Jaipur| Anemia is a significant issue for both men and women. However, for women, it poses a worrisome concern. The primary causes behind this are a deficiency in nutrition and the blood loss during menstruation every month. Women with prolonged periods and heavy bleeding are at an increased risk. It is a condition that results from a deficiency of hemoglobin in the body, leading to a shortage of iron and a decrease in the production of hemoglobin, which is critical.
In anemia, the rate of destruction of red blood cells in the body increases, and the rate of production decreases. This leads to a shortage of blood in the body. Adolescents and women should pay immediate attention to this due to menstruation. Otherwise, the risk of other diseases also increases. Anemia during pregnancy is also harmful to the developing fetus. In men, the quantity should be between 12 to 16 percent, while in women, it should be between 11 to 14 percent. If anemia is caused by malaria or parasitic worms, immediate medical treatment is necessary.
Symptoms of Anemia in Women:
1. Feeling tired throughout the day
2. Yellowing of the eyes and whitening of the skin, dry skin
3. Abnormally increased heart rate, difficulty breathing
4. Swelling in the body, especially on the face and legs
5. Paleness of the tongue and nails
6. Dizziness when getting up or sitting up
7. Occasionally fainting due to severe blood loss
Preventive Measures:
1. Consume iron-rich foods. Eat amla, oranges, and seasonal fruits.
2. Eat carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, green vegetables, apples, bananas, black gram, and jaggery.
3. Avoid unplanned pregnancies.
4. Avoid excessive tea and coffee after meals.
5. Cook food in iron utensils and sit in the sunlight regularly.
6. Besides soaked peanuts, use its butter in your diet.
7. Take medication for iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, and folic acid under medical advice.
The author is an Assistant Professor, IHTM SMS Medical College Jaipur.