Anaemia
What is anaemia?
Ever felt so weak you blamed it on “hard work”? Well, it could be anaemia! Anaemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs. No oxygen, no energy—simple. This explains why tiredness, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common signs.
Misconceptions about anaemia (let’s clear this up)
- Vegans always get anaemia: While vegetarians might lack iron, pairing plantbased meals with citrus helps absorption. Supplements are also an option.
- No exercise allowed: You can still exercise but consult a doctor if you’re into competitive sports.
- It’s all about diet: Malnutrition is a major cause, but conditions like sickle cell anaemia are unrelated to diet.
What causes anaemia?
Two main culprits:
- Low red blood cell production: This happens if you lack nutrients like iron, B12, or folate, or have conditions like kidney disease or infections.
- High red blood cell destruction: Causes include blood loss (accidents, heavy periods), malaria, or inherited issues like sickle cell.
Symptoms (pay attention!)
- Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Yellow eyes (jaundice) How to fight anaemia?
- Eat right: include liver, red meat, seafood, beans, and spinach.
- Supplements: iron, b12, or folate tablets can help.
- Medical help: Severe cases might need blood transfusions or medications.
Final word: take charge of your blood!
Don’t ignore signs of anaemia. Eating well, seeking treatment, and staying informed can keep you strong and energized!