ANEMIA.
Find the cause and you find the solutions. Diagnosis and treatments @ Gwella Health Solutions
Symptoms.
The body’s red blood cells with the help of haemoglobin, perform the critical role of transporting oxygen, which provides energy to every cell in the body. If there are too few red blood cells, or haemoglobin is deficient, not enough oxygen reaches the cells, causing fatigue. Although there are many causes of fatigue, anemia might be considered if the tiredness is constant and physical activity is exhausting. Heart palpitations and breathlessness are experienced after even a little exercise. Since the brain is particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, anaemia is often the cause of a difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, dizziness and fainting spells.
Outwards signs of anaemia are pale skin and pale mucous membranes. After some time the skin becomes dry and the nails brittle. Anaemia leaves the body more suscepitible to colds and other infections.
In haemolytic anaemia, the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. The main symptoms of anaemia are the same, though a few additional ones also occur. The skin and whites of the eyes become tinged yellow from the increased haemoglobin in the blood, and the upper left abdomen becomes painful, caused by an enlarged spleen, which attempts to cope with the increased number of red blood cells it filters out of the blood stream.
Another type of anaemia is related to B12 absorption and intake. Vitamin B12 is crucial not only for the building and development of the red blood cells, but also for the nerve sheats in the body. If symptoms of anaemia are combined with additional symptoms of restlessness, and tingling or numbness in the legs, then megaloblastic anaemia or B12 anaemia is likely the cause.
Causes.
Since Iron is the most essential nutrient for blood building and oxygen transport, it is quickly depleted through blood loss. Any form of blood loss, as a result of an accident, operation or excessive menstrual bleeding produces an anaemic state. It is often a sign of an underlying illness that causes slow internal bleeding, such as a haemorrhaging ulcer, intestinal polyps or cancer. In other cases a lack of iron is due to poor absorption of stomach acid and inadequate nutrition.
Nutrition.
Fresh row leeks are an excellent food for combating iron deficiency anaemia. One leek contains over twice the amount of iron contained in a cup of most other green vegetables.parsley is another outstanding source of iron. All leafy green vegetables provide iron. Its best to eat them raw, as cooking binds iron. Other foods which contain iron are dried apricots, prunes, raisins, swiss cheese, oats, corn, rye, apples, bananas, strawberries and grapes. For pernicious anaemia the foods richest in B12 are meats and dairy products. Vegetarians must pa particular attention to getting adequate amounts. Nutritional yeast and spirulina are 2 vegetable sources.
Iron is not the only nutrient important for blood building however. A number of vitamins should be taken if blood is lost. Vitamins B12, folic acid and B6 are the most crucial B vitamins. As supplements, they should be taken with other B Vitamins, in a B Complex. Folic acid and B12 can be taken separately if the anaemia is severe or if these are known to be lacking.
Most important.
Iron, Vitamin C 1000mg – 3000mg in divided doses, Vitamin B Complex 50 – 100mg two to three times daily, Green food Supplements eg. Spirulina.
Helpful.
Folic acid, vitamin B12, Vitamin E
Herbal Remedies.
Herbs contain many natural vitamins and minerals essential for fortifying the blood and con be taken in a variety of ways.
Stinging nettle, dandelion or watercress are excellent sources of iron, specific vitamins, and elements for building blood cells. Take alone or in combination.
Peppermint, milk thistle, juniperberries and raspberry leaves are very helpful in building up the blood.
External Physical Therapies.
Maximum exposure to natural light, air and sun are primary. Walk or work in the garden at least half an hour daily.
Water stepping and full body rinses help increase circulation.
