What Are the Symptoms of Anemia? What Relieves Anemia?

Anemia is a blood disease caused by insufficient levels of red blood cells in the blood. Anemia is also known as a deficiency in red blood cells and hemoglobin and can result from multiple factors. When anemia develops, a person may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet. Anemia typically arises from nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, doctors often prescribe vitamin supplements and provide dietary recommendations. These dietary recommendations are based on consuming foods rich in iron, folate, vitamins B12 and C. If you think you are at risk of anemia, you should consult a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of Anemia?

Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in circulation to carry sufficient oxygen. When oxygen cannot reach the tissues, certain symptoms appear in the body. Symptoms of anemia include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Pale skin
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Headache
• Craving to eat non-food substances (pica)

What Causes Anemia?

There are different types of anemia based on the cause. However, there are basic causes that lead to a decrease in the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. The main causes of anemia are:

• Acute blood loss
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Disorders in the bone marrow and stem cells
• Chronic diseases affecting red blood cells
• Pathological conditions causing destructive effects on red blood cells

Types of Anemia

Anemia is categorized into different types based on its causes. The types of anemia are divided into three categories: nutritional anemias, hereditary anemias, and anemias caused by abnormal red blood cells.

Nutritional Anemias

These are types of anemia that usually result from vitamin deficiencies. Types of anemia caused by inadequate and unbalanced nutrition include:

• Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to incorporate into hemoglobin. It is the most common type of anemia.
• Pernicious anemia: Also known as cobalamin deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. In vitamin B12 deficiency, the production of blood cells in the bone marrow is affected. Blood cells die earlier than normal, leading to anemia.
• Megaloblastic anemia: A condition that occurs when there is an insufficient amount of vitamins B12 and B9 (folate) in the body. It causes the bone marrow to produce larger than normal red blood cells.

Hereditary Anemias

These are types of anemia that are passed down genetically or hereditarily from the family. Types of hereditary anemia include:

• Sickle cell anemia: It occurs due to abnormalities in hemoglobin in red blood cells. Normal blood cells are round and flexible. This allows them to move smoothly through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, the abnormality in hemoglobin causes red blood cells to be rigid, sticky, and sickle-shaped. Sickle cells die early, leading to a deficiency in red blood cells.
• Fanconi anemia: A rare disease that affects the bone marrow. It impacts the production of blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow. Therefore, Fanconi anemia increases the risk of cancer development.
• Diamond-Blackfan anemia: A chronic hereditary type of anemia that affects the bone marrow and disrupts the production of red blood cells.

Anemias Caused by Abnormal Red Blood Cells

These types of anemia result from abnormalities in the shape, lifespan, and levels of red blood cells. Types of anemia caused by abnormal blood cells include:

• Hemolytic anemia: Red blood cells are renewed and die faster than normal. As a result, the bone marrow is insufficient in producing red blood cells, leading to anemia. Autoimmune diseases and infections can cause this condition.
• Aplastic anemia: Also known as bone marrow failure. It occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells to maintain normal body functions.
• Sideroblastic anemia: Caused by excessive iron overload or hereditary deficiency of red blood cells.
• Normocytic anemia: Occurs when red blood cells are produced in fewer numbers and without hemoglobin.
• Macrocytic anemia: Occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormally large blood cells.
• Microcytic anemia: A condition where smaller blood cells are produced due to a lack of hemoglobin. It develops in deficiencies of B6, B12, and folate.

What Relieves Anemia?

Anemia can be treated using different methods depending on its cause and severity. The treatment for anemia is directed at addressing the factor causing the anemia. If anemia is mild, it can be treated with dietary intervention without the need for medication or medical intervention. However, if anemia is caused by a chronic disease, treating the disease can improve iron deficiency. The procedures that a doctor may apply when anemia develops include:

• Blood transfusion: This method is preferred if anemia is caused by blood loss. If there is internal bleeding, surgical intervention may be required to stop it.
• Bone marrow transplant: Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation is applied in cases of anemia caused by bone marrow problems, such as aplastic anemia.
• Vitamin supplements: If anemia is due to deficiencies in B12, iron, folate, and vitamin C, a doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements. This method can be used in mild and moderate anemias. If not tolerated, it can be given intravenously.
• Medication therapy: Anemia may develop as a result of chronic diseases. Therefore, treating the disease and eliminating the cause of anemia is ensured. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements in addition to these medications.

What Foods Are Good for Anemia?

Anemia often occurs due to inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. Therefore, it is important to consume foods rich in vitamins that can trigger anemia adequately. Important vitamins and foods for anemia include:

• Iron: Iron is an important mineral affecting anemia. Therefore, foods rich in iron should be included in the diet. Iron in foods is found in two different forms: heme and non-heme. The body can easily absorb and use heme iron. Non-heme iron is more difficult for the body to absorb. Heme iron in the diet is rich in meat, chicken, fish products, and liver. Non-heme iron sources are plant-based iron sources. Plant-based iron sources include nuts, dried fruits, whole grain foods, legumes, and dark green leafy vegetables.
• Folate: A water-soluble vitamin found in most foods. However, it is sensitive to heat and metal, resulting in significant losses during food preparation. Foods rich in folate include:
  • Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and asparagus
  • Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas
  • Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts
  • Eggs
  • Meat, chicken, and fish products
  • Folate-fortified foods
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is found in every protein-containing food, such as meat, milk, fish, cheese, eggs, and fortified foods. Therefore, adequate protein consumption supports B12 vitamin intake.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C facilitates iron absorption. Therefore, consuming foods rich in vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods enhances iron absorption. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, fruits, and vegetables.

If you experience symptoms of anemia, consult a medical professional to get information about anemia treatment. Additionally, visit a dietitian to receive individual nutrition therapy suitable for anemia.