"Can You Learn to Breathe Better?"

 

WHY BETTER BREATHING MATTERS: It’s an involuntary action, but you can still get better at breathing. When you breathe at a balanced tempo, you maintain healthy levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. You can learn how to pace your inhales and exhales to relax and manage anxiety too.

BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE: Tiny hairs and mucus, otherwise known as snot, inside your nose help catch and filter out dust that could irritate your lungs. Your nasal passages also warm and moisten the air you breathe in before it gets to your lungs.

DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES: You can learn new ways to breathe. The simple practice of focused breathing can help you lower stress. Just a few minutes of deep, steady inhaling and exhaling trains your vagus nerve, which manages functions like your heart rate. Training it with slow, deliberate breathing may help you relax and reduce anxiety.

SWITCH SIDES: Use your thumb to close one nostril while you breathe through the other, then switch. Close the other nostril with your index finger and breathe again. In between each cycle, briefly squeeze both sides shut. Do this for 5 minutes. This exercise, along with deep breathing, may have healthy effects on blood pressure and heart rate.

HELP FROM A NIFTY GADGET: If you want to train your breathing, try a pacer. These handheld devices use vibration feedback to help you develop a healthy rhythm that’s optimal for you. You can use it when you’re stressed to help you calm down. There are pacer apps for smartphones too.

SLEEP RIGHT TO BREATHE BETTER: Your position in bed could help ease shortness of breath. Lie on your side with one pillow propping up your head and another between your legs. If you prefer to sleep on your back, place one pillow under your head and the other under your bent knees.

SAY OMMMM: Meditation involves deep, focused breathing to help you sweep out stressful or distracting thoughts. Just close your eyes and practice inhaling slowly so that the air expands your belly. This type of breathing encourages the full exchange of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide. It can slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilize blood pressure.

BELT OUT YOUR FAVORITE TUNE: Singing may be healthy for your lungs and breathing, even if you have a chronic respiratory illness like COPD or asthma. It can help reduce anxiety too. A trained instructor can teach you how to control your breathing and develop the right posture to improve it.

IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY: An air purifier in your home can help clean particles from your surroundings to help you breathe better. These small appliances, also called HEPA air filters, are especially helpful if you have asthma. Airborne dust and allergens can worsen your symptoms. But anyone who lives in a big city with pollution may benefit from an air purifier too.

LOSE WEIGHT: If you’re overweight, losing a few extra pounds can help you breathe better. People who are obese may have shortness of breath. Excess belly fat can reduce the amount of air your lungs can hold when you inhale. Losing weight makes it easier to breathe and move. It can also improve your symptoms if you have asthma.

GET MOVING: Exercise helps keep your lungs healthy. Any type will do as long as it’s at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week. Regular physical activities like walking or biking can expand your lung capacity, so you can take deeper, fuller breaths.

NAMASTE: Gentle flexibility exercises, like yoga or tai chi, can improve your lung capacity and health. Both of these ancient Asian practices involve learning breathing techniques that improve your strength and well-being. If you’re just starting either practice, don’t do any moves at first that require you to restrict your breathing. 

LAUGH OUT LOUD: Here’s a fun way to exercise your lungs so they stay healthy: Laugh! Lots of belly laughing builds up your lung capacity and works your tummy muscles. A good bout of guffawing also clears stale air out of your lungs and lets fresh air in.

DRINK WATER: Stay hydrated to breathe better too. Drinking plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day keeps the mucus membranes that line the insides of your lungs healthy. If the lining is moist and thin, you’ll breathe easier.

BREATHE EASIER THROUGH YOUR MASK: Wearing a face covering may make breathing feel like it takes more effort. Try these tips: While you’re masked, don’t slump. Good posture makes breathing easier. Take off your mask when you’re alone in your car. If you feel anxious in your mask, pause and take a few deep mouth breaths to calm down.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, WebMD, on December 03, 2020

SOURCES: 

American Lung Association: “Five Ways You Might Be Breathing Wrong,” “Yoga, Tai Chi and Your Lungs: The Benefits of Breathing Through Exercise.”

Brigham Young University Counseling and Psychological Services: “Breathing,” “Paced Breathing Apps.”

