3 THINGS TO KNOW TO ERADICATE ANEMIA NATURALLY

3 THINGS TO KNOW TO ERADICATE ANEMIA

1 WHAT IS ANEMIA

Dear friends, let us discuss about the deficiency which is so common these days i.e. Anemia. About 50% of women in India are suffering from anemia. Anemia can be caused due to many reasons.

 Red blood cells mainly consist of a pigment called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is mainly made up of iron and protein. Thus anemia may be due to deficiency of iron and protein. Loss of iron due to injury, surgery, bleeding piles, menstruation, or in some cancers can also lead to anemia.

Chronic dieters, athlete woman or strict vegetarian may also have anemia. There are two other vitamins which assist in the formation of red blood cells. These are vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 results in Megaloblastic or pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 requires enough of acid in the stomach to get digested from the protein. It then joins with intrinsic factor to be absorbed in the intestine. Elderly people have less of stomach acid. So they need supplements of vitamin B12.

Folic acid deficiency may occur during pregnancy, in alcoholics or in dieters resulting in anemia. Anemia may also be due to some parasite or bacterial infestation in the intestine.

 2  SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA

Anemia may result in multiple symptoms, which is mainly due to lack of oxygen in the body. As the red blood cells mainly distribute oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

 So it results in fatigue, lack of energy, dizziness, pallor of the skin, delaying healing of wounds, brittle nails, headache, memory loss etc. It also results in cold feet and hands and effects moods also.

3 DIET TO ERADICATE ANEMIA

As we can see, we need iron, protein and vitamins to eradicate anemia from our life. Iron deficiency can be cured by having iron rich diet i e fish, egg meat, chicken. This heme iron is readily absorbed by our body. 

Plant sources of iron are green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. This non heme iron is not easily absorbed by our body. We can take vitamin C rich food with non heme iron sources to increase iron absorption and to treat anemia. 

 Vegetarians should increase their intake of animal food. If we consume heme iron with non – heme iron sources then it increases the absorption of iron.

SOME MORE REMEDIES TO TREAT ANEMIA

Fenugreek leaves – Fenugreek leaves are good source of iron. These should be consumed regularly to combat anemia. Fenugreek seeds (1 to 2 tbs) can also be soaked in water, overnight and can be consumed. Other green leafy vegetable like spinach is also effective in treating anemia.

Beetroot – Beetroot is very nutritious. It can be taken to prevent or cure anemia. It is rich in iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6, potassium and phosphorus.

Lettuce leaves – Lettuce leaves are also effective to fight anemia. It contains iron and iron in it is easily absorbed by the body. So it is excellent to treat anemia.

Black Sesame seeds – These are very rich in iron. They can be soaked and can be consumed to cure anemia. 1 tbsp can be taken daily for few months.

Nuts and seeds – Nuts like almonds, raisins, cashew nuts, pistachio, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc can be added in diet to prevent anemia.

Beans – Beans are good sources of iron. So increase intake of soybean, kidney beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils to combat anemia.

Vitamin C rich food – Eat more of fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C. As these will increase the absorption of iron if taken along with meals. So take lemon, orange, strawberries etc.

Animal products – Eat more of fish, chicken, egg, meat, liver, kidney to get more of heme iron to treat anemia. Heme iron is absorbed easily in the body.

SOME MORE TIPS TO CURE ANEMIA

Use iron pots for cooking – Using iron pots for cooking will increase the iron content of the food. It will result in the discoloration of food but the taste will not be affected. Acidic food like tomato will result in getting more of iron while cooking. So use iron pots to cure anemia.

Avoid some foods – Avoid tea with meals. As it contains tannin which hinders the absorption of iron. Nuts and cereals  contain phytates which also lowers absorption of iron. Green leafy vegetables and chocolate contain oxalate which also affects iron absorption.

Sunlight, mild exercise and pranayams -   These are also helpful in the formation of red blood cells and in treating anemia.