Fatigued, weak, or short of breath? It could be anaemia! Anaemia is a blood disorder in which there’s a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues in the body. Hemoglobin is the main iron-containing protein in red blood cells, which carries oxygen and delivers it throughout the body. The normal lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days in the body, but in the case of hemolytic anaemia, red blood cells die earlier than their normal lifespan. There are several types of anaemia, mainly:
- Vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia
- Hemolytic anaemia
Ways to Prevent Anaemia
The prevention of anaemia depends on its cause and severity. It’s hard to treat or prevent anaemia if it is due to genetic inheritance. However, some ways to treat or prevent anaemia are:
- If anaemia is mild, then it usually gets better with some lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet, which might prevent iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin deficiency anaemia, whereas severe cases of anaemia may need treatment as they can be fatal if left untreated.
- In some cases, the body may be deficient in or unable to absorb and utilise certain nutrients, such as iron or vitamin B12. In such cases, we may need IV therapy to fulfil our body’s nutrient requirements.
- Another therapy to prevent anaemia is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is an effective way to support a patient who is anaemic and help increase red blood cells.
- We can also prevent anaemia by maintaining a healthy diet, which might help with iron and vitamin deficiency anaemia. These include:
- Iron:Iron-rich foods include beans, lentils, green leaf vegetables, dried fruits, and red meat.
- Folate: Found in fruits and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products, such as bread, cereal pasta, and rice.
- Vitamin B-12: Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include fortified cereals, soy products, and dairy products.
- Vitamin C: Foods rich in vitamin C include tomatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, lemons, etc., which help in iron and folate intake in the body.
In cases of severe anaemia, doctors may advise the intake of iron supplements based on the dosage and severity of the condition and symptoms.
Conclusion
Anaemia is a blood disorder that occurs when a person doesn’t have enough red blood cells or red blood cells aren’t functioning well. Studies show that some people are born with different forms of anaemia, while others develop anaemia over time. That’s why it’s important to keep track of changes in your body by taking regular CBC tests to prevent anaemia. If you notice any changes or feel tired, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Anaemia prevention also underscores the importance of accessible healthcare, including regular check-ups covered by health insurance. By staying proactive with your health, you can catch any potential issues early on and ensure proper treatment.