Natural Health & Healing Article

 

Natural Remedies for Iron Poor Blood
By Dr. Rita Louise

Anemia or iron poor blood is a condition where there aren't
enough healthy red blood cells in the body to carry
sufficient amounts of oxygen to the tissues. Each of our
red blood cells contains hemoglobin, an iron rich protein
that gives it its red color. Hemoglobin is responsible for
the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to other parts
of the body.

If you loose too many red blood cells, destroy them before
they are replaced or produce cells that are unhealthy, you
can end up experiencing symptoms of anemia. Symptoms can
include fatigue, chest pain, angina, shortness of breath,
irritability, dizziness, light headedness, rapid heartbeat,
numbness or coldness in extremities, headaches or pale skin.

Anemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional
problems (such as iron or vitamin deficiency) infections,
some kinds of cancer, exposure to drugs or toxins. In fact
there are over 400 different forms of anemia; however, in
this article we will focus on the most common forms, iron
deficiency anemia, B12 deficiency and folate deficiency.

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Iron deficiency anemia occurs when
the amount of iron in the body is too low, thus affecting
hemoglobin production. It is most often found where there
is ongoing blood loss, such as in women with heavy menstrual
periods, as well as in individuals who suffer from conditions such as bleeding ulcers, gastroenteritis,hemorrhoids, colon polyps or colon cancer. Other causes can include issues with absorption, where the body is unable to absorb iron from the foods we eat, or eating a diet low in iron.

In addition to iron, the body needs vitamin B12 and folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these nutrients are prone to anemia as well.

B12 Anemia - There are a few reasons why someone may sufferfrom B12 anemia. They include the inability of the body to
absorb vitamin B12, such as those with intestinal disorders
which affect absorption of nutrients. The individual may
also suffer from Pernicious Anemia where the body stops
producing a substance called "intrinsic factor," which is
needed to absorb B12 from the diet. Another cause many of
us have heard of is a vegetarian diet which excludes eggs,
dairy products, meat and fish-- all of which are sources of
vitamin B12.

Folate Deficiency-- Similar in cause to B12 Anemia is folate
deficiency. Folate, or folic acid is found in foods such
as leafy green vegetables. Over the years, cases of folate
deficiency in the US have declined, since many of the grain
product and cereals we eat are fortified with folic acid.
During pregnancy, however, increased levels of folic acid
are necessary to prevent defects of the brain and spiral
cord of the fetus.

Recommendations For Wellness

In treating anemia it is important to know its cause, so
talk to your doctor and ask him/her to run a blood test to
evaluate your health and help you to determine what type of
anemia you may have.

Excessive iron can be toxic to the body, so do not take iron
supplements without first talking to your health care
provider.

Eat a well balanced diet which includes a variety of whole
grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, beer or cola drinks with your
meals. They can significantly lower iron absorption.
Instead, drink citrus juices or supplement with vitamin C.
Vitamin C has been show to help support the body's ability
to absorb iron.

Take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement to
support any nutritional deficiencies that may be found in
the body.

Herbs such as dong quai, dandelion, barley greens and
alfalfa are all great sources of vitamins and minerals.

The herb yellow dock is a natural and organic source of iron
as is blackstrap molasses.

Panax ginseng can be used to help counteract the fatigue
experience by those who suffer from anemia.

If your anemia is associated with a B12 deficiency or folic
acid deficiency, supplement with a complex B vitamin. Folic
acid needs the catalysts vitamins B12 and B6 to carry out
its functions effectively.


Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer--  www.soulhealer.com
2007. All rights reserved.

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About The Author: Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic
Physician and the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the
books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within," it
is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional
clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you
bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life.
Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or listen live online to Dr.
Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com.
 

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