Could I be Anemic?

Question
I am not sure if this is a question you could answer or not. But I know it has to do with iron, and certain things I eat. I bruise very badly, people ask me if i'm anemic, and I don't know. I have huge bruises on me because of my job. I am an orderfiller, I will prop my knees up on a wooden skid, and the next day the bruise on my leg is huge, at one time I could have anywhere from 5- 12 bruises in different colors and sizes some the size of a penny, to the size of two golf balls put together, sometimes bigger. But how can I tell if these are signs of anemia, and is it a health issue?

Answer
Hello Jessica!

 Thank you for your nutrition question.   Anemia can be difficult to identify because early symptoms may be mild. In addition, it is easy to mistake some symptoms of anemia for symptoms of other diseases or side effects of medication. As symptoms of anemia worsen, however, they can significantly affect aspects of a person's quality of life.

Anemia can make it hard to find the energy to enjoy activities, or even to complete basic tasks at home or at work. Particularly for a person with a serious disease, the fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms associated with anemia can complicate the challenges of coping with the serious disease.

Symptoms of anemia include:

Fatigue


Weakness


Shortness of breath


Dizziness or fainting


Pale skin, easy bruising, including decreased pinkness of the lips, gums, lining of the eyelids, nail beds and palms


Rapid heart beat (tachycardia)


Feeling cold


Sadness or depression


Decreased sexual function


Difficulty sleeping


Decreased appetite

Because the symptoms of anemia are easily confused with the symptoms of other conditions, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation if you are experiencing significant fatigue or other signs and symptoms listed above, or if you already have a serious disease.


For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com or your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com

1. Prev:Food and Nutrition Messages
2. Next:On cholesterol and triglycerides