Lesser-known causes of anemia and warning signs of bleeding gums

Lesser-known causes of anemia:

Exercise-induced anemia. This is mainly seen in people who engage in long-term physical activity. The reasons include:

① Strenuous exercise causes a large amount of lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct, to be produced in the body, leading to a decrease in pH value, which accelerates the destruction of red blood cells and the breakdown of hemoglobin.

② Excessive sweating during exercise causes a significant loss of iron, a raw material for blood production.

③ The mechanical action of exercise compresses certain parts of the body, causing damage to red blood cells in local blood vessels. If exercise-induced anemia occurs, the amount of exercise should be reduced or stopped immediately, and iron supplements should be administered.

Anemia caused by tea consumption. Scientific research has shown that tea contains a large amount of tannic acid. Tannic acid combines with undigested food protein in the stomach to form tannate. After entering the small intestine and being digested, the tannic acid is released and combines with iron to form iron tannate, which is difficult to absorb, hindering iron absorption in the intestines and leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Anemia caused by copper deficiency. Copper, a trace element, is a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin. It reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is beneficial for the body's absorption and utilization of iron. Studies have shown that about 30% of patients with iron deficiency anemia do not respond well to conventional iron supplementation, but their anemia improves rapidly when copper is supplemented simultaneously. To prevent copper deficiency anemia, adults and breastfeeding women should eat more copper-rich foods, such as liver, kidney, oysters, soy products, spinach, and Chinese cabbage; using copper utensils also helps with copper intake.

Anemia caused by excessive soybean consumption. Excessive consumption of soybeans and their products can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This is because soybean protein can inhibit the body's absorption of iron. Studies have shown that excessive soy protein can inhibit 90% of normal iron absorption. Therefore, experts point out that soybeans and their products should be consumed in moderation, not excessively.

Investigate the cause of bleeding gums.

Gingivitis, periodontitis. Symptoms include bleeding gums when brushing teeth, bleeding when biting hard objects, and sometimes even spontaneous bleeding. This is the most common cause of gingival bleeding, mainly due to poor oral hygiene and gingivitis. This type of gingival bleeding can be cured simply by cleaning the oral cavity, maintaining good oral hygiene, and brushing teeth correctly.

Aplastic anemia. Symptoms include easily bleeding and ulcerated gums, pale oral mucosa, and possible ecchymosis and hematoma. Diagnosis of this disease requires specialist examination, and treatment also requires specialist care by a hematologist.

Leukemia. It easily affects gum tissue. Some patients are further diagnosed after persistent bleeding following tooth extraction, teeth cleaning, or oral surgery. Some patients initially consult a dentist. Clinical manifestations include gingival hyperplasia and enlargement. When edematous, the enlarged gums can approach the tooth surface, and the texture is soft and prone to bleeding. Men should pay attention to unexplained gum bleeding, persistent oral symptoms, and abnormal white blood cell counts, systemic lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, etc., and should seek medical attention from a hematologist as soon as possible.

Thrombocytopenic purpura. Early manifestations of this disease are often spontaneous gum bleeding. Diagnosis can be made based on medical history, purpura and bleeding on the skin and mucous membranes, and thrombocytopenia. Systemic treatment by a hematologist is required.

Hemophilia. Manifests as spontaneous gum bleeding. Diagnosis is mainly based on a history of recurrent bleeding, significantly prolonged clotting time, and deficiency of clotting factors. Treatment should be provided by a hematologist.

Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). Prominent symptoms include early gingivitis and gum bleeding. Even slight pressure on the gums causes bleeding, accompanied by swollen, enlarged, and soft gums that turn dark purplish-red. It can gradually develop into periodontitis, eventually leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. There is often a history of long-term abstinence from vegetables and fruits. Treatment should include choosing foods rich in vitamin C or taking oral vitamin C.