Natural Treatments for Anaemia

Anaemia is a medical condition caused by insufficient red blood cell production. Red blood cells contain an essential protein called haemoglobin, which transports and distributes oxygen throughout the body to help with a variety of bodily functions. There are various types of anaemia, the most common being iron deficiency anaemia. It is caused by low iron levels in the body, which can be caused by a low-iron diet, heavy periods, or a chronic disease like gastritis or stomach cancer.

Although not a disease in itself, anaemia increases the health risks of irregular heartbeats, which can potentially lead to heart disease. Recognising the causes and symptoms of anaemia, as well as receiving treatment for iron deficiency, is a crucial part of an anaemic person's treatment plan.

While prescription medications like antibiotics and blood transfusions are traditional solutions to iron deficiency, you'll be happy to know that there are natural remedies you can use to increase your iron intake and lower your risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia.

Who is at risk of iron deficiency?

As important as identifying the best treatment approach for this blood-related disorder is knowing whether or not you are at risk of developing anaemia. A balanced diet that provides different sources of iron helps the body maintain normal iron stores. This goes without saying that people who follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to suffer from anaemia as their meals lack sources of iron.

Aside from following a vegan diet, a chronic condition can also have an impact on the body's iron status. Coeliac disease is one example of a health condition that reduces the body's iron stores because gluten damages a portion of the intestine that is responsible for absorption of iron. Other risk factors for anaemia are as follows:

• Excessive blood loss due to abnormal menstrual periods
• Wounds or injuries
• Premature birth
• Pregnancy and childbirth

How can anaemia be treated naturally?

A physical exam, which includes blood tests and a complete blood count to determine your red blood cell count, as well as having your medical records reviewed on a regular basis by your doctor, can help protect you from developing anaemia. You should also keep track of your iron dietary intake. We all require different amounts of iron. While eight milligrams of iron is the recommended daily dose for adults, pregnant women must increase their intake to avoid the risk of iron deficiency.

The good news is that you don't have to rely on synthetic medications to boost your iron levels. You can use a variety of natural remedies to enhance your body's iron absorption capacity and avoid anaemia and its complications, such as heart problems, a weakened immune system, and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight.

Natural treatments for anaemia

There are several ways to treat anaemia naturally. One of the most effective methods is to increase your intake of iron-rich foods. There are also a variety of herbal remedies and manual therapies that can help your body produce extra iron to ensure peak performance.

• Acupuncture: This ancient healing system employs the use of thin needles on the skin to restore the flow of qi that nourishes the body, thus reducing anaemic symptoms. It does so by stimulating points that increase the flow of qi to the stomach, liver and blood-producing spleen. There is some evidence that acupuncture may be helpful in treating anaemia. One study showed that acupuncture may be effective in treating mild to moderate anaemia. The study participants were given acupuncture treatments twice a week for eight weeks. Their haemoglobin levels and other indicators of health improved significantly after eight weeks of treatment.
• Chinese Massage: Anaemia is treated by Chinese masseuses who focus on hand and foot massage to stimulate the production of blood in the spleen, and the overall flow of qi energy around the body.
• Herbal Medicine: Chinese herbalists aim to treat anaemia by using singular or combined herbs that improve the blood supply and the movement of qi throughout the body. Ginger, dandelion and nettle are among the common herbs that can help address the root cause of anaemia as well as symptoms of iron deficiency.
• Nutrition: Certain foods serve as a rich source of iron. You can get iron from meats sourced from animal-based foods, such as beef, chicken and pork liver, as well as fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources of iron include leafy greens, baked potatoes, beans and iron-fortified cereals. Taking vitamin C-rich foods also increases your body's ability to absorb iron by 67%. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, and so are sweet potatoes, bell peppers and oranges. A nutritionist or naturopath will design a dietary program with foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, which are most often deficient in those that suffer from anaemia. See nutrition and anaemia for more information.

Source: Lybrate

• Iron supplements: Combining your diet with supplemental iron can help your body increase the production of this essential mineral. In addition to the supplements recommended by your healthcare provider, other excellent sources of non-heme iron, which don't come from animal products, include dark chocolate and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM is an umbrella term for an array of natural treatment methods, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina, or Chinese massage, which was discussed earlier on this list. TCM practitioners believe that the body's energy, or qi, flows through specific channels known as meridians. When qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to health problems. In the case of anaemia, TCM practitioners can help restore balance and improve the flow of qi. This can improve symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness.

If you are living with anaemia, it is important to take steps to manage your condition on a daily basis. This can include taking breaks during the day, eating a balanced diet and avoiding strenuous activity. With the right management, you can live a normal and healthy life.