Aunt Zhao, 65 years old, has begun to experience physical exhaustion and dizziness frequently in recent months. Initially thinking that it was a problem of anemia, she began to take red dates for self-"blood replenishment" treatment. However, after a month, her symptoms not only did not improve, but worsened day by day, and even fainted, and she was rushed to the hospital by her family.
The results of the examination at the hospital showed that Aunt Zhao was indeed suffering from anemia, and the hemoglobin level was only 6 grams, which was only half of the normal level for healthy adults. However, that's not all. Through further colonoscopy, the doctor found that there was a tumor in Aunt Zhao's intestine and diagnosed her with bowel cancer. This malignant tumor is the root cause of her anemia.
This case reveals an important medical reality: while anemia is a common symptom that many people tend to address with dietary therapy, it often overlooks deeper, more serious health problems, such as cancer. Auntie Zhao's experience reminds us that for ongoing health problems, relying solely on diet therapy without professional medical examinations can delay the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
If there are two abnormalities in anemia, it may be a sign of cancer
Anemia is accompanied by a variety of symptoms: Symptoms of common anemia are usually limited to dizziness, pallor, and general weakness. However, if it is accompanied by symptoms such as persistent fever and local mass, vigilance should be raised. In the case of bowel cancer, for example, the tumor may cause intestinal bleeding, triggering a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, which in turn induces anemia. In addition, it may be accompanied by blood in the stool, constipation or diarrhea due to intestinal blockage, and even nausea and vomiting due to stomach emptying disorders. When these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention should be sought to rule out cancer.
Persistent anemia with unknown cause: For hereditary anemias, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, the cause is usually known to the patient. Anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies usually resolves with dietary modifications. However, if there is anemia for a long time and there is no obvious cause, cancer should be suspected. Certain cancers, such as myeloma or lymphoma, directly affect the hematopoietic system, causing a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. The growth of cancer cells also absorbs the body's energy, affecting the absorption of key nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, further exacerbating anemia.
Early diagnosis of cancer is crucial because early symptoms are often mild or inconspicuous. Regular check-ups, screenings, and seeking professional medical advice can help with early detection and treatment. Adequate attention should be paid to any abnormal physical signs. After a cancer diagnosis, patients have a variety of psychological reactions, ranging from extreme anxiety and belief that the cancer is incurable, while others are optimistic that it will not affect their lifespan. In any case, timely medical intervention and a positive attitude towards treatment are essential on the road to fighting cancer.
What should I really eat to replenish blood with anemia?
Red meat (e.g. pork, beef, lamb): This type of food is rich in haemoglobin iron, which helps to increase the amount of iron in the blood. However, it is important to note that red meat is classified as a Category 2A probable carcinogen, so moderate intake is recommended.
Animal liver: Liver is another food that is higher in iron. However, due to its high fat content, it is not recommended to consume it frequently and in large quantities.
Animal blood: As the saying goes, "blood makes up blood", animal blood does contain high levels of heme iron. It can be used as an option for iron supplementation.
Certain vegetables and fruits: For example, black fungus, pine mushrooms, mustard greens, etc., are high in iron. In addition, vitamin C and folic acid in fresh fruits and vegetables can help prevent anemia by promoting iron absorption and utilization.
A reasonable combination of these foods can effectively supplement iron in the daily diet, which has a positive effect on alleviating iron deficiency anemia. However, dietary therapy is only one of the adjuncts to alleviate anemia, and treatment and dietary modification under the guidance of a professional doctor are recommended.