Preventing Anaemia

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Preventing Anaemia

1. Anaemia is caused by a shortage of iron (haemoglobin) in the blood. It causes weakness, fatigue, a pale face & ears & brittle nails.
2. Malaria, intestinal worm infections, HIV/AIDS and TB and other infections can lead to a loss of iron in the blood and then anaemia.
3. People with anaemia lack healthy blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. This leads to weakness in the body (physical) and mind (cognitive), and even death.
4. Anaemia is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and adolescents.
5. A finger stick test at a health clinic can quickly test for anaemia.
6. Prevent anaemia by getting iron from food each day. Iron supplements can be used in emergency but can cause stomach-aches and constipation.
7. Breastfeeding prevents anaemia & gives babies iron stores for many months even after the introduction of solid foods.
8. Cow’s milk is low in iron and too much can even cause loss of iron. This is especially serious for babies & young children.
9. Eat iron rich food like red meat, poultry, fish, cereals, dark green leafy veg, eggs, nuts & seeds, dried fruit, peas, lentils plus foods with vitamin C (helps us absorb iron).
10. Potato skins are rich in nutrients and contain five times the amount of iron as the flesh. Leave skins on fries, jackets, baked, roasted and boiled potatoes.
11. Mix iron rich grains like amaranth, quinoa & barley grains with wheat flour when you cook.
12. Limit caffeine, aerated drinks, alcohol and sugary drinks which reduce absorption of iron in the body.