If you are autoimmune, it is SO important to look at how your body is functioning as a whole!
When people are working to manage an autoimmune or chronic condition, they typically focus on an anti-inflammatory diet and protocol, which is great; however, one often overlooked dealbreaker to getting better is anemia. Anemia hinders recovery because it means your cells are not getting enough oxygen, and without oxygen, recovery and repair can’t happen. Signs of anemia include:
- fatigue
- weakness
- brain fog
- depression
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- irregular heartbeat
- cold hands and feet
- chest pain
- headache
- pale skin
It’s important to know what type of anemia you have, as not all anemia is iron-deficient, and you don’t want to supplement with iron if you don’t need it. Some of the most common types of anemia are:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- B-12 anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease
- Hemochromatosis (too much iron)
Knowing which type of anemia you are suffering from is imperative to get the proper treatment, so you can focus on managing your autoimmune condition more fully. Contact our office if you have symptoms of anemia or are having trouble managing your autoimmunity!