Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. Your red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that enables the red blood cells to carry the oxygen. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, minerals, protein and vitamins.
The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, caused by a lack of iron in your body. Anemia can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, chronic disease, and other conditions. For an overview of the top five most common forms of anemia, see http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2579177/the_5_most_common_types_of_anemia.html.
Conventional treatments range from supplements to chemotherapy to bone marrow transplants. See http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2579071/conventional_treatments_for_anemia.html for an overview of conventional treatments available for anemia. There are also some alternative treatments that may be helpful in preventing or treating some types of anemia. This article will provide you with a guide to alternative treatments for anemia. It is not meant to constitute or replace medical advice. If you think you have anemia and have not seen a doctor, please do so, as anemia can be a symptom of a serious illness.
Vitamins
Depending on the type of anemia you have, vitamins may be one form of alternative treatment you find helpful. Please make sure your doctor is aware of any form of supplement you are taking. The following vitamins/supplements have been shown to help with anemia.
• Raw liver extract – 500 mg twice a day for red blood cell production.
• Folic acid – 800 mcg and biotin 300 mcg twice a day
• Take iron with 100 mg of Vitamin C daily, checking with your doctor first. (Too much iron is toxic)
• One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses twice a day is a good source of iron and B vitamins
• Vitamin B-12 – 2000 mcg three times a day. Some anemias are brought on by either your body’s inability to absorb B-12, or a lack of B-12.
• Vitamin B complex – 50 mg three times per day
• Vitamin B-5 – 50 mcg three times daily
• Copper, zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin E are all important, too.
You can purchase most vitamin and supplements at markets and drugstores; for online purchases, try www.vitaminshoppe.com.
Preventing Anemia.
Some forms of anemia can be prevented through good nutrition, including iron deficiency anemia. Make sure your diet includes good sources of iron, Vitamin B-12 and folate. Try the following sources for these important vitamins and minerals:
• Iron – green leafy vegetables and red meat are good sources.
• B-12 – salmon and mackerel
• Folate – black-eyed peas, beans, and lentils.
Sometimes herbal remedies can be helpful, too. Again, please make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you are taking. Try any of the following alternative treatments for anemia:
• Dong quai – this herb is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Chive – fresh chives are rich in vitamin C and iron.
• Quinoa – this grain has all eight of the essential amino acids that form a complete protein.
• Gentian – this herb can be brewed in a tea to treat anemia -it helps your body absorb iron.
• Other helpful herbs include alfalfa, bilberry burdock root, cherry, goldenseal, grape skins, hawthorn berry, horsetail, mullein, parsley, nettle red raspberry, and watercress.
• Asian ginseng can be useful to counteract fatigue.
Other tips.
• Don’t take calcium, vitamin E, zinc or antacids at the same time as your iron supplements, as they can interfere with iron absorption.
• Be aware that too much iron can be toxic.
• Vitamin C can improve the absorption of iron in your diet.
• Decrease your intake of caffeine, including coffee, teas, and colas.
• Eat cereals fortified with iron.
• If you have a job that involves exposure to lead containing materials such as batteries, petroleum and pain, make sure you follow the safety guidelines carefully.
Source List:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-treatment
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anemia/DS00321
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/anemia-000009.htm
