Information and facts on Anemia

 

Anemia occurs as a result of a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry. Anemia lowers the oxygen available to all of the cells of the human body.  Resulting in less energy available to perform their day to day functions. Critical processes, such as muscular activity and cell building and repair, slow down and become less efficient. When your brain does not have enough oxygen, dizziness can occur, and your mental abilities are less focused and sharp. Note that anything causing a deficiency in the formation or production of red blood cells, or that leads to the too rapid destruction of red blood cells, can cause anemia. Drug use, hormonal disorders, chronic inflammation in the body, surgery, infections, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, liver damage, thyroid disorders or problems like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow disease, and dietary deficiencies in Iron, Folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may all be factors towards anemia. There are also a number of hereditary disorders, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, that cause anemia. Pernicious anemia is a severe form of anemia that is due to a lack of vitamin B12. People with this disorder cannot absorb any form of vitamin B12 from their gastrointestinal tract. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is an important factor in anemia because this mineral is used to make hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that attaches to oxygen and carries it in the body. Red blood cells exist only to oxygenate the body, and they have a life span of only about 120 days. If a person lacks sufficient iron, the formation of red blood cells is reduced. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by insufficient iron intake and/or absorption, or by significant blood loss. The latter is commonly seen in women who suffer from menorrhagia which is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which in turn may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, fibroid tumors, or uterine cancer. Women who use IUD intrauterine devices for contraception are also at a higher risk of blood loss, as are those who overuse anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause blood loss through irritation of the digestive tract. Note that excessive taking of aspirin, particularly by older people, may cause internal bleeding.

Nutritional supplements are a good way to prevent or treat anemia as well as other health problems. 

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.