The bone marrow continuously produces RBCs. If the body does not receive a regular supply of necessary nutrients, the RBCs may become malformed or die off at a faster rate than the body can replace them. In this article, we look at dietary and lifestyle changes that support RBC production, as well as giving an overview of how to understand RBC count and recognize the symptoms of low RBC levels.
A low RBC count usually occurs when a person does not eat enough essential nutrients. Eating more nutrient-dense foods can give the body the necessary tools to create functional RBCs.
People can also take these essential vitamins and minerals as supplements, although it is best to get nutrients from healthful foods in the diet if possible. It is best to consume foods that provide the following nutrients:. Iron is the nutrient with most links to anemia. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which stores oxygen in the blood cells. Without iron, these cells may die or become unable to send oxygen around the body. Eating foods with plenty of iron can help prevent symptoms of anemia and nourish the blood.
Good sources of iron include :. Vitamin B is important for brain function and creating new RBCs. Low vitamin B levels can prevent RBCs from fully maturing. A B deficiency can trigger the development of abnormal RBCs called megaloblasts, which may lead to a condition doctors call megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B binds to protein in food and naturally occurs in red meat, fish, and shellfish. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, also contain vitamin B Manufacturers often fortify breakfast cereals, milk substitutes , and nutritional yeast with vitamin B Vitamin B-9 is also known as folic acid or folate.
It is an essential nutrient for the nervous system and adrenal glands. Folate also helps to create new cells in the body. People with low levels of folate may develop anemia.
Some of these symptoms are more serious than others. Your doctor will explain your hemoglobin level and the severity of your anemia. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse right away.
Let your cancer care team know if you have any other medical problems such as heart or lung disease, as this may make your symptoms from anemia worse. Be sure to mention how the symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Doing so will help you get the treatment you need when you need it.
A complete blood count CBC is a blood test that measures your hemoglobin level and other characteristics of your red blood cells such as their size. This test not only shows if you have anemia, but it can also help your doctor figure out what might be causing it. Your doctor or nurse can use the results of these tests, along with your medical information and a physical exam, to get an idea of what might be causing your anemia.
The first thing the doctor needs to know is how severe your anemia is. Anemia can affect your quality of life and has been found to shorten survival in people with cancer. In some cases, this lack of oxygen may be bad enough to threaten your life. Anemia can also make your heart work harder. So if you already have a heart problem, anemia can make it worse. Anemia can also make it hard for you to breath normally, making it challenging to do your usual activities. Severe anemia may mean you have to delay your cancer treatment or have your treatment dose reduced.
It can also cause some cancer treatments to not work as well as they should. The two most common causes are. Hypoproliferation due to a deficiency of or inadequate response to erythropoietin EPO due to inflammation Anemia of Chronic Disease The anemia of chronic disease is a multifactorial anemia.
Diagnosis generally requires the presence of a chronic inflammatory condition, such as infection, autoimmune disease, kidney disease The anemia of chronic disease Anemia of Chronic Disease The anemia of chronic disease is a multifactorial anemia. Acquired primary bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia Aplastic Anemia Aplastic anemia is a disorder of the hematopoietic stem cell that results in a loss of blood cell precursors, hypoplasia or aplasia of bone marrow, and cytopenias in two or more cell lines White blood cells and platelets are not affected.
Symptoms result from Macrocytic anemias can be caused by impaired DNA synthesis leading to megaloblastosis, as occurs with. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate see Megaloblastic Macrocytic Anemias Megaloblastic Macrocytic Anemias Megaloblastic anemias result most often from deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate. Ineffective hematopoiesis affects all cell lines but particularly red blood cells.
Diagnosis is usually based Chronic alcohol intake Alcohol Toxicity and Withdrawal Alcohol ethanol is a central nervous system depressant. Large amounts consumed rapidly can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. Large amounts chronically consumed damage the liver A red blood cell RBC count is a blood test that tells you how many red blood cells you have.
The amount of oxygen that's delivered to your body's tissues depends on the number of red blood cells you have and how well they work. Women usually have a lower RBC count than men, and the level of red blood cells tends to decrease with age.
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