HOW TO TREAT ANAEMIC CONDITION

You may be feeling weak, dizzy, panting for breath when you climb stairs or walk for short distances. Your skin will be looking pale. These are the signs of being anaemic. Do not overlook this health condition as the consequences are at times serious.

Anaemia may be defined as a condition in which there is a decrease in the quantity of haemoglobin or in the number of red blood cells. Nearly half the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the tissues. Approximately one trillion or 100 million new blood cells are formed daily in the bone marrow. The raw materials required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins, and vitamins, especially folic acid and B12. Of these, iron and proteins are essential in building up the red coloring matter called haemoglobin.  A red cell has a lifespan of approximately one hundred and twenty days and is then destroyed and replaced. Each person should have about 15 gm of haemoglobin per 100 ml of blood, and a blood count of approximately five million red cells per millimetre of blood.

In Ayurveda, anaemia is known as Pandu Roga. It is one of the most important and very common dietary deficiency diseases.

Symptoms of anaemia:

The patient usually complains of weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness. The patient have a pale face, tired look, wrinkles appear on face, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory, shortness of breath on exertion, headache, slow healing of wounds, and palpitations. The skin and mucous membranes look pale.

Causes of anaemia:

Iron is required to produce haemoglobin. The deficiency of iron is the main reason to cause anaemia. Anaemia may be caused due to loss of blood through heavy menstruation, child birth, injury, bleeding from the gastro-intestinal tract, deficiency of iron and vitamins in the body and defect in the formation of the blood in the body due to drugs, toxins and infections. Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach or worms can be a major cause for anaemia.

Treatment of aneamia –Diet changes

Spinach is a valuable source of high grade iron. After its absorption, it helps in the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells. It is thus beneficial in building up the blood, and in the prevention and treatment of anaemia. Include Green leafy vegetables in your meals atleast thrice a week.

Beetroot  juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1 B2, B6, niacin, and vitamin P. With their high iron content, beets help in the formation of red blood cells.

 Vitamin B12 is is usually found in animal protein, especially in meats such as kidney and liver. Other good sources of vitamin BI2 are dairy products.

Almonds contain copper along with iron and vitamins. Seven almonds should be soaked in water for about two hours and ground into a paste after removing the thin red skin. This paste may be eaten once daily in the morning for three months.

Til seeds and jaggery should be taken regularly as these are rich in iron. You can have in the form of til laddu. Children will love til and groundnut chikki too.

Usually when diet taken has high iron content and folic acid, the individual will have constipation issues. A mild laxative should be given to cure constipation as it may aggravate the condition.

There are many ayurvedic formulations recommended for curing anaemia. Meet the vaidyar at the center near our home and consult your health problems.

Women are the most affected by anaemia. Mainly because they over work and give less importance to a balanced diet. Make corrections in diet and live a healthy life. Exercise daily, go for a brisk walk for 30 mins daily. These are ways to keep oneself active and lively.