Anemia is typically associated with an iron deficiency. However, there are other deficiencies which may lead to anemia such as Vitamins B12, B6, C and E. Other causes may include thyroid disorders, alcoholism, lead toxicity and infectious disease.
Therefore, discovering the cause of your anemia is essential to treat your condition. Your doctor can provide answers with blood tests that determine the which vitamins and/or nutrients your body is lacking which need supplementing.
The symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, lack of vitality, jaundice, bruising and paleness. Women who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable to severe consequences of anemia. During the birthing process, you lose blood and having anemia can lead to excessive bleeding and shock. Additionally, the unborn baby may suffer adverse consequences to lack of vital nutrients and vitamins. So having your blood tested is imperative.
The most natural way to treat anemia is to consider your diet. Certain foods rich in the vitamins and nutrients your body needs can enhance your immune system and blood counts. These include iron rich foods such as liver, beets, dried fruits, lentils, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, oysters, raisins, prunes, and whole grain flour
products. However, foods high in oxalic acid that fall within these categories can interfere with iron absorption so its important to research and learn which foods are counterproductive to your body. Some examples of foods high in oxalic acid are almonds and cashews, spinach, Swiss chard, most beans, chocolate, kale and rhubarb.
It is also important to avoid intake of foods and liquids that deplete or decrease the iron absorption in your bloodstream - coffee, tea, soda, beer, ice cream or antacids. In particular, avoid these when eating or they will counteract the intake of the nutrients you seek to supply your body with.
To help boost your immune system, eat a diet rich in cereals, rice, pasta, dairy products, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and nuts. Adding these foods give your body the nutrients it requires for proper functioning.
There are supplements you can take which can also help with anemia. However, you must be cautious with what you take and the quantity you take. If you take too much iron supplement, it can be toxic to your body and cause serious problems such as abdominal pain or even death. It is important to have your doctor prescribe a quantity of iron which would be sufficient to supply your body the iron it needs without experiencing the problems associated with over consumption.
