7 Surprising Signs of Anemia Plus 7 Natural Remedies That Might Just Help You Cope

Dec 19, 2018 by apost team

Anemia is a condition experienced when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin). This is important because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to cells throughout your body.

Disturbing symptoms of anemia are experienced because your organs are not being supplied with the oxygen they need.

There are many different types and causes of anemia. Recognizing these signs is important since anemia can be related to more serious illnesses.

Some of these symptoms may occur with other conditions. However, if you experience most of these symptoms regularly, you should discuss them with your doctor. It might be time for you to get a hemoglobin level test.

It is common for illnesses to cause pale facial skin. However, since anemia is characterized by reduced red blood cells and oxygen, paleness is found throughout the body. It can be most noticeable on hands, inner parts of the lower eyelids, and even your tongue.

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Low hemoglobin levels mean additional work for your heart. When your blood isn't carrying enough oxygen, your heart must pump more blood. This can result in varying heart rates when your organs aren't receiving enough oxygen for your activity level.

When organs aren't getting enough oxygen, they have to work harder. The extra energy your body receives from food and sleep gives you strength for daily activities. When you suffer from anemia, it is used up by overworked organs leaving you feeling tired and groggy.

Your brain is an organ. Like the rest of the body, without adequate oxygen, it works slower. The result is sluggish thinking that leads to an inability to focus or hold concentration.

Your nails may get thinner, peel or develop a spoonlike shape when you suffer from anemia. This occurs because your body is using its limited oxygen to supply vital organs. It is common for hair to become dry and brittle as well.

Cracks in the skin on your lips can be a normal side effect of sun or wind exposure. However, anemia causes cracking specifically near the corners of your lips. Dry mouth is a sign of iron deficiency which may cause these symptoms.

Some hormonal changes like pregnancy can awaken cravings for strange food combinations. Anemia, however, can bring on some really weird preferences. Craving non-food substances like dirt, coffee grounds, or chalk are the most common. This symptom is called Pica, and the reasons it affects people with anemia are not scientifically explained.

Treatment for anemia may depend on the type of anemia you have and the cause. Doctors may prescribe medications to treat the underlying cause. However, there are some natural remedies you can use to cure anemia.

Stomach acid breaks down your food for proper digestion. If the food isn't broken down, the body can't absorb important nutrients. Even when you are consuming enough food, important nutrients like iron and vitamin B12 are not getting into your system. Some natural treatments to improve acid levels are apple cider vinegar, ginger, and fermented foods.

It's not as gross as it sounds, and fermented foods carry many digestive benefits. Besides increasing acid levels, these foods are filled with probiotics (healthy bacteria for your gut) and can be healing when it comes to anaemia.

Some fermented foods to try include:

• Raw cheeses.
• Kombucha.
• Sauerkraut.
• Yogurt.
• Kefir.

If you have digestive troubles, there is usually a reason. Pay attention to these problems and the foods that cause them. Gluten and lactose are common culprits in food sensitivities. Continuing to consume the foods that irritate your intestine is a major cause for leaky gut.

Folate is a nutrient in vitamin B9 that helps build healthy blood cells. Anemia is sometimes experienced during pregnancy since a baby needs so much for healthy growth. Some foods high in folate include:

• Spinach and other leafy greens.
• Papaya.
• Beans
• Citrus fruit.
• Whole grains.

Vitamin B12 is important to healthy blood cells. Depletion of vitamin B12 may occur more often in vegetarians and vegans since foods high in B12 include meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood.

Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia. Iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin to create healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by the inability to absorb iron or a lack of iron in your diet. Some iron-rich foods include:

• broccoli
• Red meat
• Liver
• Nuts
• Spinach
• Grains
• Lentils and Beans

Have you experienced anemia in the past? Are you experiencing the symptoms mentioned here? If you know of other remedies. Please add them to the list. Let everyone you know about these potential signs of anemia and effective natural ways to combat it! 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!