What It Is
Symptoms of Anemia
Who Gets It
How To Treat It
Health Concerns

Anemia is a disease of the blood. It can be inherited or acquired. Many inherited forms of anemia are not appropriately treated with iron alone. Anemia that is acquired can occur as a result of inadequate nutrition; excessive alcohol intake; heavy menses; and chronic diseases, like kidney disease, lupus and cancer. If you are diagnosed with anemia it is important to find out what type of anemia you have so that it can be treated properly. Most young women of childbearing age tend to have Iron Deficiency Anemia, which is treatable with iron pills.

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• Often there are not any symptoms
• Paleness
• Feeling tired
• Unusual shortness of breath during exercise
• Quicker heartbeat than usual

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• Persons with low-iron diets
• Some young children going through growth spurts
• Some pregnant women
• Some women with heavy monthly periods

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Anemia can be treated in different ways, depending on what type it is. Some types may be prevented by increasing the amount of iron in your daily diet, or by taking Iron supplements. Some foods high in Iron include seafood, nuts, dried fruits, beans, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

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If anemia is not treated, anemia can starve your body of the oxygen it needs to survive.

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