Understanding Anemia & Remedies That Help

Anemia is one of those disorders that is close to my heart, since I live with a chronic form, thalassemia minora, a genetic, and incurable, blood disorder.  It is seen in persons of Mediterranean, Arabic and South East Asian descent. 

I use a program of my own design to keep my blood as normal as is possible and so far, so good.  

The body needs iron to create hemoglobin, the blood component that attaches to oxygen. Red blood cells are the body's oxygen tank so to speak, transporting it to every cell. 

When one becomes anemic, whether from an injury, too heavy menses, an iron deficient diet and even veganism, the body and brain become starved of this life giving oxygen. 

They don't call it your "life's blood" for nothing! Your red blood cells have a short life span of around 120 days, but in that time, they do a yeoman's job of keeping you strong and healthy. It's not unusual for women of every age to suffer from anemia, the aforementioned heavy periods and benign fibroid tumors, pregnancy, all can lead to a lack of rich, red blood cells. 

If you use an IUD for contraception, be aware that you may also become anemic.   

I have seen patients who take long term acid suppressing drugs for heartburn and GERD become anemic due to malabsorption. Excessive aspirin use and NSAIDS can also be culprits. Folks who have undergone lap banding or stomach reducing surgeries for obesity must be cautious when using any acid suppressing drug as this can lead to malnutrition. Pernicious anemia is a an extreme form of anemia caused when your body isn't getting enough B12. People with pernicious anemia cannot absorb it naturally. The Schilling Test determines if you have it. 

If you are diagnosed with P.A., you must supplement with B12 either as an injectable or sub-lingually. Sickle cell anemia is a painful, inherited blood disorder that is seen mostly in persons of African descent although others can also have sickle cell.  When the deformed, sickle shaped blood cells clog together in narrow blood vessels, painful episodes result with swelling of the extremities and respiratory symptoms such as fever and congestion. 

There is no cure for sickle cell and about 40 to 50 thousand people suffer from it in the United States and Canada.  Self supplementing with iron can be dangerous, leading to kidney, heart and liver damage so  test for iron levels in your blood before you go on any regime of iron. As always, see a professional for guidance. Too much iron in the blood is called hemochromatosis, and sometimes requires a monthly blood donation to prevent the thickend blood from damaging the liver, heart and kidneys. Sadly, the deeply ironized blood is discarded as it cannot be transfused. Most sufferers of hemochromatosis are men.  

If you have pale gums, and the interior of your eyelid is also pale, if you're easily fatigued, weak,  suffer from hair loss are depressed and always cold, these can be symptoms of anemia.  

The good news is that iron deficiency anemia  can be cured with intelligent supplementation and diet. 

Strangely, it's wise to avoid iron rich vegetables like spinach, because they also contain oxalic acid, which supresses the metabolization of iron. Those of us who have anemia must be careful to eat wisely, well and use a good, targeted form of supplementation to keep our blood rich, red and robust!  

P.S. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column on natural cleaning products.  A representative for  "Kids and Pets" an organic, safe and non-toxic cleaner, sent me a sample of the product. I tried it and it's a 10 for performance and price.  It's at Walmart on line for under five bucks for 32 ounces with 97 cents shipping.  

Dr. Kleine regrets she cannot give advice by phone or e-mail.  For an appointment, call 631.472.8139 or e-mail us at Drfootsi@myway.com