Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells in the body which does not allow oxygen to pass through all the organs properly. This causes symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and pale skin. While this condition’s causes are diverse, recent attention has been directed toward stress as a potential factor influencing anaemia.
Is there a link between stress and anaemia?
Scientists are delving into the intricate relationship between stress and anaemia. It is theorized that stress, both chronic and acute, might trigger physiological changes in the body that could be linked to anaemia. However, the exact interplay between stress and anaemia remains a subject of ongoing research.
Still, anxiety often associated with chronic stress might contribute to nutritional deficiencies linked to anaemia. While researchers have not yet attributed anxiety directly to causing anaemia, it can lead to nutritional imbalances, particularly iron deficiency which is an established cause of anaemia. Other nutrients like folate, magnesium, and certain vitamins also play a role in preventing anaemia.
What are the mechanisms behind stress-induced anaemia?
There is no one mechanism through which stress induces anaemia. Stress can have nutritional and psychological impacts to induce anaemia.
Nutritional Impact: Stress might alter dietary patterns, leading to malnutrition, a significant cause of iron deficiency anaemia. Additionally, chronic stress can impede the body’s production of hydrochloric acid, essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Psychological Impact: Anemia can manifest symptoms such as anxiety, creating a cyclical relationship where one condition exacerbates the other. A study suggests that individuals with iron deficiency anaemia are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and related psychological disorders.
What is the diagnostic procedure for stress-induced anaemia?
Diagnosing anaemia involves blood tests measuring haemoglobin, blood iron, and ferritin levels. Low iron levels indicate potential anaemia, prompting further investigation.
Both stress and anaemia, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe health issues. Anaemia may cause irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and increased vulnerability to infections. Chronic stress, on the other hand, can contribute to hypertension, depression, anxiety disorders, and heart diseases.
How stress-induced anemia is treated?
Iron supplements are the primary treatment for anaemia, aiming to restore iron levels. Severe cases may require intravenous iron administration. However, supplements might cause side effects like vomiting and constipation. Also, managing stress and anaemia shares common strategies like adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, and allowing time for relaxation and recuperation through activities like meditation or engaging in hobbies.
In conclusion, while scientists are exploring the association between stress and anaemia, it is evident that stress can impact nutritional deficiencies that contribute to anaemia. Moreover, anaemic symptoms can trigger emotional stress, forming a complex relationship between these conditions.
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