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Anemia / anemia occurs when there is a shortage of red blood cells, or a deficiency of haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment) in the red cells. Symptoms include some or all of the following depending on the severity of the condition: dizziness, irritability or mental confusion. You might also notice a paleness under the nails, or of the gums. There may be sores in the mouth or on the tongue; unusual bruising or bleeding; tingling of the feet or legs. When anaemia occurs the body does not get enough oxygen and weakness and fatigue result. Although symptoms may not appear, or may be very mild, for a long time, the condition can be life-threatening if it is left undiagnosed and untreated. If you suspect you are anaemic it is essential that you see your doctor promptly to ascertain the underlying cause. Treatment will vary, depending on the diagnosis.
What causes anemia?
The most common cause of anaemia is a deficiency of iron and this is usually the result of a gradual blood loss. Menstruating women are prone to iron deficiency, particularly those who experience heavy periods, but both men and women can develop iron deficiency from any condition that causes slow bleeding maybe from haemorrhoids, rectal polyps, ulcers, stomach or colon cancer. Also, the prolonged use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, can contribute towards the condition. As so many of our foods are fortified with iron it is rarely the case that anaemia can be attributed to dietary deficiency.
Pernicious anaemia:
Pernicious anaemia is a less common form which usually results from a deficiency of Vitamin B12 or folic acid. Alcoholics, smokers, people with certain digestive disorders, vegetarians, those over the age of 50 and pregnant or breast-feeding women are the most likely to be at risk, through either poor or inadequate nutrition, or an inability to absorb these nutrients properly. Other forms of anaemia can be traced to chronic illnesses such as lupus, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What you can do about anemia:
It is essential that you see a doctor about your condition to determine the underlying cause of the anaemia. If you are advised to take supplements, have your blood tested every month to make sure the condition is improving. For iron deficiency anaemia, it would be beneficial to combine iron with vitamin C because this vitamin helps the body to absorb the mineral. Iron on its own must be taken only under a doctor's supervision because too much can be dangerous. The herbs echinacea and nettle may also be useful; echinacea will promote the regeneration of red blood cells while nettle has been used by herbalists treating anaemia with great success. Other herbs such as dandelion, burdock, yellow dock, gentian and red clover, taken as a juice or tea, are a pleasant way to assist the body's ability to absorb iron from foods or supplements. For pernicious anaemia, vitamin B12 and folic acid should always be taken in tandem and under a doctor's supervision as a high intake of one can mask a deficiency in the other.
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