Anemia

Anemia

Our body makes 3 types of blood cells –

  1. Red Blood Cells – that carry oxygen from lungs to different parts of the body
  2. White Blood Cells – to fight infection in the body
  3. Platelets – to help in the clotting of the blood to fight inflammation

Anemia is a condition where there aren’t enough Red Blood Cells (RBC), to carry oxygen across different tissues in the body. This could happen either because the body is unable to create enough amount of RBC, or if one loses a lot of RBC due to bleeding or injury. In certain cases, the body itself may destroy the RBC causing anemia. RBC (also known as Erythrocytes) contains a kind of protein that is rich in iron. This protein called hemoglobin is what gives RBC, its red color. Hemoglobin enables RBC to carry oxygen from lung to various part of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

All the above mentioned 3 types of blood cells are produced mostly in the bone marrow, which is a spongy material found within the cavities of the bones. To produce RBC, the body needs iron, Vit B-12 (Cobalamin), Vit B9 (folate), and other nutrients.

Anemia caused due to the deficiency of iron is the most common. Anemia can be caused also due to the deficiency of B vitamins (B9 & B12).
Vit – C is essential for body to absorb iron. Hence, deficiency of vitamin C can in-turn cause iron deficiency and anemia. Other auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Chron’s diseases, severe inflammation, bone marrow diseases, leukemia etc can also cause anemia. A hormone called the erythropoietin released by kidney plays a major role in producing RBC. Hence, chronic kidney diseases can also lead to anemia.

A diet containing enough amount of Vit-C, B Vitamins, Iron and other minerals can help cure the anemia caused due to the deficiency of micro-nutrients.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, brocoli, moringa leaves etc are rich sources of iron. Amla, dry fruits, fig etc are other iron rich food. Leafy vegetables are also a good source of B Vitamins, while Vit C is seen plenty in all citrus fruits

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