How dangerous is iron-deficiency anaemia?
What is iron-deficiency anaemia
Anaemia is a health condition in which our body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Numerous health conditions can lead to anaemia, but out of all iron-deficiency, anaemia is the most common one.
We all know that a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals are important to stay healthy. Deficiency of any one of the nutrients can have a negative impact on our health. The same thing happens when it comes to Iron. Iron is responsible for producing red blood cells in the body. When the body does not produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body it can turn into anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia is more common in menstruating and pregnant women. It can make you feel tired and weak. Anaemia can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, depending on its cause.
Even though we know iron deficiency anaemia is general we hardly take it seriously. Until and unless it turns into something major. We will tell you how dangerous is this condition and why you should not overlook it.
Causes of anaemia
Anaemia can be caused due to three major reasons:
-When your body does not make enough red blood cell.
-Excessive bleeding causing loss of red blood cells and
-When your body destroys red blood cells.
How dangerous is this condition
Iron deficiency can be easily corrected by increasing the amount of iron intake or taking supplements. However, if left untreated it can lead to other health problems like:
Irregular heartbeat: Due to the scarcity of red blood cells in the body, your heart has to pump more blood. This can lead to irregular heartbeat and in extreme cases, a person may suffer from heart failure or an enlarged heart.
Pregnancy complications: Iron deficiency in pregnant women can lead to the premature birth of a baby or birth with a low weight.
Delayed growth in babies: Children suffering from iron deficiency may have delayed growth and may be more prone to infection.
Sources of iron
You can include these foods in your diet to increase your iron intake: meat, beans, pumpkin, squash seeds, leafy green vegetables, raisins, dried fruit ,eggs, ragi / finger millet, dates.
Anaemia is a health condition in which our body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Numerous health conditions can lead to anaemia, but out of all iron-deficiency, anaemia is the most common one.
We all know that a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals are important to stay healthy. Deficiency of any one of the nutrients can have a negative impact on our health. The same thing happens when it comes to Iron. Iron is responsible for producing red blood cells in the body. When the body does not produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body it can turn into anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia is more common in menstruating and pregnant women. It can make you feel tired and weak. Anaemia can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, depending on its cause.
Even though we know iron deficiency anaemia is general we hardly take it seriously. Until and unless it turns into something major. We will tell you how dangerous is this condition and why you should not overlook it.
Causes of anaemia
Anaemia can be caused due to three major reasons:
-When your body does not make enough red blood cell.
-Excessive bleeding causing loss of red blood cells and
-When your body destroys red blood cells.
How dangerous is this condition
Iron deficiency can be easily corrected by increasing the amount of iron intake or taking supplements. However, if left untreated it can lead to other health problems like:
Irregular heartbeat: Due to the scarcity of red blood cells in the body, your heart has to pump more blood. This can lead to irregular heartbeat and in extreme cases, a person may suffer from heart failure or an enlarged heart.
Pregnancy complications: Iron deficiency in pregnant women can lead to the premature birth of a baby or birth with a low weight.
Delayed growth in babies: Children suffering from iron deficiency may have delayed growth and may be more prone to infection.
Sources of iron
You can include these foods in your diet to increase your iron intake: meat, beans, pumpkin, squash seeds, leafy green vegetables, raisins, dried fruit ,eggs, ragi / finger millet, dates.
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