Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. (Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin.)
Symptoms of anemia
Often, no symptoms
What can cause low iron levels?
Lack of iron in the diet. This is mostly a problem for children and young women. Children who drink a lot of milk and don't eat iron-rich foods and young women who follow "fad" diets may be at risk for iron deficiency.
Growth spurts. Children under age 3 are growing so fast that their bodies may have a hard time keeping up with the amount of iron they need.
Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or who are breast feeding need 2½ times as much iron as men. That's why pregnant women may be tested for anemia and why they need to eat more iron-rich foods or take a daily iron pill.
Blood loss. This is a common reason for iron deficiency anemia in adults. Heavy periods may cause anemia. Blood loss can also be caused by internal bleeding, usually in the digestive tract. A stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, cancer, or taking aspirin or similar medicine for a long time can cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. That's why it's important to find the reason for a low iron level.
Some types can be prevented, such as those caused by diet. You can help prevent this type of anemia by making sure you eat foods that have iron. See the box below for a list of iron-rich foods.
Foods high in iron
- Liver and other meats
- Seafood
- Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins
- Nuts
- Beans, especially lima beans
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli
- Blackstrap molasses
- Whole grains
- Iron-fortified breads and cereals (check the label)
Above all this Beetroot juice is good in iron content. You can try this to get the best result.
