Anemia, natural remedies. We speak of anemia when the presence of red blood cells is found in the blood which is insufficient to carry an adequate amount of oxygen to the body's tissues. The existing forms of anemia are different and we can face both temporary and chronic situations.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
There is talk of anemia when the presence of Red blood cells insufficient to transport an adequate amount of oxygen to the body's tissues. The forms of existing anemia are differentie you may be faced with both temporary and chronic situations.
Index
Anemia, cause
Causes of anemia may include food deficiencies, due to a low iron diet, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Vitamin B12 and folic acid, in particular, are thought to be necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Serious diseases affecting the kidneys and bone marrow may also contribute to the onset of anemia. There may also be problems inabsorption of vitamin B12, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding and poor iron intake and / or absorption.
Read also: ANEMIA: DIFFERENT CAUSES, THE MOST COMMON IS THE LACK OF IRON
Among the main ones causes of anemia we find:
- Food-related deficiencies
- Low iron diet
- Iron malabsorption
- Folic acid deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Malabsorption of vitamin B12
- Diet low in vitamin C
- Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhages
- Kidney disease
- Diseases of the bone marrow
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Hepatitis C
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine
- Tumors
Anemia, symptoms
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, paleness, digestive problems, unexplained rapid heartbeat, feeling of prolonged fatigue and feeling of cold in the hands and feet, as well as bleeding and sore gums, headaches and irritability. The same symptoms are attributed to a real lack of iron, which can be recovered through a change in eating habits and thanks to some natural remedies.
Read also: ANEMIA: 10 SYMPTOMS NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE
The main symptoms of anemia are:
- Breathing difficulties
- Pallor
- eye bags
- Low platelets
- Digestive problems
- Acceleration of the heartbeat
- Prolonged fatigue
- Cold in the hands
- Cold feet
- Bleeding gums
- Gengive irritate
- Headache
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Asthenia
- Fatigue
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Burning in the throat
- Poor appetite
- Tingling in the legs
- Sudden cramps
- Dry mouth
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Abdominal pains
- Tachycardia
- Low red blood cells (erythrocytes)
Types of anemia
there different types of anemia which vary according to the causes that trigger them. The causes of anemia can be linked to deficiencies in nutrition, malabsorption of some substances, such as vitamins, or the presence of chronic diseases.
Based on the causes, different types of anemia are identified:
- Iron deficiency anemia or iron deficiency anemia (lack of iron in the body)
- Vitamin Deficiency Anemia (Vitamin C, Vitamin B12)
- Chronic disease anemia (such as hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease)
They also exist hereditary anemias and linked to genetic mutations:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Diamond-Blackfan anemia
- Fanconi's anemia
Among hereditary pathologies capable of causing anemia we find:
- Schwachman Diamond Syndrome
- Abnormalities of the red blood cell membrane
- G6PD deficiency
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- Congenital dyskeratosis
- Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias
- Congenital B12 malabsorption syndromes
Anemia, consequences
Among consequences of iron deficiency we find the increased risk of senile dementia. If the iron deficiency is not corrected in time, as experts point out, in addition to the symptoms already mentioned, sooner or later an iron deficiency anemia will develop. Often patients go to the doctor only when the anemia is already overt.
Read also: ANEMIA: IRON DEFICIENCY INCREASES THE RISK OF SENILE DEMENTIA
Among consequences of iron deficiency we find:
- States of exhaustion
- General and moral malaise
- Depressed mood
- Poor performance
- Sleep disorders
- Disturbances in concentration
- Greater susceptibility to infections
Anemia, treatments and therapies
What is the intervention in case of anemia? Depending on the level of the problem the doctor may suggest different solutions mainly affecting iron deficiency anemia:
- Power changes
- Iron Supplement Prescription
- Administering iron into a vein (intravenous therapy)
If the iron deficiency is mild, it is possible to intervene by changing the diet. Usually the doctor decides to resort to the administration of iron supplements. In severe cases and when iron cannot be absorbed through food, intravenous therapy is used. In very severe cases of anemia and iron deficiency, blood transfusions can be used.
