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Anemia is a blood deficiency. It is caused by lack of hemoglobin, a protein found inside red blood cells. Anemia leads to hypoxia or lack of oxygen in organs. It is also caused by lack of iron in the body. Common causes include a lack in dietary iron, heavy blood loss or the production of too few red blood cells due to disorders. Anemia will make you feel tired, lack of stamina and dizziness. Complications in anemia will lead to heart failure, especially to elders.

The three major causes of anemia are: First is reduced production of red blood cells, which is a result of poor nutrients intake and hormonal imbalance. Second is too much destruction of red blood cells, which is transmitted through genes or hereditary. Third major cause is the severe blood loss or chronically through low-volume loss, which is caused by heavy menstruation, blood loss due to accidents, gastric ulcers and aspirin overdose.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. This is due to excessive blood loss, whether it be acutely hemorrhage or chronically through low volume loss. Replenishment of iron in our body will definitely take time. People who have undergone blood loss in an operation, giving birth, accidents are prone to catching anemia even women who are normally menstruating. Any form of blood loss may lead to being anemic.

In pregnancy women are given supplement iron to aid the circulation of blood in the body. They need more iron for better circulation of blood. Pregnant women have high risk in getting anemia. Plus the blood loss women will have in giving birth. Illness such as cancer, leukemia, AIDS and stomach ulcers can cause anemia. A poor diet can also cause anemia since our body needs enough nutrients and minerals to stay healthy.

Iron rich food is advised for people suffering from anemia. Iron from meat sources is better absorbed that from plant sources. This means that it is preferable to have meat sources of iron. Iron absorption is affected by phytate, calcium and vitamin C. it is advised that iron rich food should be blended well with plenty of vitamin C also to see better results.

For every disease, we surely have some things or food to eliminate from our diet. We have tea, coffee, wheat bran, rhubarb, chocolate, soft drinks, red wine, ice cream, candy bars and any other food that will block iron absorption. It is also a rule to stop smoking since this lessens the natural vitamin C we have in our body which is badly needed to treat anemia.

A regular check up is also advised. Consulting a physician will help you identify if you are suffering from iron deficiency anemia or not. It will also guide you with the proper medication and tests needed to address your concern. You might also discover that you are suffering from another type of anemia which is Perniciuo's anemia. This type of anemia is due to lack of vitamin B12 and this can be addressed by vitamin B12 supplements or vegetarian diet. It is always better to have a balanced diet, a diet with enough nutrients and minerals that our body needs in order for us to avoid any other deficiency. It is important to always stay healthy.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Brook.
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