Iron Deficiency Anemia, causes, symptoms, How to treat Iron Deficiency Anemia naturally in pregnancy

How to treat Iron Deficiency Anemia naturally in pregnancy?

Anemia is a common problem among pregnant women and can affect the health of mother and child. Anemia occurs when red blood cells carry decreased amount of hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen to your tissues)

 

What are the causes of iron deficiency anemia?

In pregnancy, body produces 30% to 50% more blood than in normal condition to supply the whole body and baby. Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough mineral iron to make hemoglobin. And without iron in your blood, your body can’t get the required amount of oxygen.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Many women don’t know they have Iron deficiency Anemia, but its symptoms can be noticeable. Pale skin, weakness, fatigue, head ache, dizziness etc these are some common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. These symptoms are similar to pregnancy symptoms and that’s why many women can’t recognize it.

How does iron deficiency anemia affects during pregnancy?

Mild anemia won’t affect your while pregnant. But if you are not having proper treatment in first trimester then there can be a risk of low birth weight baby. Severe anemia during pregnancy can cause a risk of premature birth, still birth and new-born death.

How to treat iron deficiency anemia naturally in pregnancy?

following are some foods that are high in iron rich and can prevent iron deficiency anemia.

     

1.  Green veggies and leafy greens

Green veggies such as broccoli, peppers, zucchini, cabbage, kohlrabi, okra, green beans, Brussels sprouts are folate rich and good sources of  iron. Leafy Greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, mustard greens, Swiss chard, watercress etc are high in folic acid, vitamin c, potassium and magnesium that helps in increasing hemoglobin count in blood. These are the good source of iron and calcium also that will help your baby’s bone growth.

     

2.   Seeds and nuts

Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, pine nuts, hemp seeds and peanuts these are some seeds and nuts that are good source of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus. These minerals help improve immunity system, increase hemoglobin, strengthen baby’s bones and oral developments. A hand full of seed and nuts a day can improve iron level in your blood.

     

3.  Dried fruits

Dried fruits like raisins, figs, apricots, peaches are high in folate and vitamin c. also good sources of iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and zinc. Which will be a full package of nutrients for mother and baby regarding its overall health.

     

4.  Iron fortified bread, cereal, pasta

Fortified food items are those who don’t have that nutrients in regular form but are added afterwards. Such as iodides salt and milk containing vitamin b, one cup of iron fortified oatmeal contains 14 to 18 mg iron which is a required daily intake of iron. Pregnant women can include iron fortified breads, pastas, cereals and oatmeal in their daily diet as they are basic fibers.

     

5.  Legumes

Alfalfa, Clover, Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils, Lupine Bean, Mesquite, Carob, Soybeans, Peanuts and Tamarind these are well known legumes that are way healthier. Legumes are good source of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers and dietary minerals. And they contain 40 percent Daily Value(DV) of Folates and 50 percent DV of Manganese. So if you are anemic then its best to include legumes in daily intake.

     

6.  Red meat

Red meat is a good source of iron and phosphorus. It contains 20% daily value of iron. Red meat includes beef, pork, lamb, mutton etc. many people are not fond of beef and pork, those can try mutton or chicken, which are also good sources of iron. You surely can add this in to your meal.

     

7.  Vitamin c

vitamin c is as important as iron reach food for a pregnant lady as it increases absorption of iron in body. When we eat vitamin c and iron rich food together, it combines well to absorb easily. So pregnant lady should include vitamin rich food also while having an iron rich food. Leafy greens, green veggies, peppers, tomato, sweet and white potato, citrus fruits these are some vitamin c rich food. You can also take supplements of vitamin c with your physician’s prescription.

Hope you will enjoy your pregnancy with these helpful tips.