Anemia can include some unpleasant symptoms such as intense fatigue, shortness of breath and lack of energy but, fortunately, it can be cleared up by eating the right foods, according to Doctor Pulse.
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Eating food rich in iron, vitamins B9, B12 and C and limiting your consumption of tea and coffee can help you override anemia.
According to the report, certain diseases are capable of promoting anemia including HIV, gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, cancers and autoimmune diseases. Those most at risk for anemia include menstruating women, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly and those genetically predisposed to anemia.
Be aware, though, that while your body requires sufficient iron to stay healthy, elevated levels of iron can be just as bad as low levels of iron. High iron levels have been linked to cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, gouty arthritis, hepatitis C, liver disease and many other health problems.
Finding out if you have too little or too much iron in your blood is easily done by measuring your serum ferritin. Lab normal levels should be between 20 and 80 ng/ml; between 40 and 60 ng/ml is the sweet spot.
If your iron level is too high, the easiest way to lower it is to donate blood two or three times a year. If you have severe overload you may need to do it more often. Regular sauna use, which is an effective form of detoxification, is also helpful.
Iron overload is incredibly common and as dangerous to your health as vitamin D deficiency.
Most all adult men and non-menstruating women can have damaging levels of iron. However, there is a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis which causes your body to accumulate excessive and dangerously damaging levels of iron.
If left untreated, it can damage your organs and contribute to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and many other disorders.
There’s no arguing that iron is essential for life as it transports oxygen in your body, helps regulate cell growth, maintains brain function, metabolism and endocrine function and is involved in energy production and immune function.
But having either too much or too little iron can have serious repercussions. While iron deficiency is commonly checked for, iron overload is actually far more common a problem, yet is often overlooked or ignored.
You’re around 400% more likely to have too much iron than not enough, which can pose serious risks to your health.
In one study of more than 1,000 people, only 3% were iron deficient, but 13% had iron overload.
One of the only ways your body can get rid of excess iron is by bleeding; as a result, most premenopausal women who are menstruating rarely suffer from iron overload, however most adult men and postmenopausal women tend to be at a much higher risk.
If you iron levels are high, donating your blood is a safe, effective and inexpensive solution. If a blood donor center is unable to accept your blood for donation you can always obtain a prescription for therapeutic phlebotomy.