Anemia, what to eat
What are the recommended foods in case of anemia? They are usually recommended foods rich in iron which very often are of animal origin, such as red meat, but there are also vegetable sources of iron, such as:
Read also: SOURCES OF IRON; THE FOOD LIST
- Spinaci
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Vegetables seasoned with lemon juice
- Green smoothies
- Beetroot
- Oil seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chestnuts
- Dried figs
- Dried apricots
- Spiked apple
- Dates
- Kiwi and citrus fruits for vitamin C
- Lentils
- Ceci
- Soy
- Beans and legumes
Sources of iron for vegans
It is interesting to know what are the vegetable sources of iron that we can include in our diet whether we are vegetarian or vegan or not. The absorption of the iron present in vegetables by our body is favored by the intake of foods rich in vitamin C. Here, for example, is the advice to season vegetables with lemon juice.
Read also: 12 SOURCES OF IRON FOR VEGANS
Here are the main sources of iron for vegans:
- Spirulina (1 tsp): 5 mg
- Soy (1/2 cup): 4,4 mg
- Pumpkin seeds (28 g): 4.2 mg
- Quinoa (a generous hectogram): 4 mg
- Molasses (1 tablespoon): 4 mg
- Tomato concentrate: 3,9 mg
- White beans (1/2 cup) of 3,9 mg
- Spinach (1/2 cup): 3,2 mg
- Dried peaches (6 halves): 3,1 mg
- Plum juice (two hectograms and 25 g): 3 mg
- Lentils (an abundant hectogram): 3 mg
- Dark chocolate (100g): 17 mg
Anemia, iron and folic acid
Iron and folic acid are key nutrients in a woman's life both of childbearing age and during pregnancy. A folic acid deficiency can cause malformations in the baby to be born.
The good news is that foods rich in folate are often also high in iron, and we are especially referring to dark green leafy vegetables which are an important source of these nutrients.
In a particular period such as pregnancy it is essential to avoid iron and folic acid deficiencies. The doctor will know how to prescribe a suitable diet and the opportunity to take supplements for the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Read also: FOLIC ACID: THE FOODS THAT CONTAIN THE MOST
Anemia, useful tips
Some changes in the usual eating style and some natural integrations of the same can contribute to the improvement of an anemia condition caused by iron deficiency caused by a diet low in this mineral or vitamin C, the intake of which can increase the absorption capacity by the body.
Eliminate tea and coffee
The tea and the coffee hinder the absorption of iron, especially if consumed with meals or near them. Tea decreases iron absorption by 64%, while coffee reduces iron absorption by 39%. These are data that should not be underestimated. The phenomenon is due tohigh content of tannins of such drinks. It is therefore advisable to eliminate them or strongly limit them in case of anemia by replacing them with herbal teas, water and juices that can promote iron absorption.
Drink orange and lemon
Orange juice and lemon juice, as well as all alimony rich in vitamin C, help to promote the absorption of iron. It would therefore be advisable to increase the intake of this vitamin through the consumption of freshly squeezed citrus juices and through the use of lemon juice to dress salads and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, rich in iron of vegetable origin (iron not EME). It is advisable to consume foods rich in iron (such as legumes, spinach, beets, broccoli and kale) and foods that provide vitamin C in the same meal.
Read also: VITAMIN C: THE FOODS THAT ARE RICHEST
Limit dairy and chocolate
Il chocolate, as well as the aforementioned wine, coffee and tea decreases the absorption of iron due to their tannin content. THE dairy product instead they hinder it due to their high calcium content. For this reason it is not recommended combine dairy products in the same meal and foods rich in iron.
Practice deep breathing
Among the exercises recommended in case of anemia is deep breathing. Learn to to breath deeply and in a conscious way it allows the correct oxygenation of the organism, as well as of restore healthy blood levels. It is not surprising that breathing is the basis of yoga and oriental disciplines aimed at improving and maintaining health. Read also: DEEP BREATHING: 10 HEALTH BENEFITSAnemia, natural remedies
Let's find out what the natural remedies which can be useful in case of anemia caused by iron deficiency to help regain well-being and balance.
