The term anemia is derived from a Greek word which means ‘lack of blood.’ It basically means there is a decline in the number of red blood cells, or lower than required haemoglobin in the blood. Since hemoglobin is responsible for taking oxygen to the rest of the body, low levels can have serious implications for health.
Types of Anemia
There are different types of anemia including:
Iron deficiency anemia: This is the most common type and is caused when the diet lacks the right amount of iron. This leads to low hemoglobin levels.
Aplastic anemia: This occurs when the bone marrow stops producing enough red blood cells. The condition is also characterised by the body’s inability to produce other types of blood cells.
Sickle-cell anemia: This is one of a number of inherited blood diseases. The red blood cells become misshapen, resembling a sickle, hence its name. A number of problems can result from this condition.
Pernicious anemia: This is caused by vitamin B deficiency.
Treatments for Anemia
There are various treatments for anemia, but some people achieve success with major changes in their diet. Consuming certain foods can boost the body’s levels of iron including:
Beets: This is a great natural source of iron as well as other minerals and vitamins.
Curry powder: This is known to be a good source of iron, but the level will vary depending on how much curry is used in each dish.
Blackstrap molasses: This contains iron as well as necessary B vitamins, which is especially useful for treating vitamin B deficiency related anemia.
Dried figs: This has long been a popular treatment for anemia. It is recommended that three or four be eaten daily.
Herbal remedies have also been shown to be useful in treating anemia. Some of these are:
Yellow dock root: Not only is this herb a good source of iron, it is very readily absorbed by the body. It also has the effect of cleansing the blood of impurities.
Alfalfa: This has been popular for years among herbalists as a treatment for anemia. It is useful for treating other conditions as well. It is recommended that this herb not be consumed excessively as it can also cause the breakdown of red blood cells.
Dandelion: This common weed has been shown to be rich in iron as well as other nutrients.
Women especially should adopt a preventative diet when it comes to anemia. This includes foods rich in vitamin C and B vitamins. Women are more prone to this disorder because of menstrual periods. The symptoms of the condition include weakness, tiredness, dizziness and a pale look. If you feel you may have anemia, it is best to see a doctor to have tests done, rather than trying to treat yourself.
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July 1st, 2010 at 5:26 am
My father is suffering from aplastic anemia with bone marrow hypoplasia. What natural therapy is there to treat it.
thank you
July 28th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I dealt with very mild anemia some time ago, and the only info I could find on what to eat was red meat and spinach…so thank you for this great info on other foods that can boost iron in the blood! Many people (especially women) don’t even know that they are suffering from anemia – we often think our busy schedules and multi-tasking lifestyles are leaving us fatigued. It’s important to check out chronic fatigue with your doctor; it could be a symptom of a deficiency in the body.
- Anna M