What is Anemia?

Anemia is the most common blood disorder in America today, but what many people do not realize it that there are over 400 different kinds of anemia. There are roughly 3.5 million people in America alone that suffer from anemia, but women and people with chronic illnesses are the most likely candidates to develop this disorder.

While there is an abundance of types of anemia, each of these variations can be classified into one of three different categories:

• Due to blood loss
• Decreased or faulty blood cell production
• Destruction of red blood cells

Anemia is caused when there is not enough red blood cells present to carry oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin, the protein which gives blood cells their red color, is what carries oxygen throughout the body. With fewer red blood cells there is less hemoglobin, and that means less oxygen is being transported to tissues of the body.

Many outside factors can contribute to the development of anemia. It can be hereditary, it can be caused by heavy menstrual cycles, or it can be caused by a poor diet. Additional factors that may lead to anemia are:

• Certain medications
• Kidney failure
• Bone marrow diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma
• Testosterone deficiency

These are just a few of the many situations that can lead to anemia. There are certain symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect you’re anemic. Such symptoms are, but are not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Problems thinking

Anemia is not a condition that is to be taken lightly. If you think you may be suffering from it, your first step should be to contact a doctor and be tested for it. Proper care and catching anemia soon enough could be a major step in dramatically improving your health.

If your doctor says you’re low on iron but not anemic, stop by the shop to check out our iron supplements.