Kids Health From Nemours Foundation: “Your Nose.”

Harvard Medical School: “Take a Breather,” “Relaxation Techniques: Breath Control Helps Quell Errant Stress Response.”

Frontiers in Psychiatry: “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders.”

University of Ottawa Student Academic Success Service: “How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health.”

Rochester Institute of Technology: “Breathing Pacer Device for Stress and Anxiety Relief.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Positions to Reduce Shortness of Breath,” “Can Air Purifiers Improve Your Lung and Heart Health?”

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance: “Singing for Lung Health.”

Pulmonary Hypertension Association: “Is It Possible to Lose Excess Weight With Lung Disease?”

University of Michigan Health Lab: “Why Does Obesity Lead to Respiratory Dysfunction?”

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “What is the connection between weight and asthma?”

Breathe (Sheffield): “Your lungs and exercise.”

Patient Empowerment Network: “5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Lung Health.”

Rush University Medical Center: “8 Tips for Healthy Lungs.”

New York-Presbyterian Hospital: “How to Breathe Better in a Mask.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Can You Learn to Breathe Better?”

 

WHY BETTER BREATHING MATTERS? It’s an involuntary action, but you can still get better at breathing. When you breathe at a balanced tempo, you maintain healthy levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. You can learn how to pace your inhales and exhales to relax and manage anxiety too.

BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE: Tiny hairs and mucus, otherwise known as snot, inside your nose help catch and filter out dust that could irritate your lungs. Your nasal passages also warm and moisten the air you breathe in before it gets to your lungs.

DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES: You can learn new ways to breathe. The simple practice of focused breathing can help you lower stress. Just a few minutes of deep, steady inhaling and exhaling trains your vagus nerve, which manages functions like your heart rate. Training it with slow, deliberate breathing may help you relax and reduce anxiety.

SWITCH SIDES: Use your thumb to close one nostril while you breathe through the other, then switch. Close the other nostril with your index finger and breathe again. In between each cycle, briefly squeeze both sides shut. Do this for 5 minutes. This exercise, along with deep breathing, may have healthy effects on blood pressure and heart rate.

HELP FROM A NIFTY GADGET: If you want to train your breathing, try a pacer. These handheld devices use vibration feedback to help you develop a healthy rhythm that’s optimal for you. You can use it when you’re stressed to help you calm down. There are pacer apps for smartphones too.

SLEEP RIGHT TO BREATHE BETTER: Your position in bed could help ease shortness of breath. Lie on your side with one pillow propping up your head and another between your legs. If you prefer to sleep on your back, place one pillow under your head and the other under your bent knees.

SAY OMMMM: Meditation involves deep, focused breathing to help you sweep out stressful or distracting thoughts. Just close your eyes and practice inhaling slowly so that the air expands your belly. This type of breathing encourages the full exchange of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide. It can slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilize blood pressure.

BELT OUT YOUR FAVORITE TUNE: Singing may be healthy for your lungs and breathing, even if you have a chronic respiratory illness like COPD or asthma. It can help reduce anxiety too. A trained instructor can teach you how to control your breathing and develop the right posture to improve it.

IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY: An air purifier in your home can help clean particles from your surroundings to help you breathe better. These small appliances, also called HEPA air filters, are especially helpful if you have asthma. Airborne dust and allergens can worsen your symptoms. But anyone who lives in a big city with pollution may benefit from an air purifier too.

LOSE WEIGHT: If you’re overweight, losing a few extra pounds can help you breathe better. People who are obese may have shortness of breath. Excess belly fat can reduce the amount of air your lungs can hold when you inhale. Losing weight makes it easier to breathe and move. It can also improve your symptoms if you have asthma.

GET MOVING: Exercise helps keep your lungs healthy. Any type will do as long as it’s at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week. Regular physical activities like walking or biking can expand your lung capacity, so you can take deeper, fuller breaths.

NAMASTE: Gentle flexibility exercises, like yoga or tai chi, can improve your lung capacity and health. Both of these ancient Asian practices involve learning breathing techniques that improve your strength and well-being. If you’re just starting either practice, don’t do any moves at first that require you to restrict your breathing. 

