Anaemia means the blood has less haemoglobin than it needs to carry oxygen around the body. It is very common in India: the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) found that about 59 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 were anaemic. Many of them feel tired every day and think it is normal.
What are the signs of anaemia?
- Tiredness and weakness, even after rest.
- Getting breathless while walking uphill or climbing stairs.
- Pale nails, eyelids or tongue.
- Frequent headaches, dizziness or trouble concentrating in class.
Which foods help?
Iron comes from everyday, affordable foods. Eat some of these every day:
- Green leafy vegetables such as methi, palak and chaulai.
- Pulses and whole grams such as chana, moong and rajma.
- Millets such as bajra and jowar.
- Eggs, fish or meat, where the family eats them.
Vitamin C helps the body take in iron, so eat these foods with amla, lemon, guava or tomato. Tea taken with a meal does the opposite; drink it an hour before or after eating.
Where can girls get free iron tablets?
Under the Government of India’s Anemia Mukt Bharat programme, schools and anganwadi centres give adolescents one iron and folic acid tablet a week, free. Take it after food. Stools may turn dark, which is normal, and mild nausea usually passes after the first few weeks.
When should a girl see a doctor?
If the signs do not improve, or if periods are very heavy, ask for a haemoglobin test at the nearest government health centre. It takes a few minutes.
Anaemia checks for girls and short sessions on nutrition with local foods are part of what we plan at our camps.
This article is for awareness only and is not medical advice. See our Disclaimer. In an emergency, call 108 for an ambulance or 112.