According to a study by Lancet in 2021, at least 1.92 billion people were anemic globally. So, if indeed it causes weight problems, there are probably many people out there who are obese or losing weight because of anemia. But does anemia cause any weight problems? Here, we will discuss anemia, its causes, treatment plans, and whether it can cause weight gain or loss.
Suffering from anemia means you have low levels of red blood cells. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein for transporting oxygen to every body part. So, low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin mean the body will not receive sufficient oxygen, hence affecting its normal functioning. The impact of anemia can be evident in the signs and symptoms it causes. You will experience the following signs and symptoms of anemia.
Anemia can be acquired, inherited, or result from other health complications. As a result, there are different types of anemia. To date, there are about 400 types of anemia. They can be classified into three groups.
Anemia can be acquired from a health complication or a result of something that happens to you that interferes with the number of red blood cells. The different types of acquired anemia include:
Do you know you can be born with anemia? Below are the different types of inherited anemias:
It is the type of anemia that results from unending inflammation which slows down the bone marrow from producing young red blood cells. Conditions that lead to this type of anemia include:
Anemiacan make you crave non-nutritious substances like ice, dirt, hair, paint chips, and paper. This is a condition known aspica. Craving for such non-food substances may be due toiron deficiency. This is a condition that is likely to occur in pregnant mothers who have anemia.Β
Treatment for iron deficiency using dietary supplements and medication that add iron into the body may reduce the levels of theleptin hormone thus increasing food intake. So, if you are likely to eat more.Β
Besides, as more iron gets into the bodyappetite levels increase. So, you are likely to feel hungry.
Anemic people have less red blood cells, so there is little oxygen that is supplied to their body parts. Less oxygen leads to the production of low energy levels that do not support your body in physical activities, which otherwise help in weight management. Prolonged inactivity leads to weight gain.
Iron deficiency anemia has an impact on themetabolic processes hence leading to weight gain. Without sufficient iron, the metabolic rate slows down hence making it hard to shed the extra weight despite exercising and taking a healthy diet.
Yes, but the treatment option will take into consideration the type, cause, and severity of the anemia. Treatment options include the use of dietary supplements, medications, and medical procedures.
Dietary supplements include vitamin b12, folic acid, and iron supplements. Medications for treating anemia includeerythropoietin, which assists the bone marrow in producing more stem cells, and immunosuppressants that prevent your immune system from attacking and destroying red blood cells. Procedures that can be performed to treat anemia include stem cell transplant, blood transfusion, and surgery.
The best foods for anemia are the ones that are rich in iron. The iron-rich foodsΒ include:
Foods that contain vitamin C help the body absorb iron. The body will have sufficient dietary iron that will prevent anemia. Foods rich in vitamin C include:
Iron deficiency that causes anemia can result from malabsorption, which reduces the ability of the body to absorb iron. The malabsorption might be caused by the foods or drinks you are consuming. They include:
Superfood powders are dried and ground-up versions of foods that contain high nutritional content. They contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. One of the minerals the body requires is iron. Iron deficiency is likely to cause anemia. So, superfood powders that are good sources of iron will be good for anemia.Β
What are some of the superfoods that are good for anemia? Our organic greens powder superfood is one option that you can rely on if your anemia is from iron deficiency. It contains leafy greens and spirulina that provide the body with nutrients such as iron. Besides, this powder superfood is soy-free hence does not support malabsorption of iron, reducing the risk of anemia.
Cardio which is also referred to as aerobic exercise entails activities that make you breathe a little bit faster. If you are anemic, your body does have low energy levels due to the reduced number of red blood cells. So, you have little energy to engage in exercises that will take a toll on you. So, you can only engage in moderate cardio exercises such as walking, dancing, swimming, and cycling.
Anemia can either be acquired or inherited. You can acquire this disease as a result of some health complications or inherit it if you hail from a family with a history of anemia. For instance, hemolytic anemia can be passed from a parent to their child. So, it is evident that anemia can be genetic.
Stress can have a negative impact both on your physical and mental health. It can lead to nutritional deficiencies, depriving the body of minerals such as iron. Iron deficiency increases the risk of developing anemia. So, yes, there is a correlation between stress and anemia.
People who suffer from anemia either have fewer red blood cells and/or low levels of hemoglobin that cannot supply the body parts with enough oxygen. So, the body will lack sufficient energy to support its normal functioning. This is why people who are anemic tend to be weak, feel tired, and experience shortness of breath.
Anemia is also associated with weight changes. Low hemoglobin concentration affects the production of energy. That is why people who are anemic are likely to be inactive for long hours, hence potentially leading to weight gain. The management of this disease can be through dietary supplements, medications, and medical procedures such as surgery, bone marrow transplant, and surgery.