LAUGH OUT LOUD: Here’s a fun way to exercise your lungs so they stay healthy: Laugh! Lots of belly laughing builds up your lung capacity and works your tummy muscles. A good bout of guffawing also clears stale air out of your lungs and lets fresh air in.

DRINK WATER: Stay hydrated to breathe better too. Drinking plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day keeps the mucus membranes that line the insides of your lungs healthy. If the lining is moist and thin, you’ll breathe easier.

BREATHE EASIER THROUGH YOUR MASK: Wearing a face covering may make breathing feel like it takes more effort. Try these tips: While you’re masked, don’t slump. Good posture makes breathing easier. Take off your mask when you’re alone in your car. If you feel anxious in your mask, pause and take a few deep mouth breaths to calm down.

REVIEWED BY: Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, WebMD on December 03, 2020

 

SOURCES: 

 

American Lung Association: “Five Ways You Might Be Breathing Wrong,” “Yoga, Tai Chi and Your Lungs: The Benefits of Breathing Through Exercise.”

 

Brigham Young University Counseling and Psychological Services: “Breathing,” “Paced Breathing Apps.”

 

Kids Health From Nemours Foundation: “Your Nose.”

 

Harvard Medical School: “Take a Breather,” “Relaxation Techniques: Breath Control Helps Quell Errant Stress Response.”

 

Frontiers in Psychiatry: “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders.”

 

University of Ottawa Student Academic Success Service: “How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health.”

 

Rochester Institute of Technology: “Breathing Pacer Device for Stress and Anxiety Relief.”

 

Cleveland Clinic: “Positions to Reduce Shortness of Breath,” “Can Air Purifiers Improve Your Lung and Heart Health?”

 

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance: “Singing for Lung Health.”

 

Pulmonary Hypertension Association: “Is It Possible to Lose Excess Weight With Lung Disease?”

 

University of Michigan Health Lab: “Why Does Obesity Lead to Respiratory Dysfunction?”

 

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “What is the connection between weight and asthma?”

 

Breathe (Sheffield): “Your lungs and exercise.”

 

Patient Empowerment Network: “5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Lung Health.”

 

Rush University Medical Center: “8 Tips for Healthy Lungs.”

 

New York-Presbyterian Hospital: “How to Breathe Better in a Mask.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.

“Foods to Help Improve Your Circulation”

 

CIRCULATION IS KEY: Blood is like your body’s superhighway. It carries nutrients and oxygen to everything from your heart and brain to your muscles and skin. A healthy diet is one way to optimize your circulation, or blood flow. Combined with exercise, hydration, weight management, and not smoking, some foods can help improve circulation. Next time you head to the grocery store, consider including these items in your shopping cart.

CAYENNE PEPPER: This bright red pepper does more than just spice up your food. Thanks to a compound called capsaicin, cayenne pepper can help your arteries work well. It can also help relax the muscles in your blood vessels so blood can flow easily. And that’s good for your blood pressure.

BEETS: This root vegetable is rich in nitrate, which your body can convert to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to naturally loosen up your blood vessels and improve the flow of blood to your tissues and organs. Researchers have found that beet juice can lower your systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading), too.

BERRIES: They’re rich in antioxidants, including one that’s particularly good for your blood vessels: anthocyanin. It’s the compound that gives red and purple produce that deep-colored hue. Anthocyanin can help protect the walls of your arteries from damage and keep them from becoming stiff. Plus, anthocyanin spurs the release of nitric oxide, which helps to lower your blood pressure.

FATTY FISH: If you’ve always wondered why fish is good for your heart, here’s one reason. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, and halibut are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that these compounds are good for your circulation. Eating fish not only lowers your resting blood pressure; it can help keep your arteries clear and unclogged, too. 

POMEGRANATES: The tiny juicy red seeds inside a pomegranate are packed with nutrients, in particular antioxidants and nitrates. These can boost your circulation. And they widen (dilate) your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. That means that more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your muscles and other tissues. And for active people, greater blood flow may bring along a performance boost, too.

