The body requires iron vitamin B12 and frolic acid to produce red blood cells. Therefore a decrease or lack of any of these will lead to anemia. The most commonly found type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. This deficiency can occur if the body loses blood at a very rapid rate as in the case of stomach ulcers or an unusually heavy menstrual flow. A diet low in iron can also be responsible for anemia.
Symptoms of Iron Defficiency:
People with lower levels of iron often complain of weakness, easy fatigue and constant irritability. Heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pain, soreness in the mouth, numbness and palpitation of the heart, short of breath slow healing of wounds, and palpitations dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory ,headache, lack of energy and dizziness are other symptoms associated with iron deficiency. The skin and mucous membranes look pale
Anemia Advice : Although the symptoms you describe are some of those associated with anemia, it would be more appropriate if you were to get a medical examination by a good doctor and determine that your symptoms are actually associated with anemia and nothing else. This is necessary because the symptoms you describe could actually be attributed to something else just as easily. .
Anemia Treatment:
In case you do have anemia, you would need to follow a dedicated course of treatment as well as the home remedies that would easily be able to help you out.
- Along with taking Iron supplements, an anemic patient is generally urged to have foods that are high in iron. You must increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin C, as this is one nutrient that will help with iron absorption in your body. This would include citrus fruits, which can be had in juice or full form.
- First of all you must stop taking things that will hinders iron absorption such as cut back on your intake of tea and coffee and all caffeine-related substances, antacids, Stop Smoking.
- Another simple measure to make certain you get your share of iron is to try and cook in iron utensils. This is also considered to be one of the healthiest and most hygienic ways of adsorbing iron in your body.
Iron Supplements Diet:
Maintain a healthy balanced diet, rich in sources of iron such as green peas, chickpeas lean beef, skinned poultry, liver, egg yolks,pork, shellfish , fish,. For vegetarians, rich sources of iron in foods include fresh green leafy vegetables lentils, split peas, beet, spinach, figs, dates, dried peaches, apricots, nuts, peanut butter raisins and whole grain peas prunes breads broccoli, blackeyes
Apart from this
- Drink 1 cup of beetroot juice of 1 cup of fresh apple juice mixed with a spoonful of honey every day.
- Another effective remedy for iron deficiency is a mixture of apple and tomato juice consumed daily.
- Soak 10 currants overnight, de-seed them and have them every morning for 3 weeks to fight anaemia.
- Eating fresh salads and honey helps to increase the iron levels by increasing the haemoglobin levels in the body. Vitamin C also helps in absorption of iron, as do Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and P.
Anaemia home remedies and natural cures
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Honey is remarkable for building haemoglobin in the body. This is largely due to the iron, copper, and manganese contained in it
- 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.
Other Anemia TreatmentCold 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 such as sarvangasana paschimottanasana and shavasana as well as massage are also helpfu1 in this regard.