Each human being is aware of the fact that oxygen is crucial for our body to function properly. But has anyone ever thought about how inhaled oxygen reaches every organ of the body? Does it reach automatically? No, this process became possible with the help of red blood cells. They carry oxygen from the lungs to all other organs and body tissues. However, if these healthy blood cells or hemoglobin goes low in count, Anemia develops. It can either be mild or severe, depending on the factors and body type. In simple language, we can also define anemia as low HB in the body.
Pandu Roga is the synonym for Anemia in Ayurvedic literature. The main body energy (dosha) that affected the body and resulted in anemia is Pitta dosha. This is influenced by weak agni (digestive fire) and viruddha ahaar (wrong diet).
Anemia has various other types. It all depends on the cause of anemia. A few of these types will be discussed today in the blog. To acquire knowledge, keep reading.
Causes of Anemia
Bodies can go low on hemoglobin due to many factors. These might include:
- Nutritional deficiencies of Iron, Vitamin B12, etc
- Destruction of red blood cells before their normal span of life (immune disorder)
- Diseases like Kidney disease, Cancer, or Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heavy Blood loss due to any specific reason
- Genetic conditions
Risk Factors of Anemia
Risk factor is a term that points to all those factors that increase the risk of a particular health condition. In the case of Anemia, the list includes:
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual periods
- Age
- Poor diet
- Ongoing chronic health problems
What are the Types of Anemia
According to the different causes of the development of Anemia, it is divided into further different types. Some of the most common ones are discussed below:
Iron-deficiency Anemia
Iron is an important mineral. It plays a main role in producing hemoglobin in the body. But without enough iron, individuals normally suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. This is a condition where we do not have enough iron in the body than required. So without iron, the blood will not be able to carry the oxygen to different body tissues and organs. If this process continues for a longer period, it can lead to pregnancy complications, heart problems, and many more consequences. Therefore, it is always suggested by experts to opt for timely treatment for anemia.
This type of anemia is known to be the most commonly seen. There could be a few main causes behind it. These are discussed as follows:
Causes:
- Blood loss
- Lack of iron in your diet
- The body’s inability to absorb iron properly
- Pregnancy
Signs of Iron-deficiency Anemia:
Its initial, i.e., the mild or moderate stage does not indicate any symptoms. Otherwise, they might be so mild that it usually goes unnoticed. However, when the deficiency increases and the condition worsens, it shows:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain/shortness of breath
- headache/dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
Sickle cell Anemia
Normally, the Red Blood Cell is in the shape of a circle and lives for about 120 days. Then it is replaced with the new fresh cells by one of our organs- the Spleen.
However, in Sickle cell Anemia, the shape of RBCs is in the form of a sickle or we can compare it with the crescent moon. Its characteristics are:
- Rigid and sticky. Thus, increasing the risk of blocking healthy blood flow.
- Live for only 10-20 days.
- It can harm the blood cells filtering organ - the Spleen.
- When the blood flow is blocked, the pain in different parts of the body develops.
This can result in less oxygen to the organs of the body and fatigue. Therefore, causing anemia to happen.
Cause of Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is not a communicable disease. Also, it is not caused due to mishappening during or before the pregnancy. Then what’s the main cause? This disease comes from parents, i.e., it runs in the family. When the trait from both parents is transferred to the child, he/she easily develops sickle cell anemia.
Symptoms of Sickle cell Anemia
- Periodic episodes of pain in the body
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth or puberty
- Vision problems
Aplastic Anemia
Compared to all other types of anemia, this type is a rare and serious condition. The body automatically stops producing enough new blood cells. Thus, leaving the individual tired and more prone to infections.
A healthy human body normally produces red cells, white cells, and platelets in the stem cells of the bone marrow. On the other hand, in aplastic anemia, these stem cells are damaged. Its main culprit is the immune system.
Aplastic Anemia Causes:
- Autoimmune disorder
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Usage of certain drugs/chemicals
- Viral infection
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Pregnancy
- Unknown factors
Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Frequent infections
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
- Bleeding nose or gums
- Bruises
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a less common type of anemia. In this blood disorder condition, the red blood cells of the body die faster than the speed at which it is replaced with new ones. Its mild type just simply goes away with the treatment. In case, if it is not managed timely, it can cause severe heart trouble to the individual.
Causes of Hemolytic Anemia
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bone marrow failure
- Infections
- Inherited blood disorder
- Some medicines
Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fever
- Dark coloured urine
- Pale skin and eyes
- Breathing problems after physical activity
- Irregular heartbeat
Tips for Anemia Prevention
It has been researched that most types of anemia can not be prevented. However, being connected to the roots of Ayurveda, we understand and try to educate everyone about the importance of the right Ahaar (diet). By following it properly, one can easily protect their body from such illnesses.
- Following a healthy diet also includes some restrictions. In case of anemia, it is advised to avoid those foods that lead to slow absorption of iron in the body. For eg., tea, coffee, cereals, cocoa, etc.
- Consuming green leafy vegetables and other sources of iron-rich foods is a great way to prevent hemoglobin from dropping.
- One can never go wrong with the intake of Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in their diet.
- Vitamin B12 is also a must to add to your diet.
- Females need to take special care of their diet and health during the menstrual cycle.
- To prevent hemoglobin from dropping, Pregnant women should also understand the importance of a healthy and clean diet. This will be beneficial for both - the mom and the baby.
The bottom line
While summing up the blog, let us not forget that diseases or illnesses are just a part of one’s life. Rather than making the condition worse by panicking, we can rely on Ayurveda for relief. It leads us to the path of healthy living. Furthermore, it provides us with the most effective and natural way to deal with such conditions.
If you are seeking a consultation regarding any health problem, the expert Ayurvedic doctors of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda are here to guide you.
