Conditions

Anemia

Anemia is a condition where there is a significant reduction in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry and thus the amount of oxygen that's available for the cells of the body.

Signs and Symptoms:

People with anemia often suffer with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Paleness
• General breathlessness
• Difficulty breathing during activity
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Unsettled stomach
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Cold extremities
• Pale, brittle nails
• Mouth sourness
• Cessation of menstruation in women
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart murmur

Diagnosis:

Anemia is easily diagnosed via blood tests.

The most common forms of anemia are caused by nutritional deficiencies. However, there are other forms of anemia that include (for more information on these forms, consult the resource materials):

Sickle cell anemia ­ a serious, inherited, incurable condition which primarily affects people of African or West Indian descent. This disease causes the red blood cells to be formed in a crescent shape. Often, these distorted cells get stuck in small blood vessels, causing serious lack of oxygen to the area.

Thalassemia ­ an inherited form of anemia that affect people of Middle Eastern, East Asian and Mediterranean ancestry. This condition results in the production of fewer red blood cells than normal and hemoglobin with immature content. The red blood cells that are produced are also destroyed more quickly than normal. The most severe form of thalassemia, Cooley's anemia, is associated with a significantly shortened lifespan.

Aplastic anemia ­ a condition where bone marrow produces insufficient quantities of both red and white blood cells, as well as platelets.
Hemolytic anemia - a condition that encompasses a group of disorders where the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely.

Still, by far the most common anemia results from a deficiency in any or all of the following nutrients: iron, folic acid, and B12. These deficiencies cause different forms of anemia:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• B12-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia ­ related to B12-deficiency anemia, this condition primarily affects older adults. This condition results in a deficiency of the substance that activates cyanocobalamin, which is part of vitamin B12. As a result B12 cannot be utilized and the production of red blood cells in bone marrow ceases.
• Folate-deficiency anemia ­ anemia caused by folic acid deficiency.
• Nutritional anemia ­ deficiency in all three nutrients.

Treatment Options:

Treatment is most commonly carried out with supplements and dietary changes. There are, however, other treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and speed recovery.

Traditional Treatments:

If iron depletion is serious enough, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

Pernicious anemia is treated with injections of vitamin B12. This treatment does not actually cure the condition, so treatments must continue for life.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

The best treatment for anemia is a healthy diet. However, nutritional supplements and herbal remedies can help speed the process.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Raw liver extract contains all the elements needed for red blood cell production. Follow label instructions or consult your physician.
• Your physician will likely recommend an iron supplement if you are suffering from a deficiency in iron.
  Caution: Taking excessive amounts of iron can lead to severe health problems. See your doctor before taking any iron supplements.
• To remedy a B12 deficiency take 2,000 mg, twice daily.
• For a folic-acid deficiency, take 400 mg, three times daily.
• A good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement taken daily can help combat anemia.
  Note: Consult your doctor before taking a multi-vitamin if you are taking an iron supplement.
• Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron and helps strengthen the blood vessels. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Alternative Therapies:

• Blackstrap molasses contains the iron and essential B vitamins necessary for red cell production.
• Brewer's yeast is a good source of B vitamins.
• Nettle is considered one of the best ways to treat iron deficiency anemia because of its high iron and vitamin C content, as well as other important nutrients.
• Alfalfa, bilberry, cherry, dandelion, hawthorn berry, red raspberry, yellow dock and many other herbs are good for anemia.
• Spirulina, or blue-green algae, has been used successfully to treat anemia. Dose is 1 heaping tsp, daily.

General Recommendations:

• Include the following in your diet: apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, egg yolks, kelp, leafy greens, okra, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, purple grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains, and yams.
• 1 tsp. blackstrap molasses added to milk or formula twice a day, helps with iron deficiency in small children.
• Drink juice that is high in vitamin C or, include foods high in vitamin C with meals. (Vitamin C will aid in iron absorption).
• Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals. Coffee contains polyphenols and tea contains tannins, both of which interfere with iron absorption.
• Limit your intake of foods containing oxalic acid (almonds, rhubarb, spinach, most nuts and beans, and other foods) and dairy products, as they also can interfere with iron absorption.
• Because iron is removed through the stool, do not eat foods high in iron (or take supplements) at the same time as fiber. Avoid using bran as a source of fiber.
• Do not take calcium, vitamin E, zinc, or antacids at the same time as iron supplements.
• Begin a regular program of gentle exercise. Yoga and yoga breathing exercises can be especially helpful.

Warnings:

Taking excessive amounts of iron can lead to severe health problems. See your doctor before taking any iron supplements and be sure to follow his or her advice. Consult your doctor before taking a multi-vitamin if you are taking an iron supplement.