Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is characterized by excess iron in the body. Just like lack of iron can cause anemia, excessive levels of iron in the blood are toxic. The effects are damaging since the body starts building up tissue. In many cases, haemochromatosis is caused due to an inherited abnormality that causes the body to increase absorption of iron from the intestine. This condition is called primary haemochromatosis. Secondary haemochromatosis occurs when abnormal red blood cells in the body are destroyed and iron is released. This iron dose overload usually affects people in the age group of 30 - 60 years. It is essential to treat this condition lest it lead to heart failure or liver failure.

Persons suffering from haemochromatosis tend to feel fatigue and lethargy. There might be joint pain or arthritis. Men might notice impotence and reduced sex drive. Other symptoms of haemochromatosis are loss of body hair and darkening of skin. Cirrhosis of the liver might occur due to scarring of liver. This is accompanied by abdominal pain, jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Haemochromatosis can lead to heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms.

Haemochromatosis is diagnosed through blood tests and liver biopsy. Therapeutic venesection or phlebotomy is a process of regular bloodletting, similar to blood donation. Patients suffering from Haemochromatosis must limit the consumption of iron. Excess alcohol consumption must be avoided. Avoid iron supplements and Vitamin C, which aids absorption of iron.

Anemia

Anemia stands for 'without blood' in Greek. When the number of red blood cells (RBC) falls below normal, Anemia is a resultant condition. Hemoglobin is an important constituent of RBC. Hemoglobin usually occurs in the range of 12 and 18 g/dL (grams per deciliter of blood). If the hemoglobin levels show a decrease, anemic conditions set in. Consequently, the various organs and tissues of the body do not receive adequate oxygen on account of the diminished oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This impairs their normal functioning. Usually women have smaller stores of iron than men. Besides, they also lose blood during menstruation making them primary targets for anemia.
It is essential to be familiar with the typical symptoms of anemia. Often anemia is misdiagnosed and left untreated. An anemic person is likely to feel extremely tired and weak. This is accompanied with dizziness and breathlessness. A person suffering from anemia tends to appear pale and experience feelings of depression. In some cases, anemia can lead to heart ailments too.

Causes of Anemia

Types of Anemia

Iron deficiency Anemia - Nearly 20% adult women tend to suffer from this form of anemia. Loss of blood due to menstruation is not compensated with an iron-rich diet Pregnancy and breast feeding can also deplete iron stores. Iron deficiency anemia is also noticed during growth spurts or internal bleeding.

Aplastic anemia - When the bone marrow does not produce sufficient quantities of blood cells, aplastic anemia is noticed. Childhood cancers such as leukemia are often responsible for this form of anemia. Other possible causes of aplastic anemia are radiation, cancer or antiseizure medications and chronic diseases such as thyroid or kidney malfunction. Treatment for aplastic anemia involves blood transfusions and bone marrow transplant. This is done to replace malfunctioning cells with healthy ones.

Vitamin deficiency anemia - Low levels of folic acid lead to faulty absorption of iron. Anemia caused due to folic acid deficiency is called megaloblastic anemia. Pregnancy doubles the body requirements of folic acid and it is imperative that pregnant women take folic acid supplements. Good dietary sources of folate are fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, liver and kidney, dairy products and whole grain cereals. Vegetables should be eaten raw or lightly cooked.Folic acid anemia is also a common problem faced by alcoholics. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to a condition of pernicious anemia. Diseases such as thyroid malfunction or diabetes mellitus can affect the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. This vitamin is vital in the production of hemoglobin.

Sickle cell anemia - Sickle cell anemia is a condition where the red blood cells change shape, from their original flexible round shape to a sickle or crescent shape. These irregular blood cells do not move smoothly. Instead they clog blood cells on account of their shape and consequently there is deprived oxgyen to various body parts. This blood disorder is genetic in origin and is found more predominantly in people of African, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ancestry.

Thalassemia anemia - Thalassemia or Cooleys Disease is a heriditary disorder found predominantly in people of South East Asian, Greek and Italian racial groups. This form of anemia is seen in differing degrees as Thalaseemia encompasses a group of related disorders that affect the human body in similar ways. The most common occurences of Thalassemia are alpha and beta thalassemia. Thalassemia anemia is symptomized by jaundice, enlarged spleen, shortness of breath and facial bone deformities.

Diagnosing Anemia

A complete blood count test will test for hemoglobin levels and display an anemic condition. But often anemia is a symptom whose cause lies deeper. The cause and type of anemia will determine the treatment that is needed. A stool test will help in detecting occult blood. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that helps identify abnormal hemoglobins. Diagnosing thalassemia or sickle cell anemia becomes possible with this test.

Treating Anemia

Deficiency can be treated with supplements of iron, Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin C. Partaking an iron-rich diet can be beneficial for those suffering from nutritional deficiency anemia. Seafood, nuts, whole grains and dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and apricots are rich in iron. Ensure adequate consumption of Vitamin C as it aids and stimulates iron absorption. Try and combine citrus foods with iron-rich foods - add tomatoes to a turkey sandwich or chopped strawberries with iron-fortified breakfast cereals.

There are many diet plans around catering to various requirements. Food plays an important role in our lives. Understanding our body requirements and adapting our lifestyles with healthy food options that provide vital nutrition and energy can go a long way in maintaining good health. This has assumed more importance today on account of the deteriorating diet patterns, especially that of growing kids. Keep obesity, high cholesterol and other diseases such as anemia and osteoporosis at bay by choosing healthy food substitutes.

For example to keep Osteoporosis at bay, eating a calcium-rich diet can help. Including milk, particularly skimmed milk and low fat yogurt can help you build your calcium deposits. Spinach is a source of non-dairy calcium. Anemia is of particular concern to women, especially those who resort to dieting. Consuming meat, fish and poultry or leafy green vegetables, nuts and breakfast cereals can provide you with adequate iron.

Similarly Lutein is a pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens, corn and egg yolks. Lutein as an antioxidant reduces the effects of free radicals. Lutein in adequate quantities in the diet can help ward off Macular Degeneration or MD , a condition in which the center of retina suffers permanent damage due to a number of causes - natural degradation triggered by ageing or by undue exposure to strong light. Another carotenoid, zeaxanthin again has similar beneficial effects on the eyes. In addition some studies have indicated that these carotenoids can also help prevent cataracts.