Anaemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBC’s) due to less production or their breakdown; or reduction in the haemoglobin levels in the blood than normal. Under this condition, the blood fails to carry oxygen in the body.
Causes of Anaemia
Anaemia can be a consequence of certain diseases or medications. It is caused due to lack of iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 in the blood. Deficiency of iron is the most common cause of anaemia.
Anaemia is the result of an iron deficiency in the human body. The human body uses an iron to produce red blood cells and with the help of haemoglobin in the blood, it transports oxygen throughout the body. In the absence of an adequate amount of iron, the human body will be deprived of the sufficient amount of oxygen which it requires to function properly.
Symptoms of Anaemia
The symptoms of anaemia differ from person to person. If a person is feeling fatigued or lethargic, having chest pains, becoming breathless very easily, having headaches, etc., he should visit a doctor to seek his advice.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaemia
Only a doctor can help in diagnosing anaemia. It is always better to seek a doctor advise if you are facing any symptoms of anaemia. Although it is not a disease, it can become gross if not treated on time.
In anaemic treatments, the iron and vitamin levels are required to be replenished in the human body in order to raise the iron and vitamins supply in the blood. In most cases, the patients have to take iron and vitamin supplements prescribed by their doctor due to their severe condition. They even have to follow a healthy dietary plan to achieve their required iron and vitamin levels.
Although it is always good to go for natural remedies as they have no side effects on our body, we should always go by the suggestion of the doctors. Sometimes, unknowingly, the patients take large amounts of iron and vitamin intake in their bodies which can be toxic and damage their liver. It may also result in constipation.
Natural Foods – A Healthier Approach to Treat Anaemia
People, nowadays, adhere to the natural ways to prevent anaemia rather than going for any heavy medications or supplements. A healthy dietary plan is essential for a human body suffering from anaemia. As natural foods are the rich source of iron and vitamins, they are best foods for anaemia and will contribute in increasing iron and vitamin levels of the body. Adding these foods to one’s diet can help us treat anaemia more efficiently.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy vegetable rich in iron, calcium, fibres and oxalates. It helps in improving our immune system and alleviate symptoms of anaemia. Adding spinach to your daily routine will increase the blood flow in the body. You can make a spinach soup by boiling it and adding preferred seasoning to it or you can prepare a green vegetable salad.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain large amounts of Vitamin C, which is essential for the absorption of iron from the foods. You can eat raw tomatoes every day to elevate iron absorption in your body.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a rich source of iron and is considered to be the best for anaemic patients. It also boosts the effectiveness of the red blood cells by repairing and revitalizing them. Have a glass of beetroot juice in the morning will improve the count of RBCs. It can be mixed with other vegetables to make a salad.
Red Meat
Red meat has a great source of heme iron. Heme iron is found in animal foods and is quickly absorbed by the human body. The patients suffering from iron deficiency anaemia must consume the liver, kidneys and hearts of the red meats to have a high content of iron in their bodies.
Peanut Butter
The consumption of peanut butter also improves your anaemic condition as it has iron in it. Having two tablespoons of peanut butter every day will escalate the iron absorption power of the body.
Eggs
Eggs lack iron content in them but they are rich in antioxidants and proteins. It helps in the process of cell repairment. People suffering from this condition should add an egg in their daily diet to boost their immunity levels.
Seafood
Fishes and shellfishes contain heme irons which the human body can easily absorb. Fatty fishes like tuna, salmon as well as shellfishes like oysters and mussels have rich deposits of iron in them. People who love seafood and are suffering from anaemia can include these in their daily meals to increase the iron level in their blood.
Raisins and dates
Dried fruits like dates, raisins, dried apricots and peaches are rich in iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron by the blood. This will improve the levels of iron and vitamins in the human body.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate not only contains rich amount of vitamin C but it is also a rich source of iron and folate. People suffering from anaemia must consume it. The iron content in it is not too high but as it is rich in vitamin C, it will help in the absorption of iron by the blood.
Nuts
Nuts like pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios are rich in iron and help in boosting the iron levels in our body.A handful of pistachios and apricots must become a part of your breakfast or mid-afternoon snack every day.
Honey
Dark honey is unprocessed honey which has a good amount of manganese, iron and copper in it. People who consume dark honey with milk have a good level of haemoglobin in their blood. Having a glass of lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey early in the morning on an empty stomach will help in preventing anaemia efficiently.
Milk
Milk is a delightful source of Vitamin B12. Being a versatile food, milk can be blended with the fruits as shakes or taken with honey. It helps in preventing the symptoms of anaemia in a short span of time.
Apple
Apples have a high content of Vitamin C in them. They will help in the absorption of iron within the body and ultimately result in increasing the iron levels in the body. The peel of the apple is also rich in fibre.
Oats
Oats have phytic acids in them which can hinder the absorption of iron by the human body. This problem can be reduced by using oats fortified with iron. These oats are rich in Vitamin B12, hence help in preventing anaemia.
Whole grain bread
Whole grain bread is a good source of iron. The bread which we are using should not contain phytic acids as it will reduce the iron absorbing capacity of the blood.
Soybeans
Astonishingly high in iron, soybeans are very versatile as they can become a part of a number of tasty dishes or can be eaten on their own. These are low in fat and high in protein content. As it contains phytic acids, soybeans should be prepared in such a way that we can derive maximum health benefits from it.
Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is rich in iron, B vitamins and minerals. Drinking blackstrap molasses daily can renew your iron levels within a matter of weeks. You can also use molasses to bake your favourite dishes.
Bananas
Eating bananas is one of the finest ways to overcome anaemia. This fruit has high iron and potassium content in it. It helps in spurring the production of haemoglobin in the blood.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great way to have your iron. They contain riboflavin, niacin, iron and beta-glucans that help in alerting the blood cells.
Herbs
Herbs like coriander, parsley and spearmint are rich in iron and stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the body.
A healthy diet is a key to a healthy body. Go for these natural foods and you will notice a major difference in your iron and vitamins level. But don’t forget to take your medicines on time.
