Anemia and Iron Deficiency

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Iron deficiency and anemia
Iron is defined simply as too little iron in the body for the production of hemoglobin. Anemia occurs when there isn't enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body cells and organs need, leading to symptoms of irritability, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, etc.. Approximate 2 out of 1000 people in Canada are considered iron deficiency. If your body delete the stored iron, it can cause no hemoglobin is produced, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Causes of iron deficiency
1. Heavy menstruation
It may lead to iron deficiency if your body stored iron is depleted and your diet is considered low in iron.
2. Chronic internal bleeding usually caused by ulcers, polyps, or tumors can lead to low levels of iron stored in the body, leading to low levels of hemoglobin.
3. Nutrient deficiency
Diet low in folate, vitamin B12 and iron can increase the risk of iron deficiency.
4. Poor iron absorption due to inflammation.
5. Etc.
Iron deficiency can be detected with a blood test.

Foods contain high amount of iron
there are 2 types of iron in the foods
1. Heme iron
This type of iron is easily absorbed by our body and Foods contain high amount of heme iron are found in meat of all sources, including liver, beef, turkey, chicken, etc.
2. Non heme iron
This type of iron is not easily absorbed. Foods contain high amount of non heme iron are found in brocoli. spinach, soybean, kidney bean, etc.

Iron supplement such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous furmarate, etc. should only be taken with doctor subscription. Overdose of iron can be toxic to the body and has some side effects, such darken stool, constipation, stomach upset, etc.

How to reduce the risk of iron deficiency
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can enhance the digestive system in iron absorption. Foods contain high levels of vitamin C include broccoli, spinach, kiwi fruits, strawberry, etc.
2. Adding Heme iron in your diet
In take of meat, poultry, fish will increase the levels of iron due to its easily absorption nature
3. Coffee, tea and cocoa can reduce the iron abortion significantly.
4. Calcium and magnesium can reduce you body in iron absorption. If you are required to take them, take them at different time.
5. Etc.


For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton