21/11/2020
ANAEMIA
Anaemia is is one of the public health problem. Globally, it is estimated that about 42.6% children under five are anaemic and 60.2% in African region affected with Anaemia.
TYPES OF ANAEMIA
There different types of Anaemia which includes:
Iron deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia. It is caused by a lesser amount of iron in the human body. The human body’s bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without enough iron, the body cannot make enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. It occurs in many pregnant women. It is also caused by blood loss.
Vitamin deficiency anemia: The body also needs folate and vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells. A lack of both folate and vitamin B-12 can cause decreased red blood cell production. Another way vitamin deficiency anemia occurs is if the body is not able to process vitamin B-12. This can also lead to vitamin deficiency anemia.
Anemia of chronic disease: There are many chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, and other chronic inflammatory diseases that cause a decrease in the production of red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia: This happens when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. It is very rare and dangerous. It is caused by infections, medicines, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Anemias associated with bone marrow disease: There are many diseases such as leukemia and myelofibrosis that cause anemia by decreasing blood production in bone marrow.
Hemolytic anemia: This group of anemia happens when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them.
Sickle cell anemia: This is an inherited hemolytic anemiby a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells in a sickle shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic shortage of red blood cells.
Thalassemia: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Thalassemia is inherited, meaning that at least one of your parents must be a carrier of the disease. It’s caused by either a genetic mutation or a deletion of certain key gene fragments.
SYMPTOMS OF ANAEMIA
a. Being pale or having yellow “sallow” skin
b. Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy c. Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity
d. Unexplained generalized weakness e. Rapid heartbeat
f. Pounding or “whooshing” in the ears
g. Headache, especially with activity
h. Picophagia
i. Sore or smooth tongue Brittle nails or hair loss
TREATMENT OF ANAEMIA THROUGH DIET
Treating anemia is a matter of how much food we eat that aid in hemoglobin synthesis. In general, to treat anemia, focus should be placed on foods that are good sources of iron, copper, zinc, folic acid, Vitamin B-12 and protein. The combination of iron and B-vitamins is especially good for treating anemia.
Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia. This type of anemia often is treated with vitamin B12 supplements. Food sources of vitamin B12 include Breakfast cereals with added vitamin B12, Meats such as beef, liver, poultry, and fish, Eggs and dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese), Foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as soy-based beverages and vegetarian burgers.
Folic acid (folate) is a form of vitamin B that’s found in foods. Your body needs folic acid to make and maintain new cells. Folic acid also is very important for pregnant women. It helps them avoid anemia and promotes healthy growth of the fetus.Good sources of folic acid include Bread, pasta, and rice with added folic acid, Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, Black-eyed peas and dried beans, Beef liver, Eggs, Bananas, oranges, orange juice, and some other , fruits and juices.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Good sources of vitamin C are vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits. Citrus fruits include oranges, gr**efruits, tangerines, and similar fruits. Fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and juices usually have more vitamin C than canned ones. Other fruits rich in vitamin C include kiwi fruit, strawberries, and cantaloupes. Vegetables rich in vitamin C include broccoli, peppers, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables like turnip greens and spinach. Fruits such as iron-rich apples and tomatoes are great to eat when treating anemia. Other fruits that effectively treat anemia are plums, bananas, lemons, gr**es, raisins, oranges, figs, carrots
Honey is a potent source of iron, copper and manganese. When these elements are combined they aid in hemoglobin synthesis. Honey is therefore a powerful weapon against anemia.
Red meats such as kidney, heart and liver are effective at treating anemia. Also poultry, fish and oyster are effective against anemia.
Vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, beet, broccoli, fenugreek, celery and kale are iron-rich, energy-filled vegetables that treat anemia effectively. These vegetables are not only rich in iron but also Vitamin B-12 and folic acid, energy-boosting nutrients that the body needs to heal from anemia. Beetroot juice is an iron-rich vegetable juice that those suffering from anemia can drink as a tonic against fatigue and lethargy.
Legumes and nuts such as pulses, almonds, whole grain cereals, dry dates, peanuts and walnuts are effective against the symptoms and causes of anemia. For more clarification Whatsapp or call 0974177163
