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Home » Diets that Work » Anemia and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection – Healthline

If youve been diagnosed with anemia, youve likely experienced the unpleasant side effects that it can cause. Some of these side effects and symptoms can mirror those of anxiety.

So, is there a connection between anemia and anxiety? The short answer is, maybe.

Anemia is a condition where your body doesnt have enough red blood cells. The job of red blood cells is to carry oxygen throughout your body, so when you dont have enough of them, your body isnt getting the oxygen it needs to function properly.

Eating a diet that lacks vitamins and minerals can also be a contributing factor to some types of anemia.

A 2013 study of schoolchildren in China found that of those who didnt have access to a well-balanced diet, 42.4 percent were anemic. After being given a multivitamin, the rate of anemia in these students went down by 7 percentage points. Interestingly, these students also reported decreased anxiety.

Many of the symptoms of anemia are similar to those of anxiety and some may actually create anxiety if youre experiencing them.

Symptoms of anemia may include:

Having these symptoms may magnify or increase anxiety. If youre experiencing uncomfortable digestive symptoms, you may worry about going out in public. If youre having chest pain or shortness of breath, you may worry that its a sign of something more serious.

These symptoms can also indicate other serious health problems. If youre experiencing any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room if the symptoms are severe.

If youre having symptoms of anxiety or anemia, its important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine whats causing your symptoms and begin treating the underlying causes.

Anemia is diagnosed through blood tests, your medical history, and a physical exam.

Blood tests can show whether youre making enough red blood cells and whether theres enough iron in your body, while the medical history and physical exam will explore any symptoms youre having.

Lab tests to diagnose anemia can include:

There are many types of anemia. The type of anemia you have will depend on whats causing it and what other medical conditions you may have.

The most common types of anemia include:

It can be hard to distinguish between symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of anemia since many of them are the same. Symptoms of anxiety include:

The good news is, anemia is a very treatable condition. The treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

After a mental health professional or doctor has diagnosed you with anxiety, there are different treatment options available to help with symptoms. These options include:

If youre experiencing symptoms of anxiety that interfere with your daily life, help is available here:

If youre having thoughts of harming yourself, talk with your doctor, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

In addition to these treatment options, there are many things you can do to help reduce and manage your anxiety. These include:

Risk factors for anemia include:

Both anemia and anxiety are serious conditions if left untreated. However, once theyre diagnosed by a medical professional, treatments like diet adjustment, medications, and therapy can be extremely helpful.

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Anemia and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection - Healthline

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Home » Diets that Work » Anemia and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection – Healthline