The body's red blood cells, with the help of hemoglobin, 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 hemoglobin 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, anemia is often the cause of a difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, dizziness and fainting spells.
Outward signs of anemia are pale skin and pale mucous membranes. After some time, the skin becomes dry and the nails brittle. Anemia leaves the body more susceptible to colds and other infections.
In hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. The main symptoms of anemia are the same, though a few additional ones also occur. The skin and whites of the eyes become tinged yellow from the increased hemoglobin 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 bloodstream.
Another type of anemia 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 sheaths in the body. If symptoms of anemia are combined with additional symptoms of restlessness, and tingling or numbness in the legs, then megaloblastic anemia or B12 anemia is likely the cause. A lack of B12 also causes burning in the tongue, accompanied by stomach aches and loss of appetite.
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 anemic state. Anemia is not always sudden, and can develop slowly over time, especially if bleeding is recurrent. It is often a sign of an underlying illness that causes slow internal bleeding, such as a hemorrhaging ulcer, intestinal polyps or cancer. Anemia can also result from a long-term illness that saps the body of strength, including the rheumatic diseases and leukemia. In other cases, a lack of iron is due to poor absorption of stomach acid and inadequate nutrition.
Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are broken down prematurely. This is due to an inherited blood disorder, which changes the shape and life span of the red blood cells. Thalassemia, spherocytosis and sickle-cell anemia are examples of this type. The red blood cells can also dissolve early due to a destructive process in the body, either from toxins or medications, or from an autoimmune problem that causes self-destruction.
Although iron-deficient anemia is a common condition among women and the elderly, a blood test should determine the extent and type of anemia in order for treatment to be optimum. Anemia is typical among pregnant women, but if it is not severe, it may be considered a normal condition that need not be treated with supplements. In rare cases, poisoning from toxic chemicals results in the destruction of red blood cells, which causes anemia.
Megaloblastic anemia typically occurs when the enzyme necessary for B12 absorption is lacking. Stores of B12 in the liver last for years, but when they are depleted, the body is deprived of this nutrient and symptoms become evident. The elderly are often afflicted when the stomach no longer secretes the amount of enzymes it should. Chronic liver diseases, the destruction of the stomach's lining in a rare autoimmune process, and malabsorption disorders typical to Crohn's and celiac disease will also cause megaloblastic anemia, as will folic acid deficiency.
Fresh, raw leeks are an excellent food for combating iron-deficiency anemia. One leek contains over twice the amount or iron contained in a cup of most other green vegetables. In addition, leeks are a good source of vitamin C, which aids in the uptake and retention of iron in the blood. Parsley is another outstanding source of iron. Spinach contains a moderate amount of iron, but it remains a useful healing food for anemia because it contains an ideal combination of nutrients important for blood building, including iron, vitamin C, copper, iodine and chlorophyll. Green peas and Jerusalem artichokes are also rich in iron. All leafy green vegetables provide iron. It is 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.
Use nutritional yeast daily. It is available in the form of flakes, which can be sprinkled on cereals and salads, or dissolved in soups or drinks. Nutritional yeast helps the body absorb iron. B vitamins are essential for the stomach's secretion of hydrochloric acid, which dissolves iron before it is absorbed. Iron absorption is inhibited by the tannins in tea, and the polyphenols in coffee and wheat bran. These foods should be avoided.
For pernicious anemia due to B12 deficiency, increase the intake of foods containing vitamin B12. The foods richest in this nutrient are meats and dairy products. Vegetarians must pay particular attention to getting adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Nutritional yeast and spirulina are two vegetable sources of this vitamin.
Anemia may also be due to a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is found in all green, leafy vegetables and nutritional yeast. A high intake of folic acid can mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia, however, so a proper diagnosis is advisable.
A number of vitamins and minerals are needed for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, but iron is the most essential. When supplementation becomes necessary organic forms of iron, such as ferrous gluconate and iron-fed yeast in iron tonics, commonly available in health food stores, are preferable over ferrous sulphate, ferrous phosphate or ferrous succinate. These are the mineral forms, usually prescribed by physicians, which can cause intestinal upset and constipation. Vitamin C significantly assists in the absorption of iron and should always be taken with iron. The minerals calcium and zinc, and vitamin E should not be taken at the same time as iron as they hinder absorption.
