Anemia is a below normal volume of red blood cells, or the hemoglobin (iron-containing) portion of red blood cells (RBCs). The primary function of RBCs is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body in exchange for carbon dioxide. It is often a combination of signs of many other health disorders and it comes in many forms, most of which have the same symptoms--fatigue, breathlessness, pale face, lips, tongue, palms, mouth and other regions of mucuous membranes, and a sensation of a rapidly or irregularly beating heart.
Anemia causes include poor nutrition, loss of blood, blood-related diseases, exposure to industrial chemicals and vitamin B2 deficiency. Women with heavy menstrual peroids can have depleted blood iron reserves. So, too, can those with intestinal blood loss brought on by inflammatory stomach and bowels diseases, cancer of the stomach or large intestine. Although deficiency of any of several vitamins and minerals can produce anemia, the nost common causes are deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.
If your body is unable to absorb iron or if your diet is deficient in iron, you can also come down with iron deficiency anemia. This is the most common cause of anemia. Scientists have proved that even the slight iron-deficiency anemia leads to a reduction in physical work capacity and productivity. Nutrition surveys done in the United States indicate that iron deficiency is a major health problem. Infants kept too long on a milk diet, growing children with poor nutrition and pregnant women are most prone to this type of anemia. Treatment includes an iron-rich diet, iron tablets or iron injections. Mangoes have a very high iron content. In India, mangoes are used as blood builders and are suggested for the treatment of anemia and as a beneficial food for women, especially during pregnancy and menstruation. People who suffer from muscle cramps, stress, and heart problems can benefit from mangoes' high potassium and magnesium content. In addition, the mango can be safely enjoyed by persons with diabetes as the glucose response to mango is the lowest of all tropical fruits.
In the developing child, even slight iron deficiency can lead to learning disabilities. The developing nervous system is undergoing significantly more energy -consuming activity than a mature nervous system. Adequate iron is extremely important to provide enough energy for proper growth and development. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron is 10 milligrams for men and 15 milligrams for women. You should be aware that there are two forms of dietary iron, "heme" iron and "nonheme" iron. Heme iron is iron that is bound to hemoglobin and myoglobin. It is found in animal products and is the most efficiently absorbed form of iron. Nonheme iron is iron is found in plant foods. Compared to heme iron, it is poorly absorbed.
Pernicious anemia is caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12, an essential factor in the production of red blood cells. If left untreated, the condition can lead to nerve damage. Vitamin B12 absorption is interrupted when the stomach stops secreting a substance called intrinsic factor which helps in the absorption process. Since the body is able to store vitamin B12 efficiently, this form of anemia often takes years to develop. The defect is rare before the age of 35, and it is more common in individuals of Scandinavian, English, and Irish descent. It is much less common in southern Europeans, Orientals, and blacks. Pernicious anemia is frequently associated with iron deficiency as well. Treatment usually consists of a lifelong series of vitamin B12 injections.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder when the normally round blood cells take on the shape of a sickle. This makes the blood thicker and clogs the smallest vessels, reducing the blood supply to vital organs and causing periods of extreme pain. There is no cure for this form of anemia, but serious symptoms are treated in the hospital with painkillers and sometimes blood transfusions.
Thalassemia major is another inherited form of anemia and is prevalent in persons from the mediterranean area, the Middle East or the Far East. It reduces the blood's ability to release needed oxygen. Treatment includes regular, lifelong blood transfusions.
Hemolytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than normal. The condition can be hereditary or can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, taking medications or as part of a reaction to a blood transfusion. One type of hemolytic anemia - hereditary spherocytosis - is treated by removing the spleen. Other causes may be treated by discontinuing the causative drugs or prescribing various medications.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow's production of blood cells decreases either gradually or suddenly. As a result, the affected person is more susceptible to infections, bruising and bleeding. the condition is caused by exposure to a number of toxic chemicals, radiation or x-rays. Treatment involves removing the toxic agent, treating the anemia with blood transfucions and knocking out the infection with antibiotics. In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary.