Although few people talk about it, anemia is relatively common. It seems as if anemia is taken lightly or is of secondary importance. Typical, because anemia can also have serious consequences and can also be a signal or consequence of a deeper cause. Anemia, can it be prevented, how do you notice it and what can you do about it yourself or with the help of medical science?
Blood composition
First of all, the composition of what flows through our veins. It consists of three types of blood cells, namely:
- White blood cells or leukocytes. These are used to ward off infections.
- Red blood cells or erythrocytes. They transport the oxygen.
- Platelets. These are used to clot the blood if necessary.
How much flows through our breaths?
If we show the proportions (blood cells are continuously produced in the bone marrow), then you should assume approximately 4 billion red blood cells per liter of blood. There are about 4 million of white blood cells per liter and there are about 250 million of platelets per liter.
What is anemia?
What anemia (officially called anemia) means is that there are too few red blood cells* in the blood, or that the red blood cells do not work optimally. There is now too little oxygen being transported and this can lead to various complaints.
* There is hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells and this is necessary to transport oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body.
How does it arise?
In the vast majority of cases, anemia is caused by an iron deficiency. A deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid can also lead to anemia. There are also other situations that can lead to anemia, such as illness, inflammation and infection.
- Iron deficiency – this can occur after an operation, heavy menstruation or childbirth. On balance, the body needs more iron than it gets.
- B12 deficiency – after stomach or intestinal disease, a B12 deficiency can sometimes occur. But too little B12 in the diet can also lead to a deficiency or indiscriminate dieting and alcoholism can lead to a B12 deficiency.
- Folic acid deficiency – Food with little folic acid. More folic acid, think of spinach, whole wheat products, asparagus and legumes.
Source: Geralt, Pixabay
How do you recognize anemia?
To find out whether you have anemia, the Hb value in the blood is checked (usually via your GP). Men should have < 8.5 mmol/l and women should have < 7.5 mmol/l.
A test is often initiated as soon as several characteristics, as shown below, are identified. Consider:
- dizzy feeling
- palpitations
- feeling tired or even weak
- I think I’m about to faint
- the ringing in the ears
- a pale face
- excessive sweating
- short of breath at the slightest sign
What can you do about it?
It depends on the cause, what to do. For example, you can counteract anemia due to excessive menstrual loss by taking the contraceptive pill. You can overcome an iron deficiency (men should consume 9 milligrams daily and women about 15 milligrams) by taking iron-rich food products. If necessary, also supplemented with iron tablets. Folic tablets provide a solution if folic acid is the cause. B12 deficiency can either be supplemented through diet or through injections.
Whatever method you choose, always keep in touch with your GP and/or dietitian (depending on the cause). He or she can monitor the increase or regulation and make adjustments if necessary. It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle and diet is always good, even if you do not have anemia.
What you still need to know to prevent a shortage (in the future)
Don’t drink too much coffee after dinner. It reduces up to 80% absorption of iron in the blood. Vitamin C is involved in the absorption of substances that are important for iron absorption (i.e. cobalt, iron and manganese). So make sure that this also remains at the same level.
Finally
Anemia seems harmless and sometimes even meaningless, but it is far from that. If your body gives a signal, it means that nothing should be done. It is not as innocent as it seems, but that does not alter the fact that you can always do something about it. Act as soon as you notice the signals and consult with your doctor.
