Anemia is a condition where the body does not make enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs), either because the RBCs are not nourished enough or fewer are being made. There are several types of anemia, but nutritional deficiencies cause most.
Almost one billion people are suffering from iron deficiency anemia worldwide. Recently, researchers have reported that a decrease in serum iron can result from stress.
What is Anemia?
Among the components of the blood, the red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. This is made possible by hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that attaches to oxygen that enters the lungs and delivers it to tissues of all other organs. When insufficient RBC is in the blood, the body will not get the oxygen it needs to function correctly.
The three main causes of anemia are lack of RBC production, blood loss, and high red blood cell destruction rates. People who suffer from this disease may show symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, headaches, weakness, and dizziness.
Anemia comes in various forms, which can be short-term, long-term, mild, or severe. There are also many types of anemia depending on its cause and the presence of other medical conditions. These include iron deficiency, hemolytic, sickle cell, aplastic, normocytic, pernicious, and macrocytic.
Anemia is diagnosed through blood tests to show whether a person is making enough red blood cells and whether there is enough iron in the body. It can also be done by tracking a person's medical history and performing a physical exam to explore any symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, anemia can be treated through various procedures such as diet modification, injections, and blood transfusions.
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Can Stress Cause Anemia?
There are two forms of stress - chronic and acute. Acute stress only temporarily affects a person physically, while chronic stress can lead to long-term physical and emotional complications. When a person is stressed, their body undergoes specific physiological changes, which could be linked to anemia.
Several theories are used to explain the connection between stress and anemia. One of these is the view that anxiety can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Although there is no conclusive evidence that anxiety leads to anemia, it is widely known that anxiety can result in nutritional deficiencies.
The other theory has something to do with the depletion of magnesium in the body. When a person is stressed, their body is more likely to use more magnesium. Research shows that magnesium deficiency is also associated with iron deficiency anemia.
Another way stress could be linked to anemia is by affecting a person's diet. Humans react to stressful situations in different ways. Some people tend to overeat, while others may not eat as much, making them suffer from malnutrition, which is the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia. On the other hand, chronic stress also prevents the body from producing enough hydrochloric acid, which is required to digest food. Failing to produce sufficient hydrochloric acid will affect how the body digests food and absorbs nutrients.
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