SPECIAL DIETS FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH PROBLEMS

SPECIAL DIETS FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH PROBLEMS

Anemia:

A person with anemia has thin blood. This happens when blood is lost or destroyed faster than the body can replace it. Blood loss from large wounds, bleeding ulcers, or dysentery can cause anemia. So can malaria, which destroys red blood cells. Not eating enough foods rich in iron can cause anemia or make it worse.

Women can become anemic from blood loss during monthly bleeding (menstrual periods) or childbirth if they do not eat the foods their bodies need. Pregnant women are at risk of becoming severely anemic, because they need to make extra blood for their growing babies.

In children anemia can come from not eating foods rich in iron. It can also come from not starting to give some foods in addition to breast milk, after the baby is 6 months old. Common causes of severe anemia in children are hookworm infection, chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

The signs of anemia are:

·        Pale or transparent skin

·        Pale insides of eyelids

·        White fingernails

·        Pale gums

·        Weakness and fatigue

·        If the anemia is very severe, face and feet may be swollen, the heartbeat rapid and the person may have shortness of breath.

·        Children and women who like to eat dirt are usually anemic.

Treatment and prevention of anemia

·        Eat foods rich in iron. Meat, fish and chicken are high in iron. Liver is especially high. Dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, and lentils also have some iron. It also helps to cook in iron pots. To help the body absorb more iron, eat raw vegetables and fruit with meals and avoid drinking coffee and tea with food.

·        If anemia is moderate or severe, the person should take iron (ferrous sulfate pills). This is especially important for pregnant women who are anemic. For nearly all cases of anemia, ferrous sulfate tablets are much better than liver extract or vitamin B_12. As a general rule, iron should be given by mouth, not injected, because iron injections can be dangerous and are no better than pills.

·        If the anemia is caused by dysentery (diarrhea with blood), hookworm, malaria or another disease, this should also be treated.

·        If the anemia is severe or does not get better, seek medical help. This is especially important for a pregnant woman.

Many women are anemic. Anemic women run a greater risk of miscarriage and of dangerous bleeding in childbirth. It is very important that women eat as much of the foods high in iron as possible, especially during pregnancy. Allowing 2 to 3 years between pregnancies lets the woman regain strength and make new blood.