ANEMIA
Natural Support For "Iron Poor Blood"
Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying iron molecule of the red blood cell). Since red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin can cause fatigue, a result of insufficient oxygen being delivered to the tissues.
There are many different kinds of anemia. Some involve a deficiency of iron (iron deficiency anemia), but other types are due to other nutrient deficiencies (B12, folate), inability to assimilate B12 (pernicious anemia), defects in production of blood, low thyroid function, excessive destruction of red blood cells, genetic defects and autoimmune disease (hemolytic anemia) to name just a few.
Diagnosis of anemia should be made by a physician, because one or several blood tests may be required to correctly determine the type of anemia. Do NOT assume that lack of energy is caused by anemia, and NEVER TAKE IRON as a supplement unless you have been told to do so by a physician. Excess iron can be harmful, storing in heart, liver and kidneys where it compromises function. Excess iron also generates free radicals.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- For iron deficiency anemia, eat iron-rich foods (kelp, brewer’s yeast, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, millet, parsley, clams, almonds, berries, spinach, raisins, beet greens, beets, etc.)
PRIMARY SUPPORT
For iron deficiency anemia:
- Nutrizyme Multiple Vitamin/mineral supplement WITH iron: 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals.
- Liquid Liver: 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This form of iron is absorbed MUCH more readily than the elemental iron prescribed by conventional doctors. There is no associated constipation with liquid liver ("heme iron") as there is with ferrous sulfate.
- Vitamin C: 400-500mg, 3 times per day with meals. Vitamin C aids iron absorption.
- Hi-B12/Folic Acid: 1 tablet, 2 times per day with meals (sublingual).
Since a decrease of gastric acid production is a leading cause of iron deficiency anemia in adults (except for women of menstrual age, where monthly blood loss is the primary cause), a Gastric Acid Function Self-Test should be performed.
For B12/Folic acid deficiency:
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In addition to blood tests for iron, serum ferritin (storage iron), B12, and thyroid function should be tested. Low thyroid function can cause anemia. Low sex hormones can also cause anemia in both men and women. A male hormone profile or female hormone profile can help determine if low sex hormone levels are contributing to anemia
