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Restless Leg Syndrome and Supplements

Comments: 0October 18th, 2011 by admin



Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition that affects about ten percent of the population. The disorder is characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by or caused by uncomfortable leg sensations. People with RLS often have difficulty describing their symptoms. Common terms used to describe the sensations are aching, twitching, tingling, burning, creeping, crawling, itching, flowing, pulling, searing and painful. Many people experience these sensations in their legs, but the arms or other body regions also can be affected. The symptoms of RLS are generally worse at night, can be brought on by rest and are relieved by standing up or walking around.

MY STORY

I, too, suffer from RLS occasionally. I’ve had periods of my life where the condition seemed to worsen (probably stress-related). Some of the following suggestions may work for you, for others maybe not. For me, the lifestyle changes I made to help with my insomnia also helped with my RLS. I still have a sleepless night or a night with RLS, but they are far less frequent. Although http://www.natural-cures-for-insomnia.com does not endorse drug use, there are new drugs available for extreme cases of RLS when nothing else works.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Treatment begins by dealing with any underlying medical condition that may be cause the symptoms. Many times the cause is unknown, but it can be associated with neurological disorders, diabetes, stress and pregnancy. The serious sleep loss can not only lead to drowsiness, but could lead to depression and accidental injuries as well. In recent years, researchers have discovered that iron, folate or vitamin E levels are often low in RLS sufferers and supplementation can frequently help. For example, when iron deficiency is the cause, taking iron supplements can significantly reduce the symptoms of RLS.

“We know that iron deficiency is involved because every condition that produces iron deficiency, such as anemia or pregnancy, increases the risk of RLS dramatically,” says Richard Allen, PhD, a diplomat on the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a founder of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center. In fact, based on studies of hospital patients, about 40 percent of people with anemia had RLS and about 20 percent to 40 percent of pregnant women have RLS.

Another way researchers know that iron plays a role is iron-deficient patients’ response to iron supplementation. “Then when the iron deficiency is corrected, the RLS often remits,” Dr. Allen says.

Some people with RLS, however, have normal iron levels. Researchers say that’s not a reason to discount iron as an underlying cause of their RLS. Studies indicate that the problem is the brains of RLS patients may not absorb iron normally.

Some other treatment options which may relieve pain include leg massages, hot baths, heat or icepacks, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, and the elimination of caffeine. As well, regular sleep habits and exercise, especially earlier in the day, will help people enjoy more restful sleep.

MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM

Cramps in the lower limbs, restless leg syndrome and sleeplessness can be eased by the addition of calcium and magnesium to the diet. Magnesium is more easily absorbed by the body in the form of dolomite, or with the addition of calcium.

Magnesium helps to support a strong immune system and maintains normal muscle and nerve function. It is also known to be involved in every metabolism and protein synthesis and is needed for over three hundred biochemical reactions in the body, so it is very important.

One of the benefits of magnesium is its muscle relaxing properties. The heart is a muscle and high blood pressure is often caused by the heart not relaxing sufficiently on its outward (diastolic) beat. There is increasing interest in the role magnesium can play in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

WHAT TO AVOID

You should avoid things that can make symptoms of RLS worse:

Tobacco

Alcohol

Caffeine–Chocolate, coffee, tea, and some soft drinks contain caffeine. Although it may seem to help overcome daytime sleepiness, caffeine usually only delays or masks RLS symptoms, and often makes them worse.
Some types of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can also make RLS symptoms worse. These include:

Anti-depressants (most of them)

Anti-nausea medicines

Anti-psychotic medicines

Antihistamines

Good supplements to take are iron, folic acid, co-enzyme Q10, extracts of ginko biloba and garlic tablets.

Acupuncture and magnet therapy are also worth trying to help with restless legs syndrome.

If you are taking prescription medication, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements.

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How to Cure Anemia Naturally

Comments: 0May 23rd, 2011 by admin



Those who suffer from Anemia either have a reduced number of red blood cells or a reduced amount of hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that attaches to oxygen and transports it in the blood). Since there is less oxygen available to the cells in the body, Anemics have less energy to perform normal functions. The most common cause of Anemia is iron deficiency… iron is used to make hemoglobin. Most Anemics are on medication for life. We are interested in fixing the nutritional deficiencies underlying the condition to heal the ailment completely.

