Anemia occurs when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. It makes you feel tired, weak, and short of breath even after mild physical activity. In this article, you will learn how to treat anemia in women. These tips will be simple and effective. But let us first know what are the causes and symptoms of anemia in women.
Causes of Anemia in women
Anemia in women can be caused by a number of factors. The most common include:
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances
- Malnutrition
- Gastroenteritis
- Parasites
Symptoms of Anemia in women
The symptoms of anemia in women vary from mild to severe, depending on how much blood your body has lost. Many times, you can even have anemia without having any obvious symptoms at all.
For example, less severe anemia can often cause fatigue or dizziness, while more severe forms of anemia happen during pregnancy which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Brittle nails
How to Treat Anemia in Women
A lack of iron can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body lacks red blood cells. That is why it’s important to understand how to treat anemia in women, especially if you suffer from it.
Follow these 7 simple and effective tips, and you will be on your way to having the stamina and strength that come with this condition gone for good.
Remember: If they don’t work or if your symptoms get worse you should seek medical attention right away as it could be a sign of something more serious.
1. Check your diet
Eating iron-rich foods is key for managing anemia, especially for those with lighter skin. Good sources of iron include:
- Legumes (beans)
- Red meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Green leafy vegetables.
Dark chocolate can also be a good source of iron. Just make sure you eat it with milk or yogurt to neutralize its acidity.
When buying prepared food from grocery stores or restaurants, be mindful of portion sizes. An overly large meal could rob your body of much-needed nutrients. If you are looking for a quick snack that provides plenty of iron without excess calories, nuts are best.
2. Consider supplements
When a nutrient is lacking, your body will look for it elsewhere. Unfortunately, if you are not getting enough iron from your diet, that search can wind up hurting you.
Iron is one of those critical nutrients that everyone needs, but many people aren’t getting enough of it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 27 mg of iron for pregnant women.
You can use Hempushpa syrup for treating anemia. Besides treating anemia, It has multiple health benefits. Read Hempushpa syrup uses for further information.
If you have a diagnosed iron deficiency, however, your doctor may recommend a higher dose or additional supplements. If you suspect that you may be suffering from low levels of iron but aren’t pregnant, talk to your doctor about what kind and how much supplement is right for you.
3. Eat more leafy greens
If you want to know how to treat anemia in women, eat more leafy greens. Leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard are rich sources of vitamin K. Other leafy greens vegetables include:
- Arugula
- Bok choy (Chinese chard)
- Mustard greens
- Swiss chard
- Watercress
- Fenugreek Leaves
A deficiency of vitamin K causes problems with blood clotting which can lead to excessive bleeding. Eating foods rich in Vitamin K can help replenish your stores so that you are no longer at risk for developing these issues.
4. Boost your intake of iron, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin B12
Women tend to be more susceptible than men to developing anemia, and during pregnancy even more so. This is because of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen around your body. It is formed mostly in your bone marrow, which requires iron. Because of their menstrual cycle, pregnant women need extra iron, magnesium and calcium.
Taking prenatal vitamins or iron supplements can help make up for what you might not be getting from food alone. In some cases, low levels of Vitamin B12 can cause anemia too. It is found naturally in foods like:
- Fish (Cooked salmon, Cooked clams)
- Poultry
- Eggs
With these vitamins and minerals in place, it is easier to fight off infections and heal faster when they occur.
So if you are feeling fatigued all of a sudden, or have been under the weather lately, don’t just chalk it up to being pregnant. It could be something else entirely. Speak with your doctor about how best to get everything back on track as soon as possible.
5. Get restorative sleep
Along with a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep is important for maintaining good health. If you are suffering from anemia, you may have difficulty sleeping due to weakness or painful or uncomfortable sensations caused by your condition. Help restore your body back to its normal healthy state with these ten simple ways of getting a good night’s rest.
- Make sure that your bedroom environment allows for sound sleep.
- Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
- Avoid alcohol before bedtime.
- Make sure that your bedroom is dark enough for sound sleep.
- Keep cool while you sleep. Use a fan if necessary.
- Get up when you feel tired. Don’t force yourself to stay in bed if you aren’t sleepy.
- Avoid eating too much before going to sleep.
- Stay active throughout the day. Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and reduce fatigue caused by anemia.
- Try taking melatonin supplements.
- Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Remember that if you are experiencing extreme symptoms like shortness of breath, it is best to contact your doctor immediately. He or she can prescribe treatment as needed and discuss any underlying causes.
6. Drink lots of water
Hydration is key. Every cell in your body needs water. Your brain is approximately 80% water, and your blood is 92% water. This means that you have to drink lots of it for optimal function.
An average of eight cups a day, according to nutritionist Amy Shapiro. Try increasing your fluid intake from juices, tea, soup, fruits and vegetables.
Some herbal teas like dandelion or milk thistle can also help with mild cases of anemia. Avoid drinking sodas or other sugary drinks as they will only make you hungrier and eat more food overall.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches, try adding more fluids into your diet. You may be dehydrated without even realizing it.
7. Avoid menstrual products with synthetic chemicals
Synthetic menstrual products such as tampons, pads and panty liners may cause an increased incidence of infections, especially if you already have a weakened immune system.
The synthetic fibers are irritants for your vagina’s sensitive tissue, so look for organic cotton or natural latex products instead. Your body absorbs more than just blood from a period. But it also absorbs toxic chemicals. Replace them with safer alternatives. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for you, but it is worth considering as a possible alternative.
Conclusion
There are many different types of foods that can help you naturally treat Anemia. It is important to combine these healthy eating habits with good sleep, regular exercise, sufficient rest and relaxation, as well as reduced exposure to chemicals.
For immediate relief of symptoms or to assist with a long-term treatment plan, many people find relief by taking iron supplements, but it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting any kind of supplement program.
The right combination of diet and treatment can help turn your Anemia around. There are no side effects or risks associated with natural methods for treating Anemia. You may experience some bloating while detoxing from heavy metals but other than that it is very safe. Always consult with your doctor if you have questions about what might be best for you personally.
