Anemia is a chronic disease that not only affects women but men and children as well. Anemia is usually associated with vegans and vegetarians but that’s definitely not the case anymore. Even people who regularly eat meat can be iron deficient and anemic. Anemia is affecting more and more people today because of poor diet and unhealthy lifestyles.

Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. It is a less than normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. Signs of anemia are weakness, fatigue, poor circulation, coldness in the limbs, pale skin, brittle nails, and depression. Severe anemia can lead to tachycardia and even heart failure.

Chronic diseases can also lead to anemia, such as IBS, (irritable bowel syndrome) lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Crohn’s, even degenerative joint disease. Most believe that taking an iron supplement will cure anemia, but for iron to be absorbed in the body, copper, manganese, B-complex, vitamin A, and molybdenum must also be present. Iron supplements do not contain these vital vitamins and minerals.

A proper healthy diet and incorporating foods like dark leafy greens, bananas, kelp, prunes, dulse, whole grains, garlic, carrots,  broccoli, beets, and juices rich in chlorophyll.  Foods like beer, sodas, tea, coffee, candy bars, and dairy can deplete your body’s iron count and worsen anemia. Incorporating a healthier diet and avoiding some foods can reverse anemia, increase energy levels, and ensure an improved lifestyle.

Related articles

• What Is Hemolytic Anemia? (everydayhealth.com)
• Anemia and Your Heart (everydayhealth.com)
• Severe Anemia Linked to Higher Death Risk After Heart Surgery (nlm.nih.gov)
• Sickle cell anemia – NHS Choices video (casesblog.blogspot.com)