Preventing Anaemia

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION CLAIM ANEMIA AS A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 30% OF PEOPLE SUFFER THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

Anaemia is a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. When this happens there is a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry and as a result you have less energy available to perform normal functions. Important processes such as muscular activity and cell building and repair slow down and become less efficient. When the brain lacks oxygen dizziness may result and mental faculties are less sharp. So preventing Anaemia is key for maintaining a healthy body.

Anything that causes a deficiency in the formation or production of red blood cells can result in anaemia. Hormonal disorders, chronic inflammation in the body, surgery, infections, peptic ulcers and heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, liver damage, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow disease, drug use and dietary deficiencies especially deficiencies of Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin B6 and B12 can all lead to anaemia. Also a number of hereditary disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia can cause anaemia.

The most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. If a person lacks sufficient iron the formation of red blood cells is impaired. Insufficient iron intake and/or absorption or significant blood loss can cause iron deficiency anaemia. (The latter is commonly seen in women who suffer from menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding) which in turn may be caused by a hormonal imbalance or fibroids. Also those who overuse anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin usage particularly by elderly people may cause internal bleeding.

Of those suffering from Anaemia 20% are women and 50% are children. It is often a hidden disease because the symptoms can easily go unrecognised. The first signs of developing anaemia may be loss of appetite, constipation, headaches, irritability or difficulty in concentrating. Established anaemia can produce symptoms such as weakness fatigue depression dizziness overall pallor i.e. pale and brittle nails, pale lips and eyelids, also soreness in the mouth and in women cessation of menstruation. So it’s important to take steps preventing Anaemia by taking an adequate amount of vitamins and nutrients.

Anaemia is significant not only as a health problem in its own right, but can be a sign of an underlying disorder. It is sometimes the first sign of arthritic infection or other major illness including cancer.

Anaemia should be investigated and the cause determined.

It you are anaemic and your diet has sufficient iron your doctor can run a simple test called ESR to detect any inflammation lurking in the body.

Very important supplements to consider:
Iron (go Iron Bisglycinate non-constipating) this form helps enhances absorption and is very gentle. Vitamin C also helps with the absorption of iron. Other useful nutrients to consider are Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic acid and Biotin. Choose a good quality B Complex, at least 50mg with these B factors included. With B Vitamins always go for the yeast free products.

MultiFifty is high potency multivitamin which is packed with 50 nutrients (Including Iron) and 50mg Co-Enzyme Q10 to help energise and support your body.