Anaemia

The word Anaemia which literally means “lack of blood” is defined as a decrease in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count in the blood. The function of the Red Blood Cell is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

A decrease in Red Blood Cell count therefore impairs gaseous exchange in the body and leads to symptoms such as pale skin, dizziness, general weakness, headache, easy fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, poor appetite, tingling sensation in the feet, insomnia and leg cramps. Anaemia is twice common in women than men.

Diet plays an important role in the body’s ability to produce enough Red Blood Cells. Food supplies the body with essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamin B required for blood cell production.  It is therefore important to increase intake of legumes, soy, fruits, green leafy vegetables, avocado, spinach, lemon, grape and red beet. Tea and alcoholic beverages should be reduced since they can negatively affect blood cell production in the body.


Written by James Mckeown Amoah