Women's Health
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition when there are insufficient red blood cells in the blood circulatory system. It happens when red blood cells and haemoglobin are not produced as fast as they are being destroyed or lost.
The most obvious and distressing aspect of anaemia is fatigue. Other symptoms will start appearing slowly over time, including:
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Cognitive problems
- Numbness or coldness in the extremities
- Frequent headaches
Anaemia can impact your quality of life as the fatigue causes emotional distress, reduced energy levels and depression. Cognitive skills and work performance are affected as anaemia affects your attention span, memory, concentration and thinking skills. All these will affect your relationships, family life, career prospects and personal growth.
When less oxygen is being sent to the heart, the functions of body organs and tissues such as the heart, brain, lungs and muscles will be affected. There are also studies that show people with anaemia have an increased risk of heart disease and death especially for the elderly.
Blood basics- How does it work?
The blood system is the body’s major transport system. Its main functions are to deliver oxygen and nutrient to our body cells. At the same time, carbon dioxide and waste materials are collected and sent to the lungs, kidney and digestive system where they are removed from the body.
The body cannot function properly if we do not have enough blood. A human body has approximately 5 litres of blood circulating through the body at any one time. 7% of our body weight is blood, which is why it is known as the ‘fluid of life’.
Each unit of blood is composed of 55% plasma (a yellowish fluid which is 92% water) and 45% blood cell (comprising red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets).
Plasma
Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts that suspend all other blood cells.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and are shaped like slightly indented, flattened disks. A single RBC contains 200-300 million molecules of a complex compound called haemoglobin. Blood gets its bright red color from the haemoglobin in red blood cells.
Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and are shaped like slightly indented, flattened disks. A single RBC contains 200-300 million molecules of a complex compound called haemoglobin. Blood gets its bright red color from the haemoglobin in red blood cells.
The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to body organs and tissues. New red blood cells are produced daily to replace those that die or are lost from the body. Each red blood cell has a life span of about 4 months.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. When we are under attack by bacteria or viruses, our bodies will automatically increase the production of white blood cells to combat the infection.
Platelets
Platelets are tiny oval-shaped cells produced in the bone marrow that are responsible for blood clotting. When there is an injury, platelets will gather at the affected area and help to seal up the leak by forming a clot. This clot stops excessive bleeding and also helps to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Platelets survive for only about 9 days in the bloodstream and are constantly being replaced by new cells.
Platelets are tiny oval-shaped cells produced in the bone marrow that are responsible for blood clotting. When there is an injury, platelets will gather at the affected area and help to seal up the leak by forming a clot. This clot stops excessive bleeding and also helps to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Platelets survive for only about 9 days in the bloodstream and are constantly being replaced by new cells.
What happens in anaemia
Anaemia happens when there is haemoglobin deficiency in the red blood cells. As haemoglobin is the key delivery system for oxygen to the rest of the body, a deficiency may lead to symptoms such as pale skin, body weakness, headaches, breathlessness, dizziness and a fast heart rate.
Anaemia can be caused by excessive blood loss, excessive blood cell destruction (haemolysis) or insufficient red blood cell production. In menstruating women, a deficiency in dietary iron is a common cause of anaemia.
As anaemia often goes undetected and symptoms can be vague, it can affect your quality of life without you realising it. If you suspect that you have anaemia, speak to your doctor today.
Types of anaemia
Iron-deficiency anaemia- A lack of iron prevents the bone marrow from producing sufficient haemoglobin for the red blood cells. The resultant red blood cells are pale in colour and have a reduced capacity to carry oxygen.
Vitamin-deficiency anaemia- Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency causes the bone marrow to produce abnormally large red blood cells.
Aplastic anaemia- Smaller amounts of red and other blood cells are produced when stem cells fail to form and divide normally in the bone marrow.
Haemolytic anemia- The rate of red blood cell production is normal but the cells are destroyed quicker than usual.
Are you at risk?
Most people have anaemia at some point in time of their lives. Some of the risk factors include:
Menstrual periods- Every time a woman loses blood via heavy menstrual periods, iron also gets depleted from her body.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding- Iron stores in the mother’s body are used up faster than normal by the growing baby.
Poor diets- Diets with low iron, protein and vitamins make it hard for the body to produce sufficient red blood cells.
Family history- Having an inherited history of anemia puts you at higher risk.
Internal disorders- Having disorders involving the bone marrow, pancreas, intestines, kidneys or liver depletes the body of iron stores.
Strict vegetarians- Strict vegetarians may not get enough iron or vitamin B12 in their restricted diets.
Alcoholics- Alcohol lowers absorption rates of iron.
