Anemia
Anemia: It is a medical condition where the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin level in the blood decreases, leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the body's tissues. It can affect people of all ages and causes uncomfortable symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion, and shortness of breath.
Red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow in adult humans, primarily concentrated in long bones such as the femur and tibia, as well as flat bones like the pelvis, skull, shoulder blades, and spine. It is the main site of red blood cell production, where stem cells develop into red and white blood cells and platelets.
Components of blood:
1. Red blood cells:
- Their main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and to transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs to be expelled.
- They contain hemoglobin, which is the protein that binds oxygen to red blood cells to transport it to the body's cells.
2. White blood cells:
- Play a crucial role in the immune system, helping to resist inflammation and diseases.
3. Platelets:
- Help in blood clotting and stopping bleeding when wounds or injuries occur.
4. Plasma:
- It is the yellow, clear liquid that surrounds blood cells.
- Contains water, salts, proteins (such as albumin and globulins), hormones, and waste products.
Normal proportions of blood components:
The human body consists of several main components, and each component has a natural ratio that varies slightly from person to person. Here are the natural ratios for each component:
1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
• Men: 4.7 - 6.1 million cells per microliter.
• Women: 4.2 - 5.4 million cells per microliter.
2. White Blood Cells (WBCs):
• 4,000 - 11,000 cells per microliter.
3. Platelets:
• 150,000 - 450,000 platelets per microliter.
4. Plasma:
• Constitutes about 55% of the total volume of blood.
5. Hemoglobin:
• Men: 13.8 - 17.2 grams per deciliter.
• Women: 12.1 - 15.1 grams per deciliter.
6. Hematocrit:
• Men: 40.7% - 50.3%.
• Women: 36.1% - 44.3%.
Note:
These values are approximate and may vary based on age, gender, and many other factors.
Types of anemia based on causes:
1. Iron deficiency anemia:
• Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia. It can occur due to iron deficiency in the diet, or increased body's need for iron (as in pregnancy).
2. Anemia resulting from vitamin deficiencies:
• A lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to anemia. These vitamins are essential for the formation of red blood cells.
3. Anemia resulting from chronic diseases:
• Some chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases, and cancer, can affect red blood cell production.
4. Bone marrow disorders:
• Certain conditions, such as anemia of chronic disease or blood cancer (leukemia), can affect the ability of bone marrow to produce blood cells.
5. Hemolytic anemia:
• It occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced. This can be due to autoimmune diseases, infections, or certain medications.
6. Anemia due to bleeding:
• Acute bleeding (such as bleeding from an injury) or chronic bleeding (such as bleeding from a stomach ulcer or heavy menstrual periods) can lead to anemia.
7. Hemolytic anemia:
• A genetic type of anemia is characterized by the presence of sickle-shaped or crescent moon red blood cells, which leads to blood vessel blockage and painful symptoms.
8. Thalassemia:
• A genetic condition that affects hemoglobin production, resulting in a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
9. Dietary factors:
• Malnutrition or following an unbalanced diet can lead to a deficiency of essential nutrients for the formation of red blood cells.
Symptoms of anemia:
Symptoms vary depending on the type and category of cases, but there are common signs that appear in most patients, including:
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion.
- Skin and lip pallor.
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
- Heart palpitations or increased heart rate.
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Recurrent headaches.
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
- Sometimes appetite decreases and digestive system disorders may occur.
Treatment for Anemia:
1. Dietary modifications:
• Consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and dark leafy greens.
• Increase intake of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits to improve iron absorption.
• Consume foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid such as eggs, dairy products, and whole grains.
2. Dietary supplements:
• The doctor may recommend taking iron or vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements if levels are low.
3. Treating the underlying cause:
• If anemia is caused by a medical condition such as chronic bleeding or digestive system disorders, treating that condition can help improve the anemia.
4. Blood transfusion:
• In cases of severe anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the lack of red blood cells.
5. Medications:
• In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate red blood cell production.
Natural foods that help to effectively increase the level of blood and platelets:
Foods for increasing blood :
1. Liver: rich in iron and vitamin B12, helps to promote the production of blood cells.
2. Spinach: an excellent source of iron and folate, which supports the formation of blood cells.
3. Legumes: lentils, beans, chickpeas, contain iron and fiber.
4. Dates: rich in minerals and iron, it boosts blood levels quickly.
5. Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, help to improve the level of iron.
6. Eggs: a good source of protein and iron.
7. Tamarind: promotes iron production and strengthens the blood.
Foods for increasing platelets:
1. Garlic: known for its properties to increase platelet count and support the immune system.
2. Pineapple: contains bromelain, which helps to increase platelets.
3. Oranges and citrus fruits: rich in vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of iron and strengthens the blood.
4. Natural honey: contributes to the improvement of platelet production.
5. Watermelon and water: they keep the body hydrated and support blood health.
6. Fatty fish: such as salmon and tuna, contain omega-3s that support blood health.
7. Avocado: rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the production of healthy blood cells.
General Tips
- Eat a balanced diet: You can eat a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins.
- Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars.
- Drink plenty of water: You can drink plenty of water to maintain your body's health.
- Medical Follow-up: Regular medical follow-up is necessary to monitor anemia and adjust treatment as needed.
- Early Treatment: Early treatment for anemia can help prevent complications.
Note:
Consult a doctor if there are symptoms or concerns about anemia.