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Anemia is a condition that pops up if your body doesnt make enough red blood cells.
Your body needs red blood cells to transport oxygen to all of its organs.
When your organs dont receive enough oxygen, they lose the ability to function effectively.
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Scientists have identified a tentative link betweenstress and anxiety, and anemia.
In contrast, others believe that anemia causes stress and anxiety.
Both scenarios are factual to some degree.
This article examines both scenarios and the link between stress and anemia.
It also covers how to treat and cope with both conditions.
The Connection Between Stress and Anemia
Theres evidence to suggest that stress can cause anemia.
There are two forms of stresschronicandacutestress.
While the latter only temporarily affects you physically, the former can lead to long-term physical and emotional complications.
Several theories can be used to explain the connection between stress and anemia.
One view is that anxiety can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
However, theres no conclusive evidence that anxiety can cause anemia.
What is known is that anxiety can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional deficiency, particularly iron deficiency, is a common cause of anemia.
Folate, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin B12 also play a role.
Another theory is magnesium depletion in your body.
When your body is under a lot of stress, its more likely to use more magnesium.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common ways to develop anemia.
Research shows that magnesium deficiency has also been linked to iron-deficiency anemia.
Another way stress may cause anemia is by affecting your diet.
People react to stressful situations in different ways.
While some people may begin to overeat, others may not eat as much leading to malnutrition.
Malnutrition is the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia.
Chronic stress also prevents your body from producing hydrochloric acid.
Your body needs hydrochloric acid to help your body digest food.
Its essential to note that anxiety can also be a symptom of anemia.
Anemia can be a challenging condition, especially before diagnosis and treatment.
Its symptoms can cause a person to become stressed and anxious over the symptoms they are exhibiting.
Complications of Stress and Anemia
Both anemia and stress can lead to medical complications.
Diagnosis of Stress and Anemia
Theres no specific method for diagnosing stress.
In many cases, your body will tell you when its stressed.
A simple blood test can be used to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia.
The test checks your hemoglobin, blood iron, and ferritin levels.
If your doctor observes that the iron levels in your blood are low, this may indicate anemia.
Treatment of Stress and Anemia
Several approaches can be taken in the treatment of anemia.
The first line of treatment is typically iron supplements.
Your doctor will likely prescribe them for up to six months to help restore your iron levels to normal.
In some cases, taking iron supplements can cause side effects such as vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, the iron may need to be delivered intravenously, that is, through a vein.
This method delivers iron to your blood more quickly.
A person with anemia is likely to feel emotional stress over their symptoms.
Unfortunately, this can worsen anemic symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Theres sufficient scientific evidence of the link between stress and anemia.
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J Nat Sci Biol Med.
2014;5(2):397-403.
2020;20(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02621-0
Western Missouri Medical Center.The side effects of stress.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.March 24, 2022
