Anemia is a disorder due to a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. It may depend on iron deficiency or inflammation. Let's find out better.
Structure of the hemoglobin molecule
Symptoms of anemia
Pallor, exhaustion, irritability, dryness and fragility of nails and hair: these are just some of the typical symptoms of anemia, a disorder due to a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. These symptoms are also accompanied by reduced resistance to physical and mental stress, palpitations and headache.
The extent of the symptoms depends both on the hemoglobin values in the blood and on how it appears.
Causes
Anemia occurs in various forms and can have multiple causes : heredity (membrane defect), inflammation, intoxication . However, the most frequent is iron-deficiency anemia, which is due to poor intake of iron in the diet, absorption problems and increased needs in the growth phase. Women suffer the most, as they need a special supply of iron every month to reconstitute blood elements. In many cases, it is a matter of treating the diet and increasing the consumption of vitamin C, so as to create an environment more favorable to iron absorption in the intestine.
Diagnosis
The correct diagnosis of anemia passes through three phases. First of all it is necessary to carry out a personal and family anamnesis, followed by an objective examination of the symptoms which may more or less depend on the hypoxygenation of the tissues.
Finally, laboratory analyzes are carried out which include morphological blood tests, urine tests, serological tests and a blood count.
CARE FOR ANEMIA
Feeding in case of anemia
The correction of the anemic state requires patience and perseverance, because only by taking care of feeding in detail can long-term results be achieved.
First of all it must be specified that there are two types of iron; heme iron and iron do not heme . Haem iron is found in meat (lean red meat; fish such as tuna, salmon, cod; shellfish such as shrimp; shellfish such as oysters and clams; turkey and chicken) is easily absorbed and can enhance the iron not heme contained in cereals, vegetables and salads that accompany a meal.
Non heme iron is more difficult to absorb, but its absorption is favored by the simultaneous intake of vitamin C. It is therefore advisable to eat meat with vegetables that contain vitamin C and meat with vegetables that contain non-haem iron to favor absorption.
In many cases it is useful to resort to natural food supplements and iron herbal medicines.
Tea and coffee, if they must be consumed, must be taken at least an hour away from meals because they hinder the absorption of iron. It can be useful to drink 2 glasses of beetroot every day for at least a month, an excellent reconstructor of blood elements. If you prefer, take a teaspoon of ventilated clay dissolved in half a glass of water for one week.
The intake must be progressive: at the second week, drink also in the evening and the third, even at noon. Consume oats, algae and brewer's yeast regularly. As for fruit consumption, prefer grapes and blueberries, as well as apricots, apples, lemons and dates.
You can learn more about the properties and uses of blueberries
Phytotherapy for the anemic state
Two infallible infusions to treat anemia : the first consists of chamomile flowers, hypericum (3 fingers of each herb), wormwood leaves (a pinch). Bring to a boil in half a liter of water, left to infuse and strain.
The other is based on melissa (10 g), to be left to infuse in a liter of boiling water. The two infusions can be drunk hot or cold, one cup 3 times during the day. In the spring you can pick or buy dandelion (dandelion) and prepare it in salad (without the stems), for example with a green sauce flavored with fennel and parsley.
The infusion of white nettle is also excellent. The most widely used plant in phytotherapy in cases of anemia is undoubtedly the acerola, due to the high concentration of vitamin C.
Discover also natural supplements against anemia
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine it is the functions of Heart, Spleen and Kidney that regulate the formation of red blood cells; in case of energy deficit of one or more of these organs, the net decrease in the production of red blood cells can occur. In the event of a deficit, the points to be treated are:
- TAI BAI (located on the medial side of the big toe below the metatarsal-phalangeal joint) which dissolves and eliminates the Heat or Humidity of Stomach and Spleen and regulates the fluids;
- XIN SHU (point Shu of the back of the Heart, located 1.5 cun to the side of the thorny apophysis of the V thoracic vertebra) that regulates the Heart, calms the Shen, regulates the Blood;
- TAI XI (makes the apex of the internal malleolus and the Achilles tendon) tones the renal and hepatic energy level;
- DA ZHUI (under the spinous process C7) tones and regulates the energy of the Spleen and regulates the Fire.
Often the points of the Auricular System of the Heart, Diaphragm, Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Surreni are combined to alleviate anemic disorders.
Essential oils
The essential oils of chamomile and lemon are useful in the case of anemia; the latter, being citrus-based, should be stored in a dark and cool place, preferably in the refrigerator. Thyme oil is also excellent, as is peppermint oil, a perennial herb that is a natural hybrid derived from the green and aquatic species.
Homeopathy in anemia
Homeopathic treatment due to iron deficiency usually involves a treatment that should be performed in cycles of 3 months followed by a month off, checking for changes in blood count. Among the homeopathic remedies:
- China 9 C (5 granules, 1-3 times a day), derived from a plant able to mitigate the symptoms of iron deficiency and used in the treatment of bleeding anemia, in pregnancy, convalescence, postpartum and in the 'feeding time;
- Ferrum metallicum 9 CH (5 granules, 1-3 times a day), balances the metabolism of iron;
- Hématite 8 DH (1 ampoule per day for treatment cycles of 3 months), it is ferric oxide, a mineral that has stimulating properties in the formation of red blood cells.
