Anaemia - Iron Deficiency
Anaemia Iron Deficiency article
Anaemia is a condition that results in a shortage of red cells in the blood or a deficiency of haemoglobin - the oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells.
If the body lacks oxygen this causes anaemia & causes weakness and fatigue to set in. Symptoms may creep up on you slowly over a long period of time - the condition can be life threatening if its left untreated - if you suspect you are anaemic it is essential that you see your doctor promptly to ascertain the underlying cause.
Treatment will vary dependant on the diagnoses & a doctor is the best person to ask whether supplements might be the right course of action for you and if you feel week, tired or you look pale a blood test is recommended to find out if anaemia is the cause and if a poor amount of iron in the blood is a factor
Symptoms of Anaemia
- Dizziness - Fatique – Irriatability - Mental confusion – Weakness –
- Paleness of Gums – Eyelids – Under nails
- Palpitations - shortness of breath
- Numbness – tingling of feet or Legs
- Nausea – Diarrhoea
Iron deficiency which is caused by gradual & prolonged blood loss is the most common form of anaemia because it depletes the bodies iron stores - without enough iron haemoglobin levels fall.
Iron Deficiency can effect both men and women, however menustrating women especially those with heavy periods are especially prone to iron deficiency and thus anaemia - iron deficiency & anaemia can result from any condition that causes slow bleeding
Anaemia can also be the result of a lack of vitamin B12 of Folic Acid - nutrients essential to red blood cell production.
Most at Risk Are
People who are Alcoholics – Smokers – Vegetarians – with digestive disorders & over the age of 50. With pregnant & breastfeeding women most likely to be a risk
Recommended supplements for Anaemia
- Iron – Warning - can be dangerous if you do not have an iron deficiency – see your GP.
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Echinacea & Nettle
Try Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid first – you may also find Echinacea & Nettle to be beneficial
What supplements can I combine?
Iron Deficiency – Combine Iron and Vitamin C - Iron is a key component of haemoglobin and vitamin C helps the body to absorb the mineral.
Echinacea has a reputation for promoting the regeneration of red blood cells while nettle has been successfully used by herbalist for the treatment of anaemia.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid should be taken together under medical supervision, because high intake of one can mask a deficiency of the other. They work particulary well together to boost the production of red blood cells.
What else can I do?
Eat foods rich in Iron such as dried beans, liver, red meat, dried fruits, nuts and shellfish.
For Folic acid eat – asparagus, citrus fruits, liver, mushrooms, spinach, soya beans and wheat germ.
For Vitamin B12 eat – Liver, shellfish, lamb, beef, cheese, fish and eggs
Recommeded Supplements for Anaemia
Add a review: