Anemia is a general name for a number of diseases of the red blood cells,
As the main thing that causes it is iron deficiency.
In this post, you’ll discover the natural treatment for anemia.
Main Causes of Anemia
Anemia is a general name for a number of diseases of the red blood cells.
These cells contain hemoglobin, which allows oxygen to be carried from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Our body needs iron to produce enough hemoglobin.
Therefore, most cases of anemia are caused by iron deficiency.
The deficiency is usually due to poor nutrition, especially one that consists of fast food.
Even long or repetitive diets can lead to iron deficiency.
More reasons why a person might suffer from iron deficiency, and lead to anemia, are:
- Blood loss, for any reason, can cause anemia.
For example, surgery, trauma, gum disease, hemorrhoids, polyps, colon cancer, bleeding ulcers, heavy menstrual bleeding, and more. - An increased need of the body for iron, which usually arises during pregnancy, can also cause anemia.
- Iron deficiency can also result from the body’s inability to absorb certain nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin B12.
- In rare cases, deficiencies in vitamins A, B2, B6, and C or copper may cause anemia.
Older people often lose the ability to absorb these nutrients.
This problem also exists in people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. - Anemia can also be a result of an inherited blood disease, in which the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely.
Examples for diseases that are acute forms of anemia are Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and spherocytosis.
People suffering from these diseases usually receive medication permanently. - Anemia can also occur as a result of a complete inability to absorb vitamin B12.
This disorder can be easily treated by taking vitamin B12 capsules under the tongue,
By regular injections of vitamin B12, or by improving stomach acidity levels.
Symptoms of Anemia
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Pallor
- Thin, pale tongue
- Dry or weak hair
- Sensitive fingernails
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anemia
If you suspect you have anemia, chances are the condition can be corrected with the help of supplements.
It is important, however, that you consult a doctor to get an accurate and professional diagnosis of the problem.
The symptoms of anemia can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases,
Therefore, you will need to undergo a thorough physical examination.
Recommended Nutrition for the Treatment of Anemia
Increasing plant iron intake (non-heme iron):
Contrary to popular belief, plant foods are actually rich in iron.
Most iron-rich foods from plants also contain high-fiber dietary fiber and zero percentage of saturated fat.
Iron-Rich Foods for the Treatment of Anemia
- Legumes such as lentils, dried peas, beans, chickpeas, and soybeans are rich in iron.
These legumes also contain good amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds that can reduce the risk of various diseases.
Note that legumes also contain phytic acid which might impair the absorption of iron.
The way to neutralize this acid is to soak the dried legumes in water overnight and then cooking them. - Nuts and Seeds are also rich in iron.
Therefore eat more almonds, acorns, cashews, pecans, and watermelon, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. - Beetroot, pepper, broccoli, and leeks are vegetables that are rich in iron.
It also exists in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, scallions, chard leaves, and lettuce. - Some fruits are also rich in iron.
Mainly dried fruits such as figs, dates, and plums.
However, some fresh fruits such as persimmon, pomegranate, and strawberry also contain iron. - You should eat more whole grains foods such as quinoa, buckwheat, whole wheat, oats, bulgur, amaranth, and wheat bran.
Do not overdo the consumption of whole grains because they also contain the phytic acid mentioned above and fiber,
which in overdose will impair the absorption of iron. - Other foods you should eat that are also rich in iron are molasses, seaweed, black olive leaves, dark chocolate, and yeast.
Vitamin C for the Treatment of Anemia
Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron and therefore it is recommended to eat foods that contain it along with foods that contain iron.
Sources of vitamin C can be found in foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and papaya.
Foods You Should Avoid
- Over-consumption of fiber (over 30 grams per day) can slow down and impair iron absorption.
- The active ingredients in coffee and tea may bind to the iron molecules and interfere with their absorption.
- Excess fat in the diet can impair iron absorption.
- Alcohol in large quantities causes a lack of B vitamins and fermentation in the intestines, it raises the level of acidity in the blood, and impairs absorption and normal metabolic activity.
Calcium and Iron
A large amount of calcium in the diet may inhibit iron absorption.
Therefore, try to separate calcium-rich products from iron-rich ones.
4 Recommended Smoothies for the Treatment of Anemia
Strawberry, Blackberry, and Apples
This wonderful juice will suit any person who loves sugary drinks with a tingle of sourness.
Drink it in the morning and enjoy an essential iron supplement found in each of the fruits inside.
Moreover, the antioxidants and fiber that it contains will cleanse your body of toxins and make you feel light throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 2 blackberries
- 3 strawberries
- 1 green apple
- ½ cup of water (100 ml)
Remove the apple seeds and cut the apple into cubes, then put them with the rest of the ingredients in a food processor.
Then mix until you get a smooth-textured juice and drink with pleasure.
Carrot, Spinach, and Celery Smoothie
The combination of the three vegetables in this juice will provide you with a large number of vitamins and minerals.
It will also make you feel much stronger and more alert.
The high amount of iron it contains will help fight anemia and its symptoms over,
and will contribute to the management of healthy longevity.
Ingredients
- 5 carrots
- 1 stalk of celery
- A handful of spinach leaves
- 1 cup of water (200 ml)
Cut the carrots into small pieces and put in a food processor with the rest of the ingredients.
Then mix until the juice is smooth.
Beet and Beer Yeast Smoothie
It may sound a little strange to consume yeast in its raw form and not in some pastry,
but beer yeast is not like the yeast you are familiar with from cakes and pastries.
These yeasts contain a large number of proteins as well as many B vitamins.
They also encourage the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin and have a unique taste reminiscent of cheese.
When combining these yeast with beetroot, which contain a lot of iron as well as antioxidants,
you get an excellent energy drink that also serves as a treatment for anemia and its symptoms.
Ingredients
- 1 beetroot
- A large carrot
- 1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (200 ml)
- Cut the carrots and beets into small pieces and put them in a food processor with the rest of the ingredients.
- Then mix until you get a drink with a smooth texture.
Parsley Smoothie
Parsley is a wonderful vegetable that is used to season many foods.
It is also excellent in the prevention and treatment of anemia.
It does so due to the large amounts of iron it contains.
Therefore, a drink made from this delicious vegetable will definitely supplement deficiencies from the essential mineral.
It will also cleanse the body of harmful toxins.
Ingredients
- A handful of parsley
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 cup of water (200 ml)
Rinse the parsley well, and put it in a food processor with the rest of the ingredients.
Then mix until you get a smooth-textured drink.