Iron is not the only nutrient important for blood building, however. A number of vitamins should be taken if blood has been lost. Vitamin 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 or B12 can be taken separately if the anemia is severe or if these are known to be lacking. Vitamin B12 is best taken as a sublingual tablet, or in serious anemia, B12 as injections should be sought.
The chlorophyll in green food also helps build the blood and provide it with essential nutrients.
Vitamin E supplementation helps some rare forms of anemia and those related to cystic fibrosis and a poorly functioning pancreas. It is also recommended for hemolytic anemia, where this vitamin strengthens fragile red blood cells susceptible to early disintegration.
In cases of marked anemia during pregnancy, the best results have been achieved from a combination of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation. Take these B vitamins with a B complex and add vitamin C to aid iron absorption.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Iron, 20 mg
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg in divided doses
Vitamin B complex, 50-100 mg two to three times daily
Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.
Helpful
Folic acid, 1,200 mcg
Vitamin B12 sublingual tablet, 1,000 mcg
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily
Herbs contain many natural vitamins and minerals essential for fortifying the blood, and can be taken in a variety of ways.
Stinging nettle, dandelion and watercress are excellent sources of iron, specific vitamins, and elements for building blood cells. Take alone or in combination, 3 cups tea, 3 tbsp. juice, or fresh leaves in salads daily.
Peppermint, blessed thistle, milk thistle, juniper berries, black currant and raspberry leaves are very helpful in building up the blood. Make these herbs into a tea using 1 tsp. of herbs in 1 cup of boiling water or juices, taking 1 cup twice daily.
Homeopathy cannot replace nutrients but it can improve absorption and recovery from anemia. Use the 6c strength and dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue, repeating three times daily for up to two weeks.
China will speed recovery if the anemia is due to severe blood loss, with fatigue and nervous tension.
Ferrum metallicum is useful for anemia if the person looks robust and sturdy, but is pale and flushes easily with the least activity.
If the anemia is accompanied by low spirits, when consolation is not well taken, and there is a tendency for constipation and headaches, Natrum muriaticum should be considered.
Arsenicum is an alternative remedy if a tremendous amount of fatigue is accompanied by anxious restlessness and fastidiousness. Symptoms tend to be worse at night.
The following tissue salts are particularly helpful. Four tablets should be taken three times daily under the tongue until the constitution is restored.
Calc phos is the chief remedy for the rebuilding of healthy new red blood cells after blood loss or long-term illnesses.
Ferr phos is helpful when hemoglobin is lacking. Typically, the face flushes easily despite its lack of color. Ferr phos helps improve the transport of oxygen.
Nat mur relieves imbalances in the blood and spleen. It is especially helpful when the blood is thin and hemoglobin is deficient.
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.
Reflexology
Work the reflexes of the spleen for one to five minutes every other day, as illustrated. The reflexes of the pancreas, liver and kidneys should also be manipulated regularly.
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Auxima Fera Iron (Inno-Vite)
Multi Element Buffered C
(Klaire Laboratories)
Pure E (Klaire Laboratories)
Chlorophyll (Natural Factors)
Folic Acid (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Iron Chelate (Natural Factors)
Iron Plus (Natural Factors)
Megazyme (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Vitamin C (Natural Factors)
Zinc Chelate (Natural Factors)
Zinc Citrate (Natural Factors)
Black Current-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Designer Protein (Next Nutrition)
Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)
Herbal Remedies
Floradix Organic Herbal Iron Extract (Flora)
Floravit Yeast Free Organic Herbal Iron Extract (Flora)
Schoenenberger Nettle Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)
Beet Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Dandelion Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Enriching Green Factors (Natural Factors)
Milk Thistle Phytosome (Natural Factors)
Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract (Natural Factors)
Alfalfa Leaves (Nature's Herbs)
Blessed Thisle Combination (Nature's Herbs)
Dandelion Root (Nature's Herbs)
Green-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Juniper Berry Combination (Nature's Herbs)
Milk Thistle-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Nettle Leaf (Nature's Herbs)
Red Raspberry Leaf (Nature's Herbs)
Homeopathy
Arsenicum (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Nat Mur (Nelsons Homeopathy)