The Anemia Around You: Causes, Signs and Prevention
In short: Anaemia means your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen well. It is very common in Pakistan, especially in women, pregnant women and children. The most common cause is iron deficiency. A simple blood test (CBC) can diagnose it, and diet plus doctor-advised supplements usually correct it.
Common Signs
- Constant tiredness and weakness
- Pale skin, inner eyelids or nails
- Shortness of breath on light activity
- Dizziness and headaches
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails, hair fall, cravings for ice or mitti (clay)
Common Causes
| Cause | Who is at risk |
|---|---|
| Low iron in diet | Women, children, people eating little meat |
| Heavy periods | Women of reproductive age |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant women need much more iron |
| Worms and stomach problems | Children, people with poor absorption |
| Low vitamin B12 or folate | Vegetarians, older adults |
| Thalassaemia trait | Common in Pakistan; needs proper diagnosis before taking iron |
Tests
A CBC (complete blood count) shows haemoglobin. Your doctor may also check ferritin (iron stores), B12 and folate. If thalassaemia trait is suspected, an Hb electrophoresis test helps, because iron is not the answer in that case.
Iron-Rich Desi Foods
- Kaleji (liver), red meat, chicken, fish, eggs
- Daal, chana, lobia and kidney beans
- Palak, methi, sarson
- Khajoor, kishmish, anjeer (dates, raisins, figs)
- Gur (jaggery) in moderation
Tips for better absorption
- Add vitamin C: lemon on salad and daal, guava, oranges
- Avoid tea within one hour of iron-rich meals or iron tablets; tea reduces absorption
Unani view: In Unani medicine, weakness of blood (qillat-e-dam) was linked to poor digestion and weak liver function, since the liver was seen as the source of blood. Hakeems recommended nourishing foods such as dates, figs, pomegranate, meat broth and honey, along with improving digestion, which aligns with today's focus on diet and absorption.
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms above, especially if severe or long-lasting
- Very heavy periods or any unexplained bleeding
- Black stools or blood in stools
- Pregnancy (regular checks are essential)
Need guidance?
Visit our Hakeem at Well Life Herbal Clinic, Faisalabad, for diet and wellness advice alongside your doctor's care.
Visit our Hakeem at Well Life Herbal Clinic, Faisalabad, for diet and wellness advice alongside your doctor's care.
Aksar Pooche Jane Wale Sawal (FAQ)
Khoon ki kami ki alamaat kya hain?
Thakan, kamzori, rang peela hona, saans phoolna, chakkar aur thande haath paon.
Khoon barhane ke liye kya khayein?
Kaleji, gosht, anday, daal, chana, palak, khajoor aur anjeer. Saath mein lemon ya amrood lein aur khane ke saath chai na piyein.
Kya khud se iron ki goliyan le sakte hain?
Pehle test karwayein. Thalassaemia trait ki surat mein iron nuqsan de sakta hai.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Please consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of anaemia.
Sources: WHO: Anaemia · NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia