Iron Deficiency Anemia

There are many different types of anemia. The most common is iron deficiency anemia, which happens when an individual isn’t producing enough hemoglobin or red blood cells to oxygenate all the body’s cells. Symptoms include constant fatigue, dizziness, inability to catch breath, a rapid pulse or heart palpitations, lack of appetite and pale fingernails. Anemia can be detected by a doctor’s laboratory tests. Your red blood cell and hemoglobin count are compared to the normal ranges to determine if they are insufficient.

Pregnancy is a common cause, due to the changes in the body which occur as the fetus develops.  Other common causes include: inadequate intake of iron, folic acid, B vitamins, and/or copper, blood loss (from surgery, hemorrhages, profuse menstruation, or trauma), insecticides, malabsorption diseases such as celiac disease, overuse of laxatives, and certain drugs. Anemia seems to run in families sometimes.
For most people, good nutrition will protect them from anemia. Iron supplements are generally the doctor’s first recommendation. Over the counter B-12 supplements or injections of B-12 by a doctor often help stubborn cases. It’s also good to eat foods rich in iron: dark leafy greens, red meat, etc.