GARLIC: Garlic is good for more than keeping vampires away. It contains a sulfur compound called allicin that helps your blood vessels relax. Studies show that in people who eat a diet rich in garlic, blood flows more efficiently. That means the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to move blood throughout the body, which helps keep your blood pressure down.

WALNUTS: Go nuts for nuts, especially walnuts. These crinkly-skinned nuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which may help blood move smoothly. A study found that eating walnuts regularly for 8 weeks improved blood vessel health, helped those vessels stay elastic, and brought down blood pressure.

GRAPES: They’ll help keep your arteries healthy and improve blood flow -- all while tasting naturally sweet. A study found that the antioxidants in grapes encouraged blood vessels to relax and work more efficiently. Plus, grapes curb inflammatory and other molecules in the blood that could make blood sticky, which can get in the way of circulation.

TURMERIC: The golden yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks largely to curcumin, a compound found in turmeric. Studies suggest that curcumin may boost production of nitric oxide, which can help make your blood vessels wider. That, in turn, makes it easier for blood to flow and get to your muscles and other tissues.

SPINACH: Nitrate-rich foods like spinach may improve your circulation. These compounds help enlarge your blood vessels and create more room for blood to move through. Also, a study found that a diet rich in spinach helped keep arteries flexible and helped lower blood pressure.

CITRUS FRUIT: Vitamin C isn’t the only reason to make citrus fruit part of your diet. The antioxidants found in the fruit may help lower inflammation, prevent blood clots, and improve blood circulation. And if you’re an orange juice fan, you’re in luck. A study found that regularly drinking OJ lowered blood pressure.

REVIEWED BY: Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on WebMD, March 18, 2020

SOURCES:

Go Red For Women, American Heart Association: “Exercise to Prevent Heart Disease.”

PLoS One: “Elevated Sodium and Dehydration Stimulate Inflammatory Signaling in Endothelial Cells and Promote Atherosclerosis.”

Canadian Journal of Cardiology: “Obesity and Atherosclerosis: Mechanistic Insights.”

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology: “Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction and Early Atherogenesis.”

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism: “Capsaicinoids Modulating Cardiometabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: Current Perspectives.”

The Journal of Nutrition: “Inorganic Nitrate and Beetroot Juice Supplementation Reduces Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”

Food & Nutrition Research: “Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits.”

Nutrients: “The Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Foods or Extracts on Vascular Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.”

Circulation: “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health.”

European Journal of Sport Science: “Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults.”

Pharmacological Research: “Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”

The Anatolian Journal of Cardiology: “Effects of garlic on brachial endothelial function and capacity of plasma to mediate cholesterol efflux in patients with coronary artery disease.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.”

Diabetes Care: “Effects of Walnut Consumption on Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: A randomized controlled crossover trial.”

The Journal of Nutrition: “Grape Polyphenols Reduce Blood Pressure and Increase Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Men with Metabolic Syndrome.”

Aging: “Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress.”

Clinical Nutrition Research: “Effect of Spinach, a High Dietary Nitrate Source, on Arterial Stiffness and Related Hemodynamic Measures: A Randomized, Controlled Trial in Healthy Adults.”

Food Chemistry: “Citrus flavonoids: Molecular structure, biological activity and nutritional properties: A review.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Hesperidin contributes to the vascular protective effects of orange juice: a randomized crossover study in healthy volunteers.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.

“What You Need to Know About Anemia?”

 

WHAT IS ANEMIA? Anemia develops when you don’t have enough robust, healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. The blood cells may lack enough hemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red color. Anemia affects one in 10 teen girls and women. It also develops in men and children and is linked to some illnesses.

SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA: If you’re often tired even though you've slept well or you lack the energy for normal activities, you may have anemia. It can be an underlying cause of memory or mood problems. Symptoms range from none to mild to life-threatening and may include:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Headache
• Numbness or coldness in hands and feet
• Low body temperature

HEART-RELATED SYMPTOMS: People with anemia have less oxygen in their blood, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough oxygen to their organs. Cardiac-related symptoms include arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), shortness of breath, and chest pain.

