Anemia is epidemic in such countries as India, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Although anemia is epidemic among the people of impoverished countries it is also quite common in the United States.
Blood is made up of three types of Cells, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain iron-rich protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all of the body’s tissue. Oxygen is required by the body for energy production and for other chemical reactions at the cellular level.
Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells needed by your body for energy production. You may feel tired both mentally and physically.
When the body is suffering from Anemia the kidneys cannot send enough of a hormone called erythropoietin to the bone marrow because of the lack of red blood cells. The bone marrow cannot produce red blood cells because of the lack of the hormone. Red blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the kidneys for the erythropoietin hormone production.
Because of this round-robin effect, Anemia can become life threading quite quickly. Anemia can be difficult to identify during its early stages because the symptoms may be mild and it can be easily mistaken for symptoms of other diseases or the side effects of medication.
Some of the symptoms of anemia are fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, a rapid heart beat, feeling cold, depression, and pale skin. When the brain does not get enough oxygen it can be hard to read, write or perform basic daily activities.
It is important to see a physician if you are experiencing significant fatigue or any of the other symptoms listed above.
Some of the causes of Anemia are blood loss, diseases such as kidney disease or bone cancer. Anemia can also be the side effect of medication, poor died, and vitamin or iron deficiencies.
The most common symptom is fatigue. We all get tired, from time to time, but the fatigue cause by anemia is one of extreme dead tiredness.
Sometimes iron deficiency anemia can cause extreme cravings such as a ravenous appetite for ice. One woman ate a five-pound block of ice and her husband took her to the doctor because her crunching of ice all night kept him awake.
Anemia can be detected by a standard hematocrit blood test. The hematocrit blood test measures the percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells. Normal hematocrit is between 36 and 50 percent. Anything below 36 percent indicates anemia.
24 to 40 percent of hospitalized patients over the age of 65 are anemic. In a recent study anemic individuals between the ages of 70 and 79 were 28 percent more likely to die over the next 5 years. Anemic patients between the ages of 80 and 89 were 34 percent more likely to die. Anemic patients between 90 and 99 were 48 percent more likely to die.
Many physicians do not take anemia seriously. Physician of the elderly often tell them that anemia is a normal in the elderly and the physicians are failing to treat it. It is shocking to hear of patients complain of the symptoms of anemia, and then here that there physicians say not to worry about their low red blood count. While it is true that anemia is epidemic in the elderly it is not an excuse to leave it untreated.
American elderly are routinely dying from a deficiency of oxygenated blood and yet physicians are failing to recommend dietary supplements or prescribe anti-anemia treatments. Have your blood tested annually, to avoid becoming a victim of this appalling neglect by the medical establishment, and if necessary aggressively pursue some type of anti-anemia strategy.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating Anemia such as Iron, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, L-Carnation, Guarana, and Yohimbe.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in red blood cells. Iron is vital for the production of blood by the bone marrow. The single most common cause of anemia is the lack of Iron.
All of the different Vitamin Bs taken together as B-Complex work together as a team to perform vital biological processes, such as energy production and efficient metabolic function.
Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue.
Vitamin E is known to help the red blood cells to live longer and keep them from breaking down too soon.
L-Carnation increases energy at the cell level by increased fat burning, increases the body’s ability to remove toxic disease-causing compounds and helps cells live longer.
Guarana is a natural herbal supplement used to increase energy and fight fatigue.
Yohimbe is recommended for men and woman who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.
Tags: Causes Of Anemia, Cellular Level, Energy Production, Hemoglobin, Hormone Production, Iron Deficiencies, Rapid Heart, White Blood Cells
Posted in anemia