Spiked apple
An apple a day keeps the doctor away and consuming this fresh fruit daily helps to increase the supply of vitamins and mineral salts that are beneficial to the body. The apple is also the subject of a natural remedy used since the Middle Ages in case of anemia, called "nailed apple". It consists of inserting iron nails into an apple for 24 hours. After that they will be eliminated to use on a new apple, and the spiked apple can be consumed.
Read also: NAILED APPLE: A NATURAL REMEDY FOR IRON DEFICIENCY
Dandelion
Dandelion is considered a natural remedy useful in case of anemia. In this regard, it is possible to ask your trusted herbalist for advice on the basis of your situation. Dandelion can be taken in the form of herbal tea or herbal extract, but also fresh, with particular reference to flowers, which can be enjoyed in salads.
Read also: DANDELION: PROPERTIES, USES AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Aneto
Dill is considered a cure-all in case of anemia, particularly if it is aggravated by an heavy menstrual cycle. Dill seeds can be simply chewed, or shredded for use as a condiment. They are also suitable for use in the preparation of herbal remedies
Nettle
Nettle is a spontaneous herb with remineralizing properties, which is distinguished by the significant content of iron, present above all in its leaves. The main beneficial property of nettle is that it is considered one antianemic plant, that is, capable of stimulate the production of red blood cells, due to its iron and vitamin C content. Nettle leaves can be used for the preparation of decoctions, risottos, soups and broths, as well as for curative herbal remedies.
Read also: NETTLE: THE THOUSAND BENEFITS AND HOW TO USE IT BEST
Acerola
I acerola fruits they are rich in iron and vitamin C. They have been linked to beneficial effects concerning the improved iron absorption, its usefulness in the treatment of anemia caused by iron deficiency and its contribution to the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It can be taken in the form of a phytotherapeutic preparation and it is believed that it can have the best effects to combat anemia if accompanied by the consumption of nettle.
Read also: ACEROLA: PROPERTIES, USES AND WHERE TO FIND THE BARBADOS CHERRY
Beetroot
The consumption of red beets and theirs raw juice it is considered particularly suitable for those suffering from anemia. In case of anemia it may be useful to take it for a month two glasses of beetroot juice a day, as it is considered an excellent reconstructor of the elements of the blood.
Read also: RED BEET: A CONCENTRATE OF NATURAL WELLBEING
Chlorophyll
La chlorophyll it is a naturally occurring pigment in plants. It absorbs sunlight and allows photosynthesis. It has a similar structure to our hemoglobin and for this reason it is also known as vegetable blood.
Read also: CHLOROPHYLL: BENEFITS, USES AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Ginseng
Il ginseng it is a plant well known for its tonic and stimulating properties for the organism, a precious natural ally in different situations and is also recommended in case of iron deficiency. Among the trace elements it contains, in fact, iron is also present.
Read also: GINSENG: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY TAKING IT EVERY DAY
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one source of vitamins, in particular contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C and B vitamins. It also provides mineral salts such as football e iron. Fenugreek has numerous beneficial properties. It is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, has emollient and expectorant properties. It is restorative, tonic and soothing.
Read also: GREEK HAY: PROPERTIES, BENEFITS, WHEN TO HIRE IT AND WHERE TO FIND IT
Oilseeds
Oilseeds, which we sometimes refer to as health seeds, are sources of iron. So let's not forget to enrich our diet with:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Flax seed
- Sesame seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
Anemia, iron supplements
When you are with a level of iron low, your doctor may suggest you take iron supplements.
As with any medicine or supplement, we do not recommend do-it-yourself and we suggest you follow the advice of an expert both in choosing the most suitable product and in terms of timing and methods of taking.
We remember that:
"Supplements are not intended as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle".
Always read the leaflet to know all the characteristics of the product and take it under the indication and following the advice of your doctor to avoid contraindications and obtain the desired results.
Read also: IRON SUPPLEMENTS TO CONTRAST ANEMIA
Marta Albè
