RAISINS, ANEMIA & IRON Its been interesting to note that many women are Iron deficient. The women that I have most contact with are pregnant, and what they tell me often is My doctor said I was anemic before I was pregnant, or Ive been anemic all my life. Being anemic means that the red blood cells the body makes have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Symptoms of Anemia Low red blood cell count means that there is little oxygen going to the tissues in the body, and it is this lack of oxygen that causes anemia. The symptoms and include: [_] Craving ice [_] Craving dirt [_] Craving paint [_] Craving starch [_] Fatigue (tiredness) [_] Weakness [_] Palpitations [_] Decreased energy [_] Shortness of breath [_] Pale skin. [_] Looking pale [_] Chest pain. [_] Frequent infections. [_] Headache. [_] Dizziness or lightheadedness. [_] Coldness in hands, feet [_] Brittle nails [_] Swelling or soreness of the tongue, [_] Cracks in the sides of the mouth [_] Enlarged spleen, [_] Frequent infections. [_] Heavy menstrual bleeding [_] Long periods [_] Bight red blood in stools [_] Black tarry-looking stools Some people who have iron-deficiency anemia develop restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move the legs. This urge to move often occurs with strange and unpleasant feelings in the legs. People who have RLS often have a hard time sleeping. Iron-deficiency anemia can put children at greater risk for lead poisoning and infections. BENEFITS OF RAISINS Excerpts By: Livelong Rich in Nutrients. Raisins are nutrient-dense foods. They are one of the few plant-based foods rich in dietary iron, an essential mineral your body requires daily to make proteins that transport oxygen to your body’s cells. Eating raisins daily can help you meet your iron recommended dietary allowance, which is 8 milligrams for men and women over 50, 18 milligrams daily for women of childbearing age, 27 milligrams during pregnancy and 9 milligrams daily for lactating women. Raisins are also rich in potassium, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Energy Booster Because raisins are rich in carbs, especially natural sugars, they give you a quick boost of energy when you’re feeling sluggish -- without weighing you down. For this reason, raisins make an excellent pre- or post-workout snack. Raisins contain about 130 calories and 31 grams of carbs in each 1/4 cup portion. A 2011 study published in the “Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” reports that raisins are a feasible energy-boosting alternative to sports jelly beans during high-intensity endurance exercise. Constipation Reducer Eating raisins regularly can help ease or prevent constipation, according to MedlinePlus. Raisins are a good source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial when you’re constipated. The authors of a review published in 2009 in “Nutrition Reviews” suggest consuming 14 grams of dietary fiber for each 1,000 calories you eat, or 28 grams daily when following a 2,000-calorie diet. A 1/4-cup portion of raisins provides about 2 grams of dietary fiber. BEING ANEMIC IS NOT NORMAL Many women come to believe that it’s normal to feel tired, weak, or irritable—just the price they pay for leading a busy life. But iron deficiency anemia is not normal, and, if treatment isn’t started, the new mom and baby could suffer long term consequences.” Studies show that moms with postpartum anemia have more overall symptoms, more symptoms of “maternity blues”,3 have a reduced sense of well-being,4 and are at increased risk for postpartum depression5 compared to non-anemic mothers. The adverse effects of the mother’s altered mood and behavior are especially worrisome because disturbed maternal-infant interactions during this period may have lasting negative effects on early childhood development.6 Lew quote Mothers who still suffer from iron deficiency ten weeks after childbirth are less responsive to and more controlling of their infants, leading to developmental delays, which may be irreversible.7 Fortunately, postpartum anemia is treatable and can be prevented. Women & Anemia: Childbirth and Postpartum Anemia anemia.org/patients/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=000276 WHEN YOU TEACH A WOMAN YOU TEACH A NATION PRENATAL GROUP: https://facebook/groups/whenyouteachawoman/ nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/signs
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:17:54 +0000
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