Here's Why You Need To Have Your Blood Checked

Have you ever been on the receiving end of “Baka low blood yan?”

You may think you’re just feeling lousy due to the weather, stress, or being on your period, but those are exactly the possible symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia or “low blood” as we know it.

What are the common symptoms of IDA?

Iron-deficiency anemia happens when your red blood cells are hindered from delivering oxygen to the body due to a lack of iron. About 70% of the iron in the body is in your red blood cells in the form of hemoglobin.

Unfortunately, there are many ways to lose this vital element.

Girl bossing

While you may be slaying your tasks, being hyperfocused (read: stressed) at work can actually cause the body to forget to integrate iron and other vitamins in your food.

Too much exercise

If you’re constantly trying trendy new workouts or keeping up with your fitness app’s daily goals, then you’ll also be losing precious iron via sweat. Girls who live in gym clothes need to be careful!

Time of the month

There are gender-specific risk factors such as losing iron during the menstrual cycle, or having a higher iron intake demand during pregnancy.

Extra rice

A special factor in the Philippines also leads to iron deficiency anemia being more common than usual. Rice—and other starches—affects iron absorption in the blood, and it is well known that Pinoys love extra rice!

How to check for sure?

When you run low on healthy hemoglobin-loaded blood cells, then you may experience the following: putla (paleness), hilo (dizziness), and lata (unusual tiredness or fatigue).

A blood test can be taken at most clinics and healthcare providers with relatively quick results and low cost, so one shouldn’t hesitate just to be sure.

What to do to get better?

If you can identify the cause of your IDA, then it may be possible to get better with a simple lifestyle change. Less strenuous fitness sessions or an extended work timeout can legitimately destress.

With regular exercise, Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, while taking more via pills or consuming citrus fruit may help boost your iron level naturally. You can pair this with increased portions of iron-rich red meat and dark leafy vegetables.

Ask your doctor about taking supplements like Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA), which contains the recommended dose of elemental iron for Filipinos (60mg), which is enough to revitalize your blood with proper intake.

Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA) also has folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. These are essential during the increased nutrient demand of pregnancy and lactation. Proper folic acid intake, when paired with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle, helps prevent neural tube defects, as well as brain and spinal cord malformations during the early stages of your baby’s development.

Meanwhile, folic acid also works with vitamins B6 and B12 to help metabolize or process homocysteine into vital chemicals that the body needs. Too much homocysteine in the blood is known as hyperhomocysteinemia, and the condition may be a factor for cardiovascular disease.

Also make sure to visit the official website and learn more about your blood health!

#TheBloodVitamin Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA) is available in a 12+3 promo pack at leading drug stores nationwide, and even online at Lazada and Shopee until April 30, 2023. Per DOH FDA CDRR Permit No. 583 s. 2021.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Reference No. U102P011923HS.

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