Anemia means without blood and deficiency of red blood cells ,or the presence of abnormal cells due to either to reduced production of haemoglobin ,the protein that carries oxygen , abnormal production ,excess destruction of blood loss.

Most cases of anaemia are caused by iron deficiency ,often triggered by blood loss such as heavy ulcers and heavy menstrual periods (Menorrhagia). Another type of anaemia ,called pernicious anaemia which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 which is important to produce red blood cells.  Older people are at risk of this because with age ,the ability to absorb vitamin B12  from food tend to diminish . Folic acid is also needed for red blood cell production , when folic acid intake is low it will develop folic acid anaemia.

 

Symptoms :

• Pallor
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness ,
• Headaches
• Depression
• Slow healing
• Loss of sex drive
• Bruising
• Nervousness
• Shortness of breath and palpitation
• Poor circulation -colds hands and feet

Etiological  considerations

• Iron deficiency ( hypochromic)
• Malabsorption – (caffeine, coffee, chocolate, reduces to absorb iron)  heavy menstruation , ulcers , ,hemorrhoids ,fissure .
• Sideroblastic ( failure to absorb iron)
• Vitamin B2 or folic acid deficiency (megaloblastic)
• Nutritional -no animal products (vegans)
• Digestive issues – colitis ,food allergy
• Abnormal bacterial flora
• Chlorine in drinking water destroys gut flora
• Cellular obstruction to nutrients causing poor utilization
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Vitamin E deficiency
• Thyroid and liver disorders – myxedema ,cirrhosis
• Bone marrow disease
• Excess sulphur -garlic and onion use
• Zinc -induced copper deficiency anemia
• Alcoholism
• Autoimmune diseases – RA, Lupus, MS
• Reduced exposure to the sun
• Intestinal parasites.

Nutritional treatment 

Foods to increase iron intake 

Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin , the protein that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Lean red meat   is a classic powerhouse of haem iron the form we absorb best which is found in animal sources (foods). Shellfish, Poultry

Beef liver is another fantastic source ,but its higher in cholesterol and needs to be taken sparingly.

Egg yolks , blackstrap molasses, dark green vegetables (lettuce , spinach , alfalfa , asparagus ,cabbage , broccoli ,parsley, celery , kale, cucumbers ,leeks, beets spirulina ,nettles

Dried fruits – apricots, raisins, prunes, pears, dates peaches, cherries, berries ,oranges

Legumes – Lentils peas, tofu

Vitamin C  

Helps the blood absorb iron , foods high in VC should be consumed with iron foods.

• blackcurrants
• citrus fruits – oranges, limes and lemons
• berries
• kiwifruit
• tomatoes
• broccoli
• sprouts
• red, yellow and green capsicum

Vitamin B12 

Organ meats are some of the most nutritious foods out there. Liver and kidneys, especially from lamb, are rich in vitamin B12.

• Shellfish
• Sardines
• beef
• Fortified cereals
• Tuna
• Brewers yeast
• Salmon
• Non dairy milk (fortified)
• Spirulina
• Eggs
• Milk and dairy products

Folic acid 

Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Beans and peas that are especially high in folic acid include pinto beans, lima beans, green peas, black-eyed peas and kidney beans. A small bowl of any type of lentils provides most of your daily folate needs.Here is a short list of beans with the most folic acid.

• Lentils
• Pinto beans
• Garbanzo beans
• Black beans
• Navy beans
• Lima beans
• Split peas -yellow and green

Other sources ,Avocado, green leafy vegetables ,citrus fruits , seeds and nuts , okra , pumpkin , beets , cauliflower and brussel sprouts.

Keep in mind 

Tea has tannins present which binds with iron blocking iron absorption . To avoid this issue tea should be drunk away from foods at least two hours so best not to have with meals.

Reference : Food cures (breakthrough nutritional prescriptions) Readers digest

Better health trough natural healing by Dr Ross Tratter N.D  and Dr Adrian Jones ND.