5 Common Myths About Anemia

Like other common health conditions, anemia is also one of those that has been misunderstood and there are many misconceptions spread about the particular disease. Lack of proper education is one of the basic reasons behind this misinformation spread in the market. This also is responsible for a lesser number of people seeking the correct information and the widespread of this condition.

Anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. The red blood cells are responsible for proving oxygen to the tissues of the body. There are also different types of anemia that are observed in daily life. But a blood test can be easily get done in order to find the correct form of anemia deficiency. Book lab tests in Pakistan and get to know about your deficiencies is one of the common ways to demolish the widespread myths and misconceptions. 

Let's have a look. 

Myth 1: Anemia that is untreated converts into Leukemia

Now, it is true that anemia and thalassemia both are blood-related diseases but this is not at all fair to say that anemia can cause leukemia. However, the important thing to notice here is that anemia is one of the basic symptoms of leukemia.

This is because when the leukemia cells start to grow and multiply there is very less room left for healthy red blood cells to multiply. This then causes the red blood cells to drop below normal levels and the chances of anemia are increased. 

Myth 2: You cannot exercise if you have Anemia

It can get difficult once you have anemia to exercise. This is due to the lack of oxygen that is caused due to the low number of red blood cells. The activity can get slower but there is no danger in exercising when you have anemia.

So, to think that people with anemia cannot work out or exercise is completely wrong as it is not true at all and is a made-up myth that is not even close to being true. So, do not believe in this misinformation and try to do your own research. 

Myth 3: Only infants and old people suffer from anemia

Well, this is another myth that is believed by a lot of people. This is because a lot of times infants are the ones that are diagnosed pretty quickly with anemia. It is obviously common in infants and young children but this doesn't justify the fact that anemia only occurs in infants and in old people. 

Anemia is one such condition that can occur to anyone at any point in life. There is no age limit attached to it. It can impact you and your life whenever it wants to and if not treated properly can get worse and cause more trouble. If seen closely, the most susceptible of all are pregnant women as they stay on the verge of getting iron efficient since they conceive.  

Myth 4: If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you become anemic

 Red meat is known to be a great source of iron. If it is seen closely a lot of green foods like spinach are full of iron. Not consuming enough meat can become a cause of iron deficiency but this is never a cause of anemia at all.

There are a lot of other causes of iron deficiency, and one of them is the lack of vitamin B12 in the diet. Vitamin B12 plays a very important role in the production of red blood cells. Now, the b12 vitamin is found in a number of food options like dairy, poultry and red meat. And this is the major reason people believe that vegan or vegetarian diets do not get you the needed vitamin B12. 

Myth 5:  Anemia is always genetic

In some cases, anemia can be genetic like Fanconi anemia which is a very rare blood disorder and a type of anemia. This can lead to bone marrow failure. It is basically aplastic anemia that prevents bone marrow fom producing enough new blood cells for the body o work normally. 

To say that anemia is always caused by the interference of genes is not right. In some forms of anemia, like sickle cell anemia ad thalassemia the link can be genetic, but most cases occurred due to the lack of enough iron in the body and other illnesses. So, it must be known that anemia is not always genetic. 

Conclusion

Anemia is an iron deficiency that can impact a lot of people. Anyone can be susceptible of the disease but the main thing to focus on here is to believe in the information that is based on facts and not on misinformation. A lot of misconceptions and myths are there in the market to believe in, but it is best to do your own research to find what is true and what is not.