Anemia can have harmless but also serious triggers

People with anemia suffer from a lack of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or red blood pigment (hemoglobin). The result: the body is not supplied with enough oxygen.

"Anemia can have many causes. Experts broadly distinguish between anemias caused by blood loss or breakdown or due to a blood formation disorder," explains Dr. Reinhold Lunow, internist and medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn. "In Europe, in about 80% of cases, Iron deficiency anemia the cause of anemia. This mainly affects women, especially because of their menstrual bleeding. They suffer from tiredness, pale skin, rapid exhaustion, shortness of breath, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, cold hands and feet."

Besides Eisenmangel but can also be a chronic Disease Cause of anemia, such as Cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. In very rare cases, the body, ie the bone marrow, can no longer produce enough blood cells. This is life-threatening. Sometimes, however, production cannot keep up with the loss of red blood cells, for example if there is a blood metabolism disorder.

Fatigue and heart palpitations can be signs

"If constant tiredness without any apparent cause makes everyday work difficult and the heart occasionally seems to stumble, patients should definitely see an internist. These are signs that the body is no longer getting enough oxygen from the blood cells and the heart has to pump more blood through them so that it can compensate for the lack of oxygen," warns Dr. Lunow. "Through a comprehensive blood analysis, the Doctor determine the actual extent of the anemia and also identify or at least narrow down the possible causes in order to conduct further investigations," adds the medical director of the Bornheim practice clinic.

The treatment of anemia depends on the cause. “It is important to diagnose anemia early on by clarifying the symptoms mentioned or as part of a health check to recognize. The therapy is then based on this," says Dr. Lunow.

At an appointment, patients should inform the doctor whether they currently have a diet “It is best to make a note of the symptoms you notice in advance. But also Stress in your life or changes are important information. You should inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking - including dietary supplements - in order to clarify interactions or side effects," advises Dr. Lunow.

Beef, dairy products and citrus fruits are part of a blood-healthy Nutrition

There are no preventive measures for many forms of anemia. However, the most common form of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, can often be prevented by eating a varied diet. This includes meat that is rich in iron, such as beef, or beans, lentils, dark green vegetables and dried fruit.

Folic acid (BXNUMX) is also important for blood formation. It is found in citrus fruits and juices, in bananas, in dark green vegetables. Another important vitamin that can prevent anemia is vitamin B 12. Meat and dairy products contain this vitamin.

An “anemia check” is particularly recommended for vegetarians

Compared to people who eat a mixed diet, vegetarians have a greater risk of suffering from iron deficiency. The iron in meat can be better utilized by the body than in plant products. Vegetarians therefore need to pay attention to particularly iron-rich grains such as millet and oats, which are eaten in combination with fruit rich in vitamin C (e.g. oranges). This is because vitamin C improves the availability of iron from plant foods. "Vegetarians and people who eat little meat can use a blood test to determine whether they have too few red blood cells," is Dr. Lunow's tip.

Provided by: https://www.internisten-im-netz.de/