How to Cope With Anemia

If you are looking for ways to cope with anemia, you may be glad to learn that most cases are temporary and that you should start feeling better almost as soon as treatment begins. If, however, you are suffering from pernicious or severe anemia, you will have to find ways to cope with it for a longer period of time. Fortunately, small changes in your diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on how you feel.

Instructions

Cope With Anemia

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate anemia (such as excessive tiredness) and which you cannot attribute to an obvious cause. The earlier you are diagnosed, the faster you can start taking medications or making lifestyle changes to help improve your condition.

• 2

  Be ready to follow up treatment. Some types of anemia require long-term care (B12 or thalassemia deficiency anemia require medication for life), while others can be treated with an aggressive round of medication and dietary changes. In all cases, it's important to complete treatment to prevent the anemia from returning or getting worse.

• 3

  Slow down until you feel better. One of the most common symptoms of anemia is fatigue. Changing your daily habits, sleeping more and switching to less taxing exercise methods are all good ways to deal with tiredness. Nap often and lie down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

• 4

  Eat balanced meals. Making sure you get a good proportion of carbohydrates to proteins will result in more energy and less of the sleepiness associated with digestion. Choose to eat frequent, small meals rather than eating three heavy meals a day. Doing so will make the digestion process easier and make you less tired and sluggish.

• 5

  Stay warm. Anemia may make it difficult to cope with cold weather, especially if it is also humid where you live. Dress in layers so that you can take something off in case you get too hot, but err on the warm side if you are in doubt.

• 6

  Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated will improve your energy level and will help you replenish after exercise. Water is also important if you are taking iron supplements, as these supplements tend to cause constipation in most patients.