Beat Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition where red blood cell count or Hemoglobin level is less than normal in blood. There could be a variety of reasons why your hemoglobin level is low. But it is not good for your health. Anemia is one of the most common diseases in the world and about 50% population of India is anemic. It is 70% among children and pregnant women.

Hemoglobin is an iron-based protein in red cells that carries oxygen to body parts. This oxygen keeps you stay active and do lot of work. Without which your body can not function properly or efficiently. You feel excessively tired or exhausted. Hemoglobin also gives the much noticeable red color to the blood. Your Hemoglobin level should be minimum 12.5g/dL (in men) and 12g/dL (in women).

Decrease in production of red blood cells or hemoglobin or loss of blood could lead to anemic condition. Hook worm infestation and malaria also causes Anemia. Low iron levels in the body generally termed as ‘Iron Deficiency Anemia’. Blood loss during menstruation is common among women. Apart, vitamin B12 deficiency could also cause anemia in people who are unable to absorb vitamin B12 from their intestines. Inadequate absorption, under consumption of green leafy vegetables that are rich in iron, long term alcohol consumption can trigger Anemia at any time. A wide variety of bone marrow diseases can also cause Anemia.

General weakness, paleness of skin, swelling of body, chest pain, fatigue, brittle nails and in most severe cases shortness of breath, fainting and cardiac arrhythmias are known symptoms of anemia. But we generally ignore these symptoms, which is not desirable.

One can come out of anemic condition by improving food habits and medication. Iron is available plenty in meat, poultry, and egg yolk. To a lesser extent you can find in green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, beans, peas, whole grains and enriched cereals and breads. Replacing normal bread with brown bread can also help. Similarly use whole grain atta or fortified atta to maida. Make Spinach and other green leafy vegetables part of your daily diet. Add a spoon of lemon juice that contains Vitamin C to these dishes to help the body absorb needed iron. Foods rich in vitamin C are orange juice, grapefruit juice, green peppers, broccoli, melon, strawberries and cabbage can also help you absorb more iron from food. Make it part of your daily diet.

You know, some foods block the absorption of iron? These include coffee, tea, and colas. Try to avoid these things when you’re having iron rich foods. Many studies have suggested that caffeine can diminish the absorption of dietary iron. If you are anemic it is always good to have a glass of orange or lemon juice or grape juice after your meal than that of tea or coffee or a cola.

For Children	Men	Women
0-6 months 6 mg/day 6-12 months 10 mg/day 1-10 years 10 mg/day	11-14 years 12 mg/day 19 years & over 10 mg/day	11-50 years 15 mg/day 50+ years 10 mg/day Pregnant women 30 mg/day Lactating women 15 mg/day

Some times dietary iron is not enough to come out of anemic condition. You need vitamins with added iron or iron pills. These are available without prescription at your chemist. You should take iron pills on empty stomach and eat something-say after 15 minutes. The most common side effect of taking iron pills is stomach upset. It may take few weeks to regaining the additional iron you need. However, before taking pills or vitamins see your doctor.

Prathama initiated ‘Beat Anemia’ Campaign for a healthy society. A healthy nation could be built by healthy body and healthy mind. Prathama recommends regular voluntary blood donors to maintain minimum levels of hemoglobin in their body. Only healthy people can donate blood and save someone’s life. And if your hemoglobin is low you will be deferred from donating blood at Prathama. Our Doctor will give you ‘iron pills’ for 15 day course for free. Follow doctor’s advise and take them regularly. After that you may get it from your chemist and continue for some time. You can visit Prathama again after 3 months and check if your hemoglobin is 12.5g/dL. If it is, you can donate blood. If it is low, we advise you not to donate blood anywhere. You first need to take care of yourself and maintain good hemoglobin levels. Visit one of the consulting doctors for check up from the panel of doctors recognized by Prathama. Your first consultation shall be free because you are a blood donor. Take care and Beat Anemia.