Home Remedies For ANEMIA

ANEMIA

Anemia may be defined as the deficiency of the blood as a whole. It may occur due to many reasons.

A person having a normal blood level may lose blood due to serious accident or illness. Our body compensates this loss by pouring in more fluid or plasma. But the red cells are not replaced so quickly. The person may have sufficient fluid in circulation, but the red cell count may be so low that he feels week and fatigued on doing slightest physical work. However slow bleeding from an ulcer in the stomach or intestine may also lead to anemia. If the loss of red cells is more as compare to its production it will definitely produce the signs and symptoms of anemia.

Anemia may also occur due to heavy menstrual bleeding. There are different types of anemia depending upon the different reasons.

Haemolytic anemia results due to weak red cells. In this type of anemia red cells are very sensitive and they are easily destroyed in the spleen.

In other types of anemia the red cells are not properly formed. Their shape becomes spherical or irregular. Then they cause trouble in the spleen, and ulcers may develop in the legs and there are changes in the bone also. In some types of anemia the hemoglobin may be defective in formation and it is not able to carry out its normal functions.

In sickle cell anemia the red cells are of sickle shape and this blocks their passage through the capillaries. These patients may also have jaundice and joint pains along with anemia.

In pernicious anemia the red blood cells may be larger in size than the normal, but fewer in number. Problem arises because the intrinsic factor, which is normally produced by the stomach, is not present to absorb the vitamin B 12 from the intestine.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to lower levels of the iron in the body, due to chronic blood loss, or due to poor diet. Iron may also be lost from the body due to chronic diarrhoea. Any patient with severe hookworm infection will also have some anemia. Iron may not be properly absorbed due to insufficient production of hydrochloric acid. Sometimes this occurs during pregnancy. It not affects the mother but also the baby. Babies who are fed on a milk diet for too long suffer from iron deficiency anemia.

The patient complains of weakness, easy fatigue, and irritability. Other symptoms may include heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pains, soreness in the mouth, numbness and tingling in the extremities and palpitation of the heart.

The skin and mucous membranes are pale, the nails are brittle, and there are fissures or sores at the corners of the mouth.

It is important to take a nutritious diet. Diet rich in cereals, rice, pastas, dairy products (milk, yogurt and cheese), vegetables and fruits, meat, poultry and fish, and finally dry beans, eggs, and nuts. Right diet helps to fight against any kind of disease.

Symptoms of anemia

Weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness

The patient usually complains of weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness. Other symptoms include a haggard look, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory, shortness of breath on exertion, headache, slow healing of wounds, and palpitations. The skin and mucous membranes look pale.

• Often, no symptoms
• Paleness
• Feeling tired
• Unusual shortness of breath during exercise
• Fast heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Headaches

Causes of anaemia

Diminished formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow

A diminished formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow, either due to defects in the bone marrow, or due to an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins, and proteins, is one of the main causes of anaemia.

Heavy loss of blood due to injury, bleeding piles

Other important causes are heavy loss of blood due to injury, bleeding piles, or excessive menstruation in women.

Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach or intestinal parasites or worms

Anaemia can also occur due to a lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is needed for digestion of iron and proteins, or intestinal parasites or worms. Hookworms, pinworms, round worms and tape worms feed on the supply of blood as well as on the vitamins.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ANEMIA

Anaemia treatment using Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is needed for preventing or curing anaemia. This vitamin is usually found in animal protein, especially in meats such as kidney and liver. There are, however, other equally good sources of vitamin BI2 such as dairy products which also contain some B12 .

Anaemia treatment using Beets

Beets are very helpful in curing anaemia. Beet juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1 B2, B6, niacin, and vitamin P. With their high iron content, beets help in the formation of red blood cells. The juice of red beet strengthens the body's powers of resistance and has proved to be an excellent remedy for anaemia, especially for children and teenagers, where other blood-forming remedies have failed.

