Anemia is a growing disease seen in women. Characterized by tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid heart rate, anemia occurs when the body’s red blood cell count decreases.
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In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anura Kurpad, Professor and Head of Physiology at St John’s College of Medicine and Senior Nutrition Adviser at the Tata Trusts, said, “Understanding what causes the condition allows for targeted intervention that can effectively manage and often reverse anaemia. . He added that while iron deficiency is one of the leading causes, there are other, lesser-known causes that can trigger anemia. Next, the doctor noted not very well-known reasons:
Parasitic infections:
Parasitic infections such as malaria, ascariasis, hookworm, and others deplete iron levels in the body as the parasites feed on the host’s blood and cause inflammation that can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
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Frequent pregnancies:
Frequent pregnancies can contribute to anemia because pregnancy requires extra iron and nutrients to support fetal growth and increase blood volume. A near term pregnancy can put even more stress on the body, especially with blood loss during childbirth.
Excessive alcohol consumption:
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to anemia, impairing the production of healthy blood cells and causing premature destruction of red blood cells. Avoiding alcohol and social settings that encourage drinking can help reduce your risk.
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Excessive menstrual bleeding:
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, due to hormonal imbalances or uterine abnormalities can lead to anemia if it occurs consistently. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and keep a close eye on your blood levels, especially during your period, added Dr Anura Kurpad.
Vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency:
Vitamin B-12 and folate help produce healthy red blood cells. A lack of these nutrients can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the growth of large, abnormally shaped cells that are ineffective at transporting oxygen.
Lack of variety in the diet:
A restricted, monotonous diet combined with a high intake of processed foods and caffeine, which interferes with iron absorption, can also lead to anemia. To counter this, include a variety of foods: eat sources of heme (animal) iron, such as beef and poultry, and sources of non-heme (plant) iron, such as lentils, spinach and beans.
READ ALSO: Variety on the plate: ways to fight anemia
Exposure to pollution and chronic inflammation:
Another potential contributor to anemia is exposure to air pollution, particularly PM 2.5, which has been shown to increase systemic inflammation, reduce iron absorption, and affect red blood cell formation in the bone marrow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
