Blood is the foundation of human life. When a person lacks blood, they may appear pale and weak, and in severe cases, they may experience dizziness and loss of appetite. These are symptoms of anemia. Recently, some female friends around me have been experiencing these symptoms. Why is the probability of anemia in women so high? What are the causes of anemia? What are the dangers of anemia in women? How should women "nourish blood"? Today, I will help you understand these questions.
Causes of Anemia:
1. Inadequate intake: Infants, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women who have an increased physiological need for iron are prone to anemia due to picky eating or a monotonous diet. Dieting or picky eating leads to anemia because the iron content in the diet is far from sufficient to meet the body's needs.
2. Chronic bleeding: Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids, heavy menstruation, etc. can lead to anemia due to excessive blood loss. Some girls have heavy menstrual flow, which is caused by excessive blood loss and insufficient iron supplementation in the diet, leading to a "vicious cycle" and resulting in anemia.
3. Absorption disorders: Chronic diarrhea, drinking tea, coffee, etc. can also cause anemia. During diarrhea, the absorption function of the intestines is greatly reduced, and the supplemented iron cannot be adequately absorbed to synthesize hemoglobin. Drinking tea and coffee inhibit iron absorption, preventing the synthesis of hemoglobin and leading to anemia.
Dangers of Anemia in Women:
Anemia affects the body's circulatory function in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen, resulting in poor oxygenation of body tissues and damage to overall health. Secondly, it affects the production of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body and a reduction in the body's ability to carry oxygen.
1. Pale or sallow complexion, pale lips, conjunctiva, and nail beds, dry hair, listlessness, and easy fatigue.
2. Enlarged liver and spleen, increased heart rate, enlarged heart, and in severe cases, heart failure may occur.
3. Decreased digestive function, loss of appetite, poor absorption, and frequent diarrhea.
4. Lack of concentration, shortness of breath and fatigue with slight activity.
5. Edema in the face, head, and lower limbs in the late stage of anemia.
How to "Nourish Blood" for Women:
Diet: Women should eat more high-quality protein, essential trace elements (iron, copper, etc.), folic acid, and vitamin B12-rich foods that contain hematopoietic materials. These include animal liver, kidneys, blood, fish, shrimp, eggs, soy products, black fungus, black sesame, red dates, peanuts, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits.
Medication: Anemic individuals should take blood-tonifying herbal medicine. For example, a decoction of 15 grams of Codonopsis pilosula and 15 red dates can be consumed as tea. Another option is to cook 60 grams of maltose, 20 red dates, and a suitable amount of water until they are fully cooked. A blood-tonifying porridge can also be made with 20 grams of Polygonum multiflorum, 20 grams of goji berries, 60 grams of glutinous rice, 15 red dates, and an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Severe anemia sufferers can also take ferrous sulfate tablets, etc.
Sleep: Ensure sufficient sleep, energy, and physical strength, and maintain a regular daily routine, moderate entertainment, and a balanced work-rest schedule. Learn to live a scientific life, adopt a modern and healthy lifestyle, avoid staying up late, avoid picky eating, avoid snacks, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation or puerperium.
Exercise: Regularly participate in physical exercise, especially for women who have given birth. They should engage in physical exercise and outdoor activities within their capabilities for at least half an hour every day. Good exercise options include aerobics, running, walking, playing sports, swimming, dancing, etc., which can enhance physical strength and hematopoietic function.
Mental well-being: Maintaining a happy and optimistic mood not only enhances the body's immune system but also promotes physical and mental health. It can stimulate the hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, resulting in a healthy and radiant complexion. Therefore, it is important to maintain a positive outlook on life.