Anaemia treatment using Fenugreek

The leaves of fenugreek help in blood formation. The cooked leaves should be taken by adolescent girls to prevent anaemia, which may occur due to the onset of puberty and menstruation. The seeds of fenugreek are also a valuable cure for anaemia, being rich in iron.

Anaemia treatment using Lettuce

Lettuce is another effective remedy for this ailment as it contains a considerable amount of iron. It can, therefore, be used as a good tonic food for anaemia. The iron in it is easily absorbed by the body.

Anaemia treatment using Spinach

This leafy vegetable is a valuable source of high grade iron. After its absorption, it helps in the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells. It is thus beneficial in building up the blood, and in the prevention and treatment of anaemia.

Anaemia treatment using Soyabean

Soyabean is rich in iron and also has a high protein value. As most anaemic patients usually also suffer from a weak digestion, it should be given to them in a very light form, preferably in the form of milk, which can be easily digested.

Anaemia treatment using Almonds

Almonds contain copper to the extent of 1.15 mg per 100 gm. The copper along with iron and vitamins, acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of haemoglobin. Almonds are, therefore, a useful remedy for anaemia. Seven almonds should be soaked in water for about two hours and ground into a paste after removing the thin red skin. This paste may be eaten once daily in the morning for three months.

Anaemia treatment using Sesame Seeds

Black sesame seeds, as a rich source of iron, are valuable in anaemia. After soaking one teaspoon of the seeds in warm water for a couple of hours, they should be ground and strained, and then mixed with a cup of milk and sweetened with jaggery or sugar. This emulsion should be given to patients suffering from anaemia.

Anaemia treatment using Honey

Honey is remarkable for building haemoglobin in the body. This is largely due to the iron, copper, and manganese contained in it

Anaemia treatment using Other Foods

There are several other foods which are rich sources of iron and can be used beneficially in the treatment of anaemia. The more important of these are bananas, black grapes, plums, strawberries, raisins, onions, squash, carrots, radish, celery, and tomatoes.

• Coffee, tea and ingesting antacids, should be avoided because they decrease iron absorption. Sources rich in iron are lean beef, lean pork, skinned poultry, shellfish, fish, liver, organ meats, egg yolks, pinto, kidney, lima, navy, chick peas, black-eyed peas, lentils, split peas, green peas, spinach, kale, collards, beet greens, chard, broccoli, raisins, prunes, figs, dates, dried peaches, dried apricots, nuts, peanut butter, whole grain breads.
• Licavoli says that when you use a cast-iron skillet instead of Teflon coated or aluminum one, you increase the iron content of foods, particularly when you cook acidic foods like tomato sauce.
• An effective home remedy for anemia is - Take 1 Cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day.
• To help prevent iron-deficiency anemia in infants, all doctors should recommend breastfeeding, according to Los Angeles pediatrician Paul M. Fleiss, M.D., a pediatrician, lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Public Health and assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. ''Breast milk supplies almost all the nutrients your baby needs,'' he says.
• Take a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day for anemia treatment.
• Our body absorbs iron from meats easier than fruits and vegetables. To increase the absorption of iron from fruits and vegetables, eat them with a good source of vitamin C.
• Soak 10 currants overnight. Remove seeds and take it for 3-4 weeks in the morning This is very effective home remedy for anemia.
• A mixture of apple and tomato juice also helps to fight against the anemia.
• Eating a lot of salad also helps to prevent anemia.
• Honey is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the hemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese.
• Intake of vitamin C is very important for the absorption of iron. It is recommended to take two any citrus fruits daily.
• Beets are very important in the cure of anemia. Its juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and P.
• A cold-water bath is an easy method in curing anemia. Two baths are recommended daily. Sunbaths are also beneficial as sunlight stimulates the production of red cells.
• 3-4 dried figs are recommended a day to prevent anemia.
• Deep breathing and light exercise like walking also helps in increasing the red blood cell in the body and thus treats the anemia.
• Various yoga asanas like sarvangasana, paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana are also beneficial
• Do not eat spinach, rhubarb, tomatoes, or chocolate. These foods are high in oxalic acid, a substance that decreases the ability of our body to absorb iron. other iron blockers are sodas, dairy products, coffee and black tea. Avoid cow's milk, which can cause hidden bleeding in the intestinal tract. Do not follow fad diets.

