Anemia
Anemia is a condition where a low red blood cell count results in the cells of the body not receiving the proper amount of oxygen. It can cause tiredness and a feeling of lethargy, even after a full night’s sleep.
In Crohn’s disease, the body commonly loses blood through the digestive tract, where bleeding caused by inflammation can be significant enough to lower the patient’s red blood cell count.
This specific condition is called pernicious anemia, and is characterized by vitamin B-12 deficiency caused by gastritis, or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Someone suffering from any type of anemia is said to be anemic.
Severe anemia can bring on other complications, including heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat, among others.
Anemia can be treated with iron, which promotes the formation of new red blood cells in the body. Amounts of iron in the body must be brought up to normal levels within the body, which can be done with supplements or by eating foods high in iron.
Consumption of foods high in iron is the most natural way to receive the nutrient, so eating foods like beef, liver, and spinach can help to immediately boost levels.
Iron pill supplements may work as well, but they are believed by some to be harsh on the system and somewhat difficult to absorb, so for a Crohn’s patient who may already be having difficulty digesting certain things, these supplements might be less effective than simply eating high-iron foods.