Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Anemia
Anemia occurs when there aren't enough red blood cells in your blood, or they are deficient in a protein called hemoglobin. This means your red blood cells don't carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body.
Women and people with chronic disease are at greater risk of becoming anemic.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to help prevent anemia:
* Get plenty of iron in your diet by eating such foods as leafy green vegetables, lean red meats, iron-fortified breads and cereals, fish and dried fruits.
* Consume foods with plenty of vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to help your body absorb more iron.
* Avoid restrictive or fad diets that prevent a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals.
* Don't drink coffee or tea with meals. They make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron.
* Get tested for anemia every five to 10 years while in your childbearing years. If your doctor tells you that you're at greater risk of anemia, the physician may recommend annual testing.
Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements
If you are anemic or need iron supplements for another reason, taking the pills can be difficult.
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to make taking iron supplements a little easier:
* Take the pills with food.
* Gradually work your way up to the number of pills your doctor prescribed each day. Start out with one a day, then after three to five days, begin increasing the amount until you've reached the daily dose recommended by your doctor.
* If iron pills make you constipated, add fiber to your daily diet.
* If the pills make your stomach upset, don't take them before you go to sleep.
* If a particular brand causes problems, ask your doctor about different brands or formulas.
No comments:
Post a Comment