We all know that blood flows through our bodies, and is responsible for many important body functions that keep us alive. However sometimes this blood level is said to be low and this can manifest in different ways.
When blood level is said to be low, it doesn’t exactly translate to a reduction in the amount of blood in your body, percentage volume of red blood cells is reduced. This is what is commonly referred to as ANEMIA.
What red blood cells do
Your body makes three types of blood cells — white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to help your blood clot and red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin — an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs so that it can be exhaled.
Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat.
Causes of Anemia
There are different types of anemia based on what causes them.
Different types of anemia and their causes include:
Iron deficiency anemia.
This is the most common type of anemia. It is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, your body can’t produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.
This type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women due to certain changes that normally occur in the body of a pregnant woman. It is also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer and regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin and alabukun.
Vitamin deficiency anemia.
In addition to iron, your body needs certain vitamins especially folate and vitamin B-12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Not having these and other key nutrients can cause decreased red blood cell production.
Additionally, some people may consume enough B-12, but their bodies aren’t able to process the vitamin. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia.
Anemia of chronic disease.
Certain diseases — such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases — can interfere with the production of red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia.
This rare, life-threatening anemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Causes of aplastic anemia include infections, certain medicines, autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Anemias associated with bone marrow disease.
A variety of diseases, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis, can cause anemia by affecting blood production in your bone marrow. The effects of these types of cancer and cancer-like disorders vary from mild to life-threatening.
Hemolytic anemias.
This group of anemias occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. The most common example in this group is Sickle cell anemia. This inherited and sometimes serious condition is an inherited hemolytic anemia. It’s caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal (sickle) shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic shortage of red blood cells.
Risk factors
Now here are a few things that may place you at increased risk of anemia:
- Having a diet that is consistently low in iron, vitamin B-12 and folate.
- Having an intestinal disorder that affects the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine — such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
- Heavy menstruation. That’s because menstruation causes the loss of red blood cells.
If you’re pregnant and aren’t taking a multivitamin with folic acid. - If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells.
- Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or internal bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- If your family has a history of an inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, you also may be at increased risk of the condition.
- Other factors. A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia.
- People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia.
A diet rich in green leafy vegetables can help to maintain the iron level in your blood. If you’re diagnosed with anemia, blood tonics/capsules can help with building up your iron levels.
In my time working as a doctor here in Nigeria i’ve heard of several home remedies but the one i find most amusing is the combination of a malt drink and milk.
Please note that malt and milk do not contain iron and should not be relied on as a treatment for anemia.