ANEMIA IN CHILDREN: About one in seven children develop anemia by age 2, most often because they don’t have enough iron in their diet. People who have iron-deficiency anemia may feel the urge to eat inappropriate things like dirt, clay, ice, or starch, a behavior called pica. Pediatricians test all children for anemia at 12 months. Without treatment, a severe case of anemia could permanently affect brain development.

ANEMIA RISK FACTORS: Women and people with chronic diseases have the greatest risk of anemia. When women lose blood in heavy menstrual periods, they may become anemic. Pregnancy also causes changes in a woman’s blood volume that can result in anemia. Chronic diseases such as kidney disease can affect the body’s ability to make red blood cells. A diet low in iron, folate, or vitamin B12 also increases your risk. And some types of anemia are hereditary.

TEENS AND ANEMIA: If your teen often is fatigued, anemia might be a cause. Teens are at risk of iron-deficiency anemia because of their sudden growth spurts. Teen girls also are more prone to anemia because of their menstrual periods.

CAUSE: LOW IRON INTAKE - A diet that's low in iron can cause anemia. Iron from plants and supplements isn't absorbed as well as the iron in red meat. Digestive concerns such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or even having gastric bypass surgery can interfere with iron absorption. And some foods and medicines can hinder iron uptake when taken with iron-rich foods. They include:

• Dairy
• Other calcium-rich foods
• Calcium supplements
• Antacids
• Coffee
• Tea

CAUSE: VITAMIN DEFICIENCY - The body needs both vitamin B12 and folate to make red blood cells. A diet too low in these vitamins sometimes can cause anemia. An autoimmune disorder or digestive problem also can prevent your body from absorbing enough B12. Animal-based foods and fortified breakfast cereals are good sources of B-12. Folate is in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, and peas, and is added to breads, pastas, and cereals as folic acid.

CAUSE: ILLNESS - Chronic illness or infection can cause the body to make fewer red blood cells. This can result in a mild drop in hemoglobin. If you have significant blood loss, then you may develop iron-deficiency anemia. And some drugs and medical treatments can also put you at risk for anemia. Consult your doctor to see if you need iron or other supplements.

CAUSE: APLASTIC ANEMIA - Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells to supply the body. It affects only about three in one million people. It can be caused by high doses of radiation, certain chemical exposures, viruses, or an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the bone marrow. About one in five cases is inherited. In severe cases, people need blood transfusions or even a bone marrow transplant.

CAUSE: BLOOD LOSS - Losing too many red blood cells is a common cause of anemia. Heavy menstruation, ulcers, injury, or surgery can cause enough blood loss to lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Women who have heavy menstrual periods should be tested for anemia every year.

CAUSE: FAULTY BLOOD CELL MECHANICS - Inherited disorders can affect your body’s production of red blood cells. Thalassemias cause the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin -- and may be treated with blood transfusions. Among people with hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are destroyed and cleaned out of the bloodstream too quickly.

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder in which the body produces an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This causes red blood cells to change from round to a sickle shape and become stuck together. That can make it difficult for them to pass through blood vessels, leading to pain and damage to body tissues. The red blood cells also die more quickly than normal red blood cells. In the U.S., sickle cell anemia is more common among African-Americans and Hispanics.

DIAGNOSIS: COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT - A complete blood count test will check your levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. It will also check other factors such as average size, variability in size, volume, and hemoglobin concentration of red blood cells. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, your red blood cells may be smaller than normal. Your health care provider also may ask about your symptoms, medicines you take, and your family history.

DIAGNOSIS: OTHER BLOOD TESTS - If the complete blood count shows that you have anemia, you may have additional blood tests. Your blood cells may be checked for an abnormal appearance. Hemoglobin electrophoresis detects the type of hemoglobin in your blood. A reticulocyte count tests how well your bone marrow makes new red blood cells. Iron studies may be ordered to measure iron stores in your body, as well as iron levels in your blood.

DIAGNOSIS: BONE MARROW TEST- If your body is producing too few or too many blood cells or their structure appears abnormal, you may need a bone marrow test. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones, contains stem cells that turn into blood cells. Your doctor will remove a small sample of bone marrow through a needle. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and will cause some soreness.

