Be careful for anemia

The Dean of Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University (CIU), Prof. Dr. Güldal Mehmetçik pointed out that with the arrival of the summer season, many people have complaints of fatigue that do not resolve and people relate these complaints to hot weather, but the reason for constant fatigue may be anemia, and not hot weather. Prof. Dr. Mehmetçik stated that anemia can be described as a condition that develops due to the decrease in the blood hemoglobin level or the number of red blood cells. Also, Mehmetçik explained that the task of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen to the tissues and that people with anemia experience constant fatigue due to less oxygen intake.

Stating that anemia causes fatigue, weakness, dry skin, chest pain, headache, attention deficit, sleep problems, or cramps in the legs as well as fatigue, Mehmetçik mentioned that it is important to identify the main reason causing anemia and receive treatment accordingly. Prof. Dr. Mehmetçik pointed out the three different causes of anemia, “The body may not be able to make enough red blood cells; bleeding can cause you to lose red blood cells faster than they could be replaced, or it can be caused by the body destroying red blood cells.”

Underlining that many types of anemia cannot be prevented, Mehmetçik said, “however, those including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia can be prevented with a diet containing various vitamins and nutrients. The importance of iron-rich foods, and the need for regular consumption of beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits was also underlined.
Stating that it is important to consume folate or its synthetic form, folic acid as well as fruit and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched cereal products such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, Mehmetçik added that Vitamins C and B12 would also be beneficial.