Anemia: Low Hemoglobin
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
Anemia refers to a group of common blood disorders. It results in the decreased ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This manifests as symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion after small amounts of activity, headaches, constipation, loss of appetite, coldness of the extremities, dizziness, sore mouth and increased susceptibility to colds and flus.
In more severe cases, heart palpitations and breathlessness occur as the body attempts to increase tissue oxygenation. Outward signs of anemia are pale skin, pale mucus membranes (especially in the inside of the eyelid), dry skin and brittle nails.
There are several types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common. It can be caused by large blood losses, small but recurrent blood loss (excess menstrual bleeding or ulcers), hypothyroidism, or long-term illnesses like cancer. Megaloblastic anemia is due to a deficiency of B12 and possibly folic acid. Restlessness, numbness and skin cracks on the sides of the mouth are signs of this type of anemia.
Anemia can be caused by disorders that decrease the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 such as Crohn’s, Celiac disease and liver disease. A deficiency on vitamin B12 can cause pernicious anemia which stems from the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 in the stomach.
Anemia during pregnancy is a common occurrence, however in many cases it is caused by an increase in the volume of blood in her body rather than the bloods inability to carry oxygen.
When red blood cells are prematurely destroyed, this is referred to as Hemolytic anemia. The particular type of blood disorder is inherited. Symptoms include an enlarged spleen and jaundice. In addition, toxicity and poisoning can also cause anemia.
Many different drugs can inhibit the absorption of B vitamins or iron including antacids, oral contraceptives, diabetes medication, antibiotics, cholesterol medication and seizure mediation.
To help increase iron intake: Eat leeks, raw green leafy vegetables, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, oats, corn, rye, apples, strawberries, grapes, blackstrap molasses and kidney or pinto beans.
To help increase B vitamins: Eat nutritional yeast, spirulina, green leafy vegetables (folic acid), meats and dairy products.
Avoid the following foods: most nuts and beans, cocoa, beer, candy, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Anemia prevention tea – Equal parts alfalfa and stinging nettle. Add red raspberry leaves for use in pregnancy. Drink 250-1000 mL daily.
My adult son has been sick for 6 months straight. Stomach pain, constipation, gas, fatigue, can't focus, can hardly eat solids. His blood test came back with a low hematocrit and a high eosinophilus in digestive tract I believe. He is nutrient deficient as well. His Dr. is not very helpful. What supplements would help him heal? Thank you.
Hello Jennifer,
We are sorry to hear your son is not feeling well and is having difficulty finding recommendations for supplements for his specific case. Our recommendation would be to try a different healthcare practitioner or Naturopathic doctor in your area for advice. They can recommend a treatment plan that would be specific to your sons unique case. We wish you well and have a healthy day!
Loss of iron especially for women during that "time of month" can really take a toll on our bodies! I know I feel extremely tired and sluggish around this time and it figures that it would result from a loss of so much blood! I'm glad that there are supplements and food that can be taken to help raise iron levels as there are so many women that suffer from this problem. This article was definitely an interesting and educational read!
Hello, Rose With Thorns,
Indeed, this does take a toll on women, and due to a woman's cycle, women are more susceptible to low iron which can leave you feeling fatigued. We're glad you found this article to be informative and know a list of supplements and food items that can help you. Be sure to check out our new articles here as well: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/
Stay healthy!
I didn't know that anemia could also be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, even though I was aware that one type of anemia is referred to as "pernicious". This adds to the many, many reasons why EVERYBODY should supplement with B12. I also wasn't aware that pregancy could cause anemia due to the expansion of the mother's circulatory system in nourishing the child. Intereseting and informative article!: thank you for all the attention to detail.
Hello, Rachel,
Yes, unfortunately all of what you mentioned can cause anemia, especially if you don't get enough iron from your daily diet. We are glad you enjoyed learning with this article. We have more articles on iron coming soon, check out our newer articles here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/