Anemia Support

Anemia or iron poor blood is a condition where there is not enough healthy red blood cells in the body to produce sufficient amounts of oxygen to the tissues. Each of our red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives it its red color. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

If you lose too many red blood cells, destroying them before they are replaced or produce cells that are unhealthy, you can find symptoms of anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, chest pain, angina pectoris, shortness of breath, irritability, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, numbness or coldness in the extremities, headache or pale skin.

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

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the amount of iron in the body is too low, which affects the production of hemoglobin. It is most often found where there is ongoing loss of blood, as in women with heavy periods, and in individuals who suffer from a bleeding ulcer, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, colon polyps or cancer colon. Other causes may include problems with absorption, where the body is unable to absorb iron in the foods we eat, or 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 deficient in these nutrients are prone to anemia as well.

B12 Anemia - There are several reasons why a person may suffer from anemia B12. They include the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B12, such as those suffering from intestinal problems that affect the absorption of nutrients. The person may also suffer from pernicious anemia, where the body stops producing a substance called intrinsic factor, which is necessary to absorb B12 from food. Another reason many of us have heard of a vegetarian diet which excludes eggs, dairy products, meats and fish - all of which are sources of vitamin B12.

Folate deficiency - similar due to B12 Anemia is folate deficiency. Folate, or folic acid is found in foods like leafy green vegetables. Over the years, cases of folate deficiency in the United States have decreased since most grains and cereals we eat are fortified with folic acid. During pregnancy, however, increased levels of folic acid are needed to prevent birth defects of the brain and spiral cord of the fetus.

Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies and alternative, you can try to help restore health, healing and wholeness in your life.

Recommendations for restoration

To treat anemia, it is important to know the cause, talk to your doctor and ask him to do a blood test to assess your condition and help 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 balanced diet that includes a variety of whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

Do not drink beverages, tea, cola or beer with your meal. They can iron absorption significantly lower. View more Drink citrus juices or supplement with vitamin C. Vitamin C has been to help support the body's ability to absorb iron.

Take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplements to support any nutritional deficiencies that can be found.