Anemia
Anemia, which means "lacking in blood ", is
among the most common diseases affecting human beings. It denotes a shortage of
rich red blood cells and coloring matter and usually results from consumption
of refined foods. The blood flowing in our veins and arteries is really living
tissue. Nearly half of it consists of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the
tissues. Approximately one trillion (10,000 million) new blood cells are formed
in the bone marrow daily. The raw materials required in the production of these
cells are iron, proteins, and vitamins, especially folic acid and B12. The red
coloring matter, called hemoglobin is a protein which is composed of an organic
iron-compound called "heme". The globin is a sulfur-bearing protein
which makes up 96 per cent of the molecule. The formation of hemoglobin thus
depends on adequate dietary supplies of iron and protein. Red cells have a
lifespan of approximately 120 days and are destroyed and replaced daily. Each
person should have 100 per cent hemoglobin or about 15 grams to 100 cc of
blood, and a blood count of five million red cells per millimeter. A drop in
the hemoglobin content results in anemia and a consequent decreased ability of
the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues.
Symptoms
A haggard look, with lines of strain, premature
wrinkles, grayish skin, and dull and tired looking eyes are the main symptoms
of anemia. Other symptoms include poor memory, weakness, dizziness, fatigue,
lack of energy, shortness of breath on exertion, slow healing of wounds, headaches,
mental depression, pale fingers, lips and ear lobes. The patient usually
complaints of weakness, easy fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness.
Causes
There are two principal causes of anemia. It can
result from reduced or low formation of red blood cells either due to defects
in the bone marrow or an inadequate intake of iron vitamins, and protein. Heavy
loss of blood due to injury, bleeding piles and heavy menstruation may also cause
anemia. A lack of digestive acid of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion of
iron and proteins may also result in anemia. Emotional strain, anxiety and
worry usually interfere with the manufacture of hydrochloric acid in the body.
Anemia can also be caused by a variety of drugs which destroy vitamin E or by
others which inactivate the nutrients needed in building blood cells. Chronic
diseases such as tuberculosis, when accompanied by hemorrhage, may also result
in anemia. Other little-known causes of anemia are intestinal parasites or
worms. Hookworm, pinworms, round worms and tapeworms feed on the blood supply
as well as on the vitamins. Twenty-five hookworms can consume fifteen grams of
blood every 24 hours; a tapeworm can cause acute shortage of vitamin B12.
Symptoms of intestinal worms are itching at the rectum, restlessness at night
with bad dreams, diarrhea, foul breath, dark circles under the eyes and a
constant desire for food. Garlic can help get rid of some types of intestinal
parasites. Fresh papaya and grated raw carrot are also effective. After
successful treatment for intestinal worms, perfect cleanliness should be
observed to prevent recurrence.
The Cure
Anemia is much more easily prevented than corrected.
A liberal intake of iron in the formative years can go a long way in preventing
iron-deficiency anemia. Diet is of the utmost importance in the treatment of anemia.
Almost every nutrient is needed for the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin
and the enzymes, required for their synthesis. Refined food like white bread,
polished rice, sugar, and desserts rope the body of the much-needed iron. Iron
should always be taken in its natural organic form as the use of inorganic can prove
hazardous, destroying the protective vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids,
causing serious liver damage and even miscarriage and delayed or premature
births. The common foods rich in natural organic iron are wheat and wheat grain
cereals, brown rice and rice polishings, green leafy vegetables, cabbage,
carrot, celery, beets, tomatoes, spinach ; fruits like apples, berries, cherries,
grapes, raisins, figs, dates, peaches and eggs. It has been proved that a generous
intake of iron alone will not help in the regeneration of hemoglobin. The
supplies of protein, too, should be dequate. The diet should, therefore, be
adequate in proteins of high biological value such as those found in milk,
cheese and egg. Copper is also essential for the use of iron in the building of
hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is a must for preventing or curing anemia. This vitamin
is usually found in animal protein and especially in organic meats like kidney
and liver. A heavy meat diet is often associated with a high hemoglobin and
high red cell count, but it has its disadvantages. One cause of anemia is
intestinal putrefaction, which is primarily brought on by a high meat diet. Moreover,
all meats are becoming increasingly dangerous due to widespread diseases in the
animal kingdom. There are, however, other equally good alternative sources of
vitamin B12 such as dairy products, like milk, eggs and cheese, peanuts. Wheat
germ and soybeans also contain some B12. Vegetarians should include sizeable
amounts of milk, milk products and eggs in their diet.
For prevention of anemia, it is essential to take the
entire B-complex range which includes B12, as well as the natural foods
mentioned above. Eating lacto-avo products, which are complete proteins, and
which also contain vitamin B12 is good insurance against the disease. Brewer’s yeast
is a good source of complete protein. A liberal intake of ascorbic acid is
necessary to facilitate absorption of iron. At least two helpings of citrus
fruits and other ascorbic acid rich foods should be taken daily. Mention must
be made of beets which are extremely important in curing anemia. Beet juice contains
potassium, phosphorous, calcium, sulfur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates,
protein, fat, vitamins, B1, B2, niacin B6, C and vitamin P. With its high iron
content, beet juice regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells, supplies
the body with fresh oxygen and helps the normal function of vesicular
breathing.
Water Treatment
A cold water bath is among the most valuable curative
measures in anemia. The patient should be given carefully graduated cold baths
twice daily. Cold friction, hot epsom salt bath for five to 10 minutes once a
week and an occasional cabinet steam bath are also recommended. Full sun baths
are especially beneficial as sunlight stimulates the production of red cells. There
are other important factors which are helpful in curing anemia. Deep breathing
and light exercise like walking and simple yoga asanas should be undertaken to
tone up the system. Sarvangasana paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana
are recommended. Massage also helps to keep the blood level high.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through
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