I struggle with severe anemia, giving my skin a ghostly pallor reminiscent of the Vampire Lestat. It has a punk rock aesthetic that doesn’t bother me too much, but the exhaustion I face is a different story. I often find myself taking afternoon naps, which is far from edgy. The fatigue can be overwhelming; I’ve truly cried because I couldn’t hike up a mountain I had previously conquered. While many recognize the common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, there are plenty of lesser-known indicators as well.
Anemia can manifest in various forms, such as sickle-cell anemia, which is genetic and related to the shape of red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, other types include thalassemia, aplastic anemia, and vitamin deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body lacks enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells, which are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Understanding the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
This condition is the most widespread blood disorder. A study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that about 11%, or 3.3 million women in the U.S., experience iron deficiency anemia. Essentially, it arises when there aren’t enough red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin—the protein that gives blood its red color and enables oxygen transport.
Iron deficiency anemia is often seen in pregnant individuals or those with heavy menstrual cycles, which can exacerbate the condition. Dr. Thomas Reed, a gynecologist, explained that heavy periods can lead to a vicious cycle: women lose excessive blood, can only replenish a fraction of it, and then lose more the following month. It’s like trying to fill a tank with a leak.
For me, heavy periods have always been the norm, and I notoriously struggle to consume enough iron. My aversion to meat—except for the occasional bacon or chicken—compounds the issue. Just last week, I scavenged off my kids’ chicken tenders once. As a result, my heavy menstrual cycles seem to drain my iron levels further, resulting in periods so intense that I would send emergency room doctors running if I were postpartum.
Discovering My Anemia
Three months ago, concerned about my pale complexion and relentless fatigue, along with dark lines on my fingernails and cracks at the corners of my mouth, my doctor conducted a blood test. Normal hemoglobin levels for women are around 12 grams per deciliter; mine was a mere eight, indicating I was missing a third of my red blood cells.
My doctor suggested a referral to a hematologist for iron infusions. I had undergone this treatment during my last pregnancy, where I received iron infusions twice a week for three hours each time. While the procedure was manageable, the day after left me with aching bones all over my body. I was not keen to go through that again.
So, I pleaded for three months to try other methods before resorting to infusions. My doctor agreed and provided me with high-quality iron supplements.
Managing My Anemia
Some of my iron issues may stem from past eating disorders, as I typically consume only one full meal a day. My husband, recognizing the need for more nutrition, crafted a chili recipe packed with pureed iron-rich greens, legumes, and various veggies—essentially a superfood. As long as I enjoy it, I can eat this chili daily without decision fatigue, which often plagues me due to my ADHD.
Along with the chili, I also eat chickpea pasta, which covers a significant portion of my daily iron requirements. However, it’s clear that this alone isn’t enough to combat my anemia, so I am also taking iron pills and a vitamin supplement called Floradix. While it has an unpleasant taste, I gulp it down quickly.
After three months of this regimen, despite enduring three challenging periods, my iron levels rose to 9.5. I am still a bit short on my red blood cells, but it’s an improvement. The lesson learned? Never underestimate the power of chili.
I’ll need to maintain this lifestyle; otherwise, my levels will drop again. So, here I am, committed to my supplements and chili. At least I’m not sleeping four hours every day, and my complexion is slightly less vampiric.
For more insights on health and wellness, you can check out this other blog post for additional tips on navigating similar health challenges.
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