Understanding Anemia

Always tired? Your blood may be running low.

Let's talk about anemia — why it makes you feel tired, and what can help.

So what is anemia? Your red blood cells carry oxygen to every part of your body. With anemia, you don't have enough healthy red blood cells. That means less oxygen gets around — so you feel tired, weak, and worn out. The good news? Once you know the signs, there's a lot you can do to feel better.

There are three common signs to watch for. Your body may be telling you something.

Sign one. You feel tired and weak. You may feel worn out, even after a good night's rest. Simple, everyday tasks may start to take more effort than they used to.

Sign two. Pale skin, and shortness of breath. Your skin, or the inside of your eyelids, may look paler than usual. And you may find yourself getting winded more easily.

Sign three. Feeling dizzy, with cold hands and feet. You may feel lightheaded, especially when you stand up. And your hands or feet may feel cold, even in a warm room.

So what can help? Iron-rich foods help your body build healthy red blood cells. Good choices include lean meat, beans, and leafy greens like spinach. And here's a helpful tip — pair them with vitamin C, like a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C helps your body soak up the iron.

If your doctor put you on iron pills, take them only the way your doctor tells you. Iron can cause some constipation, so drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods. Iron also turns your stool dark, or even black. This is normal and expected — it is not an emergency, so don't be scared by it.

But there's one thing to watch closely. If your stool looks black and tarry, or you see blood, call your provider. Sometimes anemia is a clue to slow bleeding inside the body.

And some signs are an emergency. Call 911 right away if you have severe shortness of breath. If you have chest pain. Or if you faint or pass out. These are emergencies — don't wait.

So remember. Know the signs. Eat iron-rich foods. And dark stools from iron are okay.

Next — build a plate that fuels you. Eating well after sixty-five. Watch next.