Anemia
Anemia is an abnormally low red blood cells or hematocrit in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Before any treatment, the physician should make accurate diagnosis with the patient.
Anemia is most commonly a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself. Anemia develops according to the following categories:
- Hemorrhaging or excessive blood loss (GI bleeding, ulcer, colon cancer)
- Deficiency of red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, breastfeeding, frequent blood donation, lack of iron in the diet)
- Excessive red blood cell destruction (autoimmune)
- Both decrease production and excessive destruction of the red blood cells
However, anemia can also occur due to Vitamin B6, B12, copper, and folic acid deficiency. On the other hand, long term use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and excessive alcohol intake has been associated with anemia.
Most common symptoms of anemia that each individual may experience as a result of decrease oxygen level in the blood or “hypoxia” are as follows:
- Dizziness, Lethargy or lack of energy, Fatigue, Pale skin, Weakness, Faintness, Poor concentration, Breathlessness or difficulty of breathing, Irritability, Headache, Recurrent infection, Loss of appetite, Severe: increase heart rate
There are several types of anemia, each diseases has a specific cause and treatment, including the following:
- iron-deficiency anemia
- megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia
- anemia of folate deficiency
- hemolytic anemia
- pernicious anemia- deficiency of Vitamin B12
- sickle cell anemia
- Cooley’s anemia (beta thalassemia)
- aplastic anemia
Anemia is frequently revealed during a medical examination through a routine blood test. In addition to a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for anemia may consist of additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures. Treatment for anemia depends on the cause of the disease. Black tea contains tannins that can interfere with the absorption of iron as can excessive amounts of dietary fiber.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Copper—2 mg, if deficient.
- Folic acid—0.5 to 1.5 mg, if deficient.
- Iron—follow physician advice.
- Vitamin A—10,000 IU, helps effectiveness of iron.
- Vitamin B12—20 to 100 mcg, injections or sublingual
- Vitamin B6—50 to 100 mg, if deficient.
- Vitamin C—100 to 500 mg, aids absorption of iron.
Herbal Supplements:
- Alfalfa, dandelion, nettle—contain iron.
Aromatherapy:
- Roman chamomile—as massage oil.
Chinese Medicine:
- Acupuncture—acupoints on back, arm, lower trunk, and legs are stimulated.
- Chinese Angelica
- Gui Pi Wan
Homeopathy:
Take remedy according to symptoms:
- Calcarea phosphorica
- Ferrum phosphoricum—helps assimilation ofiron in food.
- Natrum muriaticum
- Picric acid
Ayurvedic Medicine:
Anemia is due to an imbalance of pitta.
- Avipathi choorna
- Kalyaraka ghritha
- Kishor
- Pancha karma
