In many countries, kidney disease patients is increasing daily because these people are also facing problems like high blood pressure, which are the main reasons behind kidney problems. In most people, there is a doubt that a kidney disease can cause anemia. It is because people have seen that patients with kidney disease face the problem of anemia. In this article, you get all the answers to your doubts about whether kidney disease can cause these problems, including symptoms and prevention tips. Before going directly to the main topic, we first need to understand the concept of kidney disease and anemia.
Kidney disease is a problem that mostly targets people with high blood pressure and diabetes. This disease comes under the nephrology department. In this disease, the kidneys do not filter blood effectively, and if this disease is not treated on time, it will convert into kidney failure, and in that case, the last option is kidney transplant treatment.
What is Anemia?
Anemia can be caused by a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. This problem of low red blood cells in the body is created due to a deficiency of iron or sometimes due to cancer. So it is very important for people to take those components for healthy blood production. This disease comes under the hematology.
Can Kidney Disease Cause Anemia in the Body?
Yes, Kidney disease is indeed responsible for anemia in the body, and it is the primary cause. The lower production of erythropoietin hormone in the body is unable to signal the bone marrow to produce enough RBCs, resulting in anemia. In a diseased state kidney is unable to produce that hormone in the body, which finally results in anemia. There are some other reasons for anemia in the body, such as low iron levels, which promote RBC production.
How does Kidney Disease Cause Anemia in the Body?
Here are some points regarding how kidney disease causes anemia in the body:
- Low EPO Production: In kidney disease body reduces the production of EPO in the body which is used to signal the bone marrow to produce RBCs for the body.
- Iron Deficiency: The deficiency of iron levels in the body also affects the RBCs production in the body.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: If a kidney disease patient does not consume enough nutritional foods, then their body does not create enough blood in the body which results in anemia.
- Shorter Lifespans for RBCs: This is seen in a kidney disease patient their RBCs have a shorter lifespan, which is not good for the body’s functioning.
Symptoms
- Shikness: Most of the patients feel weakness and low energy levels during anemia.
- Skin Colour: Lower production of red blood cells makes skin look yellow.
- Difficulty in Breathing: Due to a lack of blood in the body, it is difficult to circulate oxygen in all the body parts.
- Chest Pain: The chest pain occurs due to a heavy workload on the heart in pumping enough blood in the body.
- Irregular Heartbeat: Patients notice irregular heartbeat due to low blood supply and heavy heart functioning.
- Headaches: Some patients face headaches due to a reduced supply of oxygen to brain cells.
How Kidney Disease Affects Hemoglobin in the Body?
Kidney disease negatively affects hemoglobin by reducing the production of erythropoietin in the body. This hormone is responsible for the production of RBCs. This hormone commands the bone marrow to produce red blood cells in the body, and a deficiency of this hormone can lead to lower blood count, which finally results in lower hemoglobin levels or anemia.
Treatments Available for Anemia in Kidney Disease
Here are some treatments available for low blood levels in renal disease:
- Drugs: Erythropoietin is used as hormones that signal bone marrow to produce more RBCs in the body. These are mainly given through IV or injection directly into the body.
- Iron Supplements: This is a very important supplement for ESAs to work effectively in the body. It is taken orally, but in case of kidney dialysis IV technique is used for faster response.
- Vitamin Supplements: For healthy blood cells, vitamins like B12 or folates play a crucial role in the body.
- Blood Transfusions: We use them in emergency cases when no alternative is available. In this process, there is a sudden increase in red blood cells in the body.
- HIF Stabilizers: Patients use these oral medications to increase the production of red blood cells in their bodies.
Best Foods for Anemia with Kidney Disease
Here are some foods mentioned below for the recovery of low blood count with renal disease:
- Protein: We recommend consuming lean protein like fish because the body easily absorbs it, and it provides iron.
- Iron Reach Foods: Patients can consume iron-rich foods like breads and pastas, which help in blood production in the body.
- Vitamin A & C: These vitamins help the body in iron absorption, so it is best to add them to your diet.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils are another good source of iron, so add them to your diet.
Foods to Avoid During Anemia with Kidney Disease
Here are some foods that you should avoid eating during low blood count with kidney disease:
- High Sodium Foods: Frozen & stored foods you should avoid. These can negatively affect your kidney function.
- High Potassium Meals: Avoid eating foods like bananas and oranges because these foods contain potassium, which is bad for kidney transplant patients.
- High Phosphorus Diet: It is a very difficult process for diseased kidneys to filter out assess phosphorus from the body, so avoiding foods that contain high phosphorus levels.
- Drinks: Avoid tea and coffee because they can reduce iron absorption in the body.
Conclusion
Low blood count is a common cause of kidney disease. Patients with anemia have a low blood count in their bodies, so it is very important for patients to consume products that are rich in iron. Iron plays a crucial role in increasing the production of blood in the body. In this article, you get all the information regarding kidney disease and anemia, and I hope this information will help you in times of need.