Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which there is a shortage of red cells in the blood or a deficiency of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment) in these cells. When anemia occurs, the body doesn't get enough oxygen, and weakness and fatigue result. Although symptoms may not appear - or may be very mild - for a long time, the condition can be life-threatening if it is left undiagnosed and untreated. Should you suspect you are anemic, it's essential that you see your doctor promptly to ascertain the underlying cause. Treatment will vary, depending on the diagnosis.

Iron deficiency, the most common cause of anemia, usually results from a gradual, prolonged blood loss, which depletes the body's iron stores. Without enough iron, hemoglobin levels fall. Menstruating women, particularly those with heavy periods, are prone to iron-deficiency anemia. However, men and women can develop iron deficiency from any condition that causes slow bleeding-including long-term hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, or ulcers; stomach or colon cancer; or prolonged use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Because so many foods are fortified with iron, iron-deficiency anemia can rarely be attributed to a lack of this mineral in the diet.

Less common is anemia that results from a deficiency of vitamin B12 (in which case it's called pernicious anemia) or folic acid. Both nutrients are essential to red blood cell production. Alcoholics, smokers, people with certain digestive disorders, vegetarians, those over age 50, and pregnant or lactating women are the most likely to be at risk, either because of poor nutrition or an inability to absorb these nutrients properly. Other forms of anemia can be traced to chronic illnesses (for example, cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis); hereditary disorders such as sickle-cell anemia, or exposure to toxic drugs, chemicals, or radiation.

Supplements and herbs

Before taking supplements, you need to determine the underlying cause of your anemia. It's especially important to see a doctor about iron-deficiency anemia, which may be caused by internal bleeding. If you're advised to take supplements, have blood work every month to see if they are worthwhile.

If iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed, the mineral iron combined with vitamin C may be of value. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, and vitamin C helps the body absorb the mineral. Take iron only under your doctor's supervision, because too much can be dangerous.

Various herbs may also be useful. Yellow dock has modest amounts of iron, but it's well absorbed and can raise blood iron levels. Other iron rich herbs include seaweed and dulse. Taken as a tincture, juice, or tea, some herbs (dandelion, burdock, mint, and linden flowers) may enhance the body's ability to absorb iron from foods or supplements.

Vitamin C may be beneficial if you have anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid as well; it aids the body in absorbing these nutrients. Vitamin B12 and folic acid should always be taken in tandem, and under a doctor's supervision, because a high intake of one can mask a deficiency of the other. Together they work to boost production of red blood cells. Once anemia is corrected and a problem with absorption has been ruled out as a cause, the amount of B12 and folic acid in your daily multivitamin may be sufficient to prevent a recurrence.

Aromatherapy

Commonly used essential oils for anemia:

• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Ylang - Ylang

What else you can do

• Eat foods rich in iron (dried beans, liver, red meat, dried fruits, nuts, shellfish); in folic acid (citrus fruits, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, liver, soybeans, wheat germ); and in vitamin B12 (liver, shellfish, lamb, beef, cheese, fish, eggs).

How much to take

Iron

30 mg 3 times a day with meals.
Your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage.

Vitamin C

500 mg 3 times a day.
Take with meals to enhance iron absorption from foods.

Vitamin B12 / Folic acid

1,000 mcg B12 and 400 mcg folic acid in sublingual form twice a day for 1 month.
Always take B12 and folic acid together. If still anemic after oral B12 supplements, you may need B12 injections.

Yellow dock

1,000 mg each morning.
Or take 1/2 tsp tincture twice a day.

Dandelion

1 tsp fresh juice or tincture with water twice a day.
Take with yellow dock to enhance iron absorption.

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