TREATMENT: IRON - Iron pills are often needed for anemia that's caused by a deficiency in that mineral. Ferrous iron is more easily absorbed than ferric iron. It's best taken with food, especially orange juice and other foods rich in vitamin C. But don't mix your iron pill with calcium, coffee, or tea, which can block absorption. And never take iron without a doctor's order or let children near the pills. An iron overdose can be dangerous. Some people may need folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements, too.

IRON AND PREGNANCY: About half of pregnant women have iron-deficiency anemia. Pregnant women should get about 30milligrams of iron each day in their diet. Your prenatal vitamin also may contain iron. You may be tested for anemia at your first prenatal visit and after delivery.

TREATMENT: MEDICINES - Drugs for anemia often treat the root illness. So in some cases, where the anemia is due to chronic kidney disease, an injection of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) may be needed. If an autoimmune disorder causes your body to attack its own red blood cells, then a corticosteroid, such as prednisone, can slow the attack and help correct anemia. In sickle cell anemia, a cancer drug called hydroxyurea can lower the number of painful episodes.

TREATMENT: PROCEDURES - If you have severe anemia, you may need a transfusion of blood that matches your type. When the body's production of red blood cells doesn't work right, anemia may be treated or cured with a transplant. In these cases, bone marrow from a donor replaces the person's faulty bone marrow, so the body can start producing healthy blood cells. When blood cells are destroyed too quickly, blood plasma treatments or even removing the spleen may be needed.

PREVENTING ANEMIA: You can prevent some types of anemia with a healthy diet. Foods containing iron include lean red meat, liver, fish, tofu, lentils and beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits. Also eat foods with vitamin B12 and folic acid, such as eggs and dairy products, spinach, and bananas. Many breads, cereals, and other foods are fortified with all three key nutrients: iron, B12, and folic acid. Vitamin C, found in citrus, other fruits, and vegetables, will help your body absorb iron.

IRON OVERLOAD: Too much iron can cause serious problems. Iron overload can be a result of repeated blood transfusions or an inherited condition, but taking too much iron also is a risk. The many symptoms of iron overload are related to excess iron depositing into organs and causing problems in the liver, heart, and pancreas. Iron levels can be reduced through phlebotomy (blood removal) or medications.

LIVING WITH ANEMIA: Treating your anemia and eating a well-rounded diet can give you more energy and enhance your life. Most people can manage their anemia through a healthy diet and iron or vitamin supplements, if a doctor says they are deficient in one of the key nutrients. If you have a chronic disease, then good management of your condition also will help you prevent or manage anemia.

Reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH on January 31, 2014

REFERENCES:

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: “What is Anemia?”
CDC: “Fast Stats: Anemia and Iron Deficiency.”
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: “Other Names for Anemia.”
Womenshealth.gov: “Anemia Fact Sheet.”
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: “What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia?”
Baker, R., Greer, F., and the Committee on Nutrition. Pediatrics, November 2010.
American Family Physician: “Anemia in Children.”
Healthy Children: “Anemia and Your Child.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Who Is At Risk For Anemia?”
Children’s Hospital Boston: “Chronic Fatigue.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Living With Anemia.”
Iron Disorders Institute: “Iron Deficiency Anemia.”
Iron Disorders Institute: “Anemia of Chronic Disease.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Causes of Anemia.”
National Marrow Donor Program: “Aplastic Anemia (Severe).”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “What Causes Hemolytic Anemia.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “What Are Thalassemias?”
Cooley’s Anemia Foundation: “What Is Thalassemia?”
American Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation: “Education Material.”
American Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation: “What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?”
American Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation: “How Common Is Sickle Cell Anemia?”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Sickle Cell Anemia.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “How Is Anemia Diagnosed?”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “What Are Bone Marrow Tests?”
Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation: “Bone Marrow.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “How Is Hemolytic Anemia Treated?”
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: “Anemia in Kidney Disease and Dialysis.”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “How Is Anemia Treated?”
Iron Disorders Institute: “Iron Overload.”
Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research: “Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Hydroxyurea for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.”
National Marrow Donor Program: “Sickle Cell Anemia.”
National Marrow Donor Program: “Aplastic Anemia (Severe).”
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “How is Hemolytic Anemia Treated?”

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit  #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.


"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)