• Bedouin remedies for anemia:
  • Drink daily: 2-3 cups of white cabbage juice.
  • Eat a lot of dried fruits.
  • Eat a lot of cooked lentils.
  • Eat liver, lamb, apples and quince.
• Anemia natural treatment: blanch parsley leaves and drink.
• Blanch Nettle leaves and drink 3-4 cups daily.
• Eat a lot of dates to help with the anemia
• Eat a lot of leafy greens: lettuce, spinach and more.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Home remedy for anemia with iron: eat lots of iron products like liver, beets, heart, tongue, oysters.

Anemia Diet:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

An anemia diet usually consists of an iron-rich diet along with iron supplements. Absorption of iron from food is influenced by multiple factors. One important factor being the form of the iron. Heme Iron, found in animal sources, is highly available for absorption. Non-heme iron on the other hand, found in vegetable sources, is less available. An anemia diet may include the following foods:

Have raw vegetables and fresh fruits rich in iron

Diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of anaemia. Refined foods like white bread, polished rice, sugar, and desserts rob the body of its much-needed iron. Iron should preferably be taken in its natural organic form in food. The emphasis in the diet should be on raw vegetables and fresh fruits which are rich in iron.

Go for therapeutic treatment with an exclusive fruit diet

The patient should commence a therapeutic treatment with an exclusive fruit diet for five days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits. This may be followed by a fruit and milk diet for about fifteen days. In this regimen, the frequency of meals should be exactly the same as for the earlier all-fruit diet. Thereafter, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Other anaemia treatment

Cold water baths

Cold water baths are recommended in anaemia. The patient should be given a cold bath carefully twice daily, the coldness of the water being increased gradually.

Hot Epsom salts bath and sunbatbs

A hot Epsom salts bath for five to ten minutes once a week and an occasional steam bath are also useful. Sunbaths are especially beneficial as the sunlight stimulates the production of red cells.

Deep breathing and light exercises

Other important factors that help in curing anaemia are deep breathing and light exercises like walking.

Yogic asanas

Yogic asanas such as sarvangasana paschimottanasana and shavasana as well as massage are also helpfu1 in this regard.

Anemia Diet containing Heme Iron

Excellent Sources

• Calms
• Pork Liver
• Oysters
• Chicken Liver
• Mussels
• Beef Liver

Good Sources

• Beef
• Shrimp
• Sardines
• Turkey

Anemia Diet containing Non-Heme Iron

Excellent Sources

• Enriched breakfast cereals

• Cooked beans and lentils
• Pumpkin seeds
• Blackstrap Molasses

Foods high in iron

• Liver and other meats
• Seafood
• Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins
• Nuts
• Beans, especially lima beans
• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli
• Blackstrap molasses
• Whole grains
• Iron-fortified breads and cereals (check the label)

Warning: Pregnant women should not eat liver because of its very high Vitamin A content. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.

The absorption of Non-heme iron can be improved when a source of heme iron is consumed in the same meal. In addition, the iron absorption- enhancing foods can also increase the absorption of non-heme iron. While some food items can enhance iron absorption, some can inhibit or interfere iron absorption. Avoid eating them with the iron-rich food items to maximize iron absorption.

Iron Absorption Enhancers

• Meat/fish/poultry
• Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit etc
• Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
• White wine

Iron Absorption Inhibitors

• Red Wine, Coffee & Tea
• Vegetables: Spinach, chard, beet greens, rhubarb and sweet potato
• Whole grains and bran
• Soy products

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

THE WRITER IS "NOT A DOCTOR"