What is Anemia?
>> Monday, August 30, 2010
What is Anemia?
Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. Anemia is most often due to a deficiency in iron, a key component of hemoglobin. (That’s why it is often treated with iron supplements). Anemia can be triggered by blood loss, a folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell disease, and a genetic disorder called thalassemia, among other causes.
Anemia occurs when there are too few Red Blood Cells in the blood. A complete blood count (CBC) can determine whether anemia is present.
Prone for Anemia?
Women have heavy and prolonged periods may develop anemia, because the body cannot produce blood as fast as it is being lost. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 18 mg. You may need to increase your iron intake to 20 mg per day if your periods are heavy or prolonged.
Tips of Preventing Anemia
Your diet is the best source of iron. It is better for you to eat a balanced diet than it is to take dietary supplements. Red meats, shellfish, eggs, beans, and green leafy vegetables are the best sources of iron.
Food That Are Good Source:
· Clams [canned drained, 3 oz (85.1 g)]
· Oysters [3.5 oz (99.2 g)]
· Shrimp [3.5 oz (99.2 g)]
· Beef liver [3 oz (85.1 g)]
· Lean beef [3 oz (85.1 g)]
· Lentils (uncooked, 1 cup)
· Green peas (uncooked, 1 cup)
· Spinach (uncooked, 1 cup)
· Raisins (1 cup)
· Prunes (10)
· Enriched wheat bread (1 slice)
· Egg (1)
· Iron-enriched cereals (1 cup, read label for exact amounts)