women more anemic than Men?
Dr. Sonal Mhatre, BHMS, Senior Manager – Clinical Operations, LivLong365 explains:
An interesting fact to know is that in India, according to the national data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 57% of women (aged 15–49) are affected by anemia, compared to 25% of men in the same age group, creating a prevalence ratio of roughly 2.3 to 1.
In women, heavy menstrual periods cause depletion of essential red blood cells; this puts women at greater risk of developing anemia. Further, during pregnancy, women are at higher risk as their bodies require more iron than normal to support their bodies and their baby’s growth.
The Good News!
The good news is that anemia can be reversed. Here are five things you can do to fix Anemia:
- Ensure you have an iron-rich diet, like green leafy vegetables, fish, AND eggs.
- Snack on raisins, prunes, dates, and dried apricots.
- Increase your intake of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, as they help improve iron absorption.
- Avoid drinking beverages like tea or coffee, or eating high-calcium foods, right before or after iron-rich meals, as they block iron absorption.
- Do routine blood tests if you feel constant fatigue.
A CBC test can help doctors detect anemia. Treatment varies by type, but it may include dietary changes, supplements, medications, blood transfusions, and further management.
In a nutshell, remember: consistency is key, and these dietary changes can positively impact your overall well-being. Consult your doctor to check for anemia if you’re tired or short of breath and don’t know why.
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