Thalassemia is an inherited genetic blood disorder in which the human body does not produce an adequate number of red blood cells.
It is to be noted that a person who suffers thalassemia has at least one of its parent, this disorder.
What happens if red blood cells are low?
A low red blood count also referred to as anaemia can make someone feel fatigued and weak.
One also feels dizzy and lightheaded along with shortness of breath. Heartbeat also increases in this case.
A person suffering from thalassemia will also have lesser reddish tone in his/her skin or will have a yellowish or pale tone to his/her skin.
Following chart shows normal values of RBCs
| Normal Adult Values | Male | Female |
| RBC | 4.5 – 6.0 M/ul | 4.2 – 5.4 M/ul |
| Haemoglobin (HgB) | 14 – 18 g/dL | 12 – 16 g/dL |
| Hematocrit (Hct) | 40 – 52% | 37 – 47% |
Prevention is better than cure
Since Thalassemia is an inherited disease it is very important for couples looking to conceive to check for Thalassemia before getting pregnant.
What diet can one take to increase blood in the body?
First of all, let us know no what kind of vitamins and minerals are needed for blood management.
Iron is the most important element required for blood transport as haemoglobin stores oxygen in the blood cells would not function properly if there is iron deficiency.
Iron is found in abundance in Spinach, lentils, white beans along with shellfish, tuna, beef chicken liver etc.
Other vitamins include Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B-9, Vitamin C, Copper etc.
That’s why it is said to eat fresh and green leafy vegetables in abundance along with colourful fruits.
Lifestyle Changes
We all know how important is exercise in our daily life. It is also necessary to take less stress about everyday chores of life and make sure to meditate if and when possible.
Alcohol consumption should also be reduced and limited if one wants to have enough blood cells in the body.
this 8th of May constitutes a very special day as it is dedicated to both commemorate the thalassaemia patients who are no longer with us but are always close in our heart and to celebrate all those patients who are alive and fighting everyday for their right to a better quality of life.
