| Anemia or iron poor blood is a condition where there | | | | many of us have heard of is a vegetarian diet which |
| aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body to | | | | excludes eggs, dairy products, meat and fish - all of |
| carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to the tissues. | | | | which are sources of vitamin B12. |
| Each of our red blood cells contains hemoglobin, an | | | | Folate Deficiency - Similar in cause to B12 Anemia is |
| iron rich protein that gives it its red color. Hemoglobin | | | | folate deficiency. Folate, or folic acid is found in foods |
| is responsible for the transportation of oxygen from | | | | such as leafy green vegetables. Over the years, |
| the lungs to other parts of the body. | | | | cases of folate deficiency in the US have declined, |
| If you loose too many red blood cells, destroy them | | | | since many of the grain product and cereals we eat |
| before they are replaced or produce cells that are | | | | are fortified with folic acid. During pregnancy, |
| unhealthy, you can end up experiencing symptoms of | | | | however, increased levels of folic acid are necessary |
| anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, chest pain, | | | | to prevent defects of the brain and spiral cord of the |
| angina, shortness of breath, irritability, dizziness, light | | | | fetus. |
| headedness, rapid heartbeat, numbness or coldness in | | | | Thankfully, there are a number of natural and |
| extremities, headaches or pale skin. | | | | alternative health remedies you can try to help |
| Anemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional | | | | restore health, healing and wholeness in your life. |
| problems (such as iron or vitamin deficiency) | | | | Recommendations For Wellness |
| infections, some kinds of cancer, exposure to drugs | | | | In addressing anemia it is important to know its |
| or toxins. In fact there are over 400 different forms | | | | cause, so talk to your doctor and ask him/her to run |
| of anemia; however, in this article we will focus on | | | | a blood test to evaluate your health and help you to |
| the most common forms, iron deficiency anemia, B12 | | | | determine what type of anemia you may have. |
| deficiency and folate deficiency. | | | | Excessive iron can be toxic to the body, so do not |
| Iron Deficiency Anemia - Iron deficiency anemia | | | | take iron supplements without first talking to your |
| occurs when the amount of iron in the body is too | | | | health care provider. |
| low, thus affecting hemoglobin production. It is most | | | | Eat a well balanced diet which includes a variety of |
| often found where there is ongoing blood loss, such | | | | whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| as in women with heavy menstrual periods, as well as | | | | Avoid drinking coffee, tea, beer or cola drinks with |
| in individuals who suffer from conditions such as | | | | your meals. They can significantly lower iron |
| bleeding ulcers, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, colon | | | | absorption. Instead, drink citrus juices or supplement |
| polyps or colon cancer. Other causes can include | | | | with vitamin C. Vitamin C has been show to help |
| issues with absorption, where the body is unable to | | | | support the body's ability to absorb iron. |
| absorb iron from the foods we eat, or eating a diet | | | | Take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement to |
| low in iron. | | | | support any nutritional deficiencies that may be found |
| In addition to iron, the body needs vitamin B12 and | | | | in the body. |
| folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells. A diet | | | | Herbs such as dong quai, dandelion, barley greens and |
| lacking in these nutrients are prone to anemia as well. | | | | alfalfa are all great sources of vitamins and minerals. |
| B12 Anemia - There are a few reasons why | | | | The herb yellow dock is a natural and organic source |
| someone may suffer from B12 anemia. They include | | | | of iron as is blackstrap molasses. |
| the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B12, such | | | | Panax ginseng can be used to help counteract the |
| as those with intestinal disorders which affect | | | | fatigue experience by those who suffer from anemia. |
| absorption of nutrients. The individual may also suffer | | | | If your anemia is associated with a B12 deficiency or |
| from Pernicious Anemia where the body stops | | | | folic acid deficiency, supplement with a complex B |
| producing a substance called "intrinsic factor", which is | | | | vitamin. Folic acid needs the catalysts vitamins B12 |
| needed to absorb B12 from the diet. Another cause | | | | and B6 to carry out its functions effectively. |