Preventing anaemia
Anaemia caused by low vitamin or mineral intake can be prevented by taking a well-balanced diet. Iron or mineral supplements can help people at high risk of anaemia.
Foods that increase red blood production include:
- Milk
- Iron-fortified cereal and grains
- Red meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Egg yolks
- Leafy green vegetables
- Yellow vegetables and fruits
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Raisins
Indication:
Iron deficiency anaemia; haemorrhagic anaemias of traumatic or endogenous origin; anaemia during pregnancy, growth, convalescence and old age. Aplastic anaemia due to infections, toxins or tumours, megaloblastic and macrocytic anaemias; alimentary anaemias; and prophylaxis against anaemia in blood donors.
Iron deficiency anaemia; haemorrhagic anaemias of traumatic or endogenous origin; anaemia during pregnancy, growth, convalescence and old age. Aplastic anaemia due to infections, toxins or tumours, megaloblastic and macrocytic anaemias; alimentary anaemias; and prophylaxis against anaemia in blood donors.
Dosage:
Take 1-2 capsules daily with or after meals.
Take 1-2 capsules daily with or after meals.
Ferrous gluconate | 250mg |
Manganese sulphate | 0.2mg |
Copper sulphate | 0.2mg |
Vitamin C | 50mg |
Folic acid | 1mg |
Vitamin B12 | 7.5mcg |
Sorbitol | 25mg |
Available at all leading pharmacies and clinics. For more information, please consult a pharmacist or doctor.
References:
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
3. American Dietetic Association
There was a time when menopause marked the end of active life for a woman. With the average life span of women at 78, this is no longer true today, as women will be spending another 30 years of their lives after menopause happens.
As such, many women today consider menopause to be an exciting new chapter of their lives, where they no longer have to worry about menstrual periods, unplanned pregnancies, young children and financial planning. The post-menopausal years are indeed the golden years!
Yet, menopausal symptoms are sometimes bothersome. They consist of hot flushes, sleeplessness, anxiety, moodiness and depression, which affect not only the women undergoing menopause but also the people around them.
Understanding the symptoms and taking the necessary steps to relieve menopausal discomfort can help ease the transition. More important is knowing that that there is help available and no woman needs to suffer in silence with menopausal complaints.
Read more...
What is menopause?
Recomended products:
Remifemin
What is menopause?
Menopause marks the end of female fertility, with the cessation of ovulation and menstruation in a woman. With menopause, the ovaries stop producing the hormone estrogen, commonly known as the ‘female hormone’ as it is responsible for the feminine characteristics in women.
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 47 and 55. Before menopause is confirmed, most women will start experiencing menopausal or climacteric symptoms such as:
- Hot flushes and profuse sweating
- Mood swings
- Troubled sleep patterns
- Vaginal dryness
- Headaches & dizziness
- Palpitations
Menopausal symptoms can be managed with various ways, a popular option being the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However, HRT has been linked to increased risks of female conditions such as endometrial, ovarian and breast cancers over the last few years. This has resulted in many women resorting to alternative and natural therapies such as Dong Quai, black cohosh, red clover and soy, in the recent years for menopausal relief.
All these herbs have been used for generations since ancient times by women to reduce or relieve menopausal complaints for a better quality of life. Scientific innovations have now making these herbs available in easy-to-consume and hygienic form for modern women.
Apart from supplements, it also helps to practise a healthy lifestyle when undergoing menopause. Here are some tips:
- Maintain a balanced diet –take less salt and fats, especially those hidden in processed foods
- Learn to relax and unwind- avoid overstressing yourself with work
- Exercise more, as it keeps your weight down and releases endorphins, the happy hormone, in your brain
- Stop smoking and avoid excessive caffeinated drinks
- Take calcium and vitamin D daily for optimum bone health
- Visit your gynecologist for regular check-ups
- Stay active in social activities or learn a new hobby
- Spend more time with friends and family
- Keep a positive outlook on life
- Take omega –3 supplements to protect against increased risks of heart disease and maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Indications:
Traditionally used for the relief of symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating and restlessness associated with menopause in women.
Traditionally used for the relief of symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating and restlessness associated with menopause in women.
Dosage:
1 tablet to be taken twice daily
1 tablet to be taken twice daily
Composition:
1 tablet contains cimicifuga rhiz extract equivalent to 20mg root and rhizome.
Other constituents (inactive ingredients): cellactose, potato starch, magnesium stearate, peppermint oil.
1 tablet contains cimicifuga rhiz extract equivalent to 20mg root and rhizome.
Other constituents (inactive ingredients): cellactose, potato starch, magnesium stearate, peppermint oil.
Available at all leading pharmacies and clinics. For more information, please consult a pharmacist or physician.
References:
- North American Menopause Society
