The arrival of fall can be a happy time for most people, it means the holidays are coming, hot chocolate in the evenings, and cute sweaters, boots, scarves, and hats. On the other hand, for those who are anemic, the fall may spell trouble. Anemia happens when a person does not have enough red blood cells. These cells travel with iron and hemoglobin, a substance that carries oxygen to the organs throughout your body. When your body does not receive the oxygen, it needs you may experience feelings of coldness and fatigue.
Although there are different types of Anemia, the most common is iron deficiency anemia. Someone who is diagnosed with this type of anemia suffers symptoms such as fatigue, feelings of coldness and shortness of breath.
So, how can you combat your symptoms this fall?
Keep reading to find out.
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Combating Anemia Symptoms
The following are tips for combating those unpleasant anemia symptoms this fall:
1. Dress warmly
As the weather becomes colder and wetter. Dressing warmly and in layers can help you combat your feelings of cold and keep your body warm. So, don those long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, boots, scarves, hats, and fuzzy socks. Soon you will be your own outdoor heater.
2. Exercise
Another way to get your body to heat up is to constantly move about. Exercise is a wonderful way to do that. Spending 5-10 minutes constantly moving throughout the day, can keep your blood pumping and keep the cold at bay.
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3. Eating iron-rich food
Since iron-deficiency anemia means your body does not have enough iron. Consuming foods that are rich in iron can help with avoiding the symptoms. These foods should be a part of your diet:
- Lean turkey
- Peppers and Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Citrus berries and fruits
4. Indoor Heater
This one is obvious. Keeping your place warm throughout the day and night can ensure you do not get the shivers nor feel tired. The best way to get the most out of your heater is to put it on a timer to turn on before you come home from work and/or to turn it on before you get ready to take a shower and head to bed. This ensures you can go to bed warm as possible.
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5. Spicy foods
Spicy foods your thing? Then this tip will not only be another adventure to undertake, it will also keep you warm from the inside. Spicy food such as jalapenos get you to sweat, and sweating is great for combating the cold this fall.
So, next time you are shopping, drop a few jalapenos or other spicy food into the basket.
6. Heated Mattress Pad
Honestly, I have never heard of this until now, but the use of a heated mattress pad can keep you warm throughout the night. It fits over the mattress like a sheet and will not bunch up as you move around. It is not a replacement for your sheets, you can still use those.
7. Electric Blanket
This can be a fantastic way to keep the cold at bay during the night when the temperature drops. This might be a better fit for some than the heated mattress as these last longer than the mattress pad.
However, these and the pads can cause fires so please use them with caution.
In the end, Fall is a beautiful time, but it also brings with it trials and tribulations for certain people. Anemia is a serious condition and following these tips along with recommendations from your doctor can help you manage your symptoms this fall. We want you to enjoy the holidays and not feel miserable because of the cold.