Iron is a trace mineral of vital importance to the body. Although there is only about a teaspoon of it in your body at any one time, it is essential in the formation of Hemoglobin, the red pigment of blood. There are two types of iron: Heme and Non-Heme. Now, Heme is more easily absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract (10-30%) while Non-Heme is only about1-10% absorbed. Heme is available in the tissues of animals. That’s right, the more available source of iron is found in meats and dairy than in plants. But we suggest only obtaining your iron from vegetable sources. Why?

The interesting fact is that despite a less absorbable form of iron, vegetarians are no more likely to suffer from iron deficiency than non-vegetarians. Draper and Wheeler have stated there is no indication of increased prevalence of iron deficiency amongst vegetarians. Anderson found the iron status of long-term vegetarian women to be adequate, despite a high intake of fiber and phytate which INHIBITS the absorption of iron!

In fact, because iron can be stored in the body, too much iron can cause problems. Too much iron consumption leads to the production of free radicals (a molecule with an extra electron that will steal a negatively charged hydrogen electron from DNA, tissues, or organs which causes disease and aging). High levels of iron have also been found in association with heart disease and cancer. The buildup of iron in the tissues has been associated with a rare disease known as hemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder of iron metabolism that causes bronze skin pigmentation, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and heart disorders. All of this leads us to the conclusion that despite animal foods, you should never get your iron from a supplement. First, the pill will not have all of the other organic nutrients (copper, manganese, molybdenum, Vitamin A, and the B complex) necessary to absorb the iron safely. Second, in pills, you will get something like ferrous oxide (oxidized iron: In other words, RUST).



Symptoms:

Weakness, fatigue, overall pallor, dizziness, pale lips and eyelids, depression, pale and brittle nails, and coldness of the extremities

Recommendations:

An all natural whole food supplement can be helpful. VITAFORCE(TM) is extremely abundant in organic iron and has extraordinary blood building properties. Iron is up to 16 times more absorbable if taken with Vitamin C and this is properly balanced naturally in VITAFORCE(TM). It is also extremely rich in all the other nutrients necessary for healthy blood. If you are anemic, then drink juices rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green pigment in plants (called the “blood” of plants). Chlorophyll has almost the exact same chemical makeup of hemoglobin (less one iron molecule), both are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Since the chemical makeup is almost identical, chlorophyll can quickly and easily be converted to hemoglobin. If the juices are rich in organic iron, then you have all the qualities for a blood transfusion. For example, the fresh organic juice of carrots, beets and beet greens dramatically increases the red blood cell count in the body. Dark leafy vegetables and especially They have extraordinary blood-building properties. Other foods that contain iron are asparagus, bananas, beets, dulse, kelp, whole grains (esp. millet & kamut), leafy greens, raisins, parsley, peas, plums, squash, prunes, purple grapes, broccoli, and yams.
Things to Avoid:

All inorganic supplemental forms of iron; none of the iron supplements use organic iron, so you cannot absorb any of it and it gets pissed away or lodged in your tissues where it can cause disease. Caffeine and tannins (in tea), and calcium inhibit iron absorption. So, avoid coffee and tea. Beer, candy bars, dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, etc…), and soft drinks. Additives in these foods interfere with the absorption of iron. Foods containing oxalic acids inhibit the absorption of iron. Eat only in moderate amounts; almonds, cashews, chocolate, cocoa, soda, and most nuts and beans.
References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)

2) Anderson, B. et al. The iron and zinc status of long-term vegetarian women. Am J of Clin Nutr v.34 (6),(1981):p.1042-1048.3) Draper, A. & Wheeler, E. The diet and food choice of vegetarians in Greater London. Center of Human Nutrition, London.(1989)

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Iron Deficiency – Anemia

Comments: 0November 29th, 2010 by admin



Iron is in abundance in nature and in our food, so why is iron deficiency anemia as common as it is? Is everyone who has low iron levels diagnosed with Anemia? How is iron deficiency determined? How do I know if I’m getting enough? First we need to gain some basic understanding about iron and how we can become deficient.

What does the body use iron for?

Iron is most commonly known for it’s essential role in the formation of hemoglobin, the substance in the red blood cells that carry oxygen. Hemoglobin is a complex molecule with iron in the center and is identical to chlorophyll in green plants except the iron is replaced with magnesium. Iron is also needed for cells to use oxygen to produce energy to function. This vital mineral is also needed for the immune system; deficiency makes neutrophils (one type of white blood cell) less effective. It is also needed to enable your brain to work properly. Another interesting role iron plays is in the detoxification of drugs and other toxins taken into the body.

What causes iron deficiency?

There is no particular elimination mechanism in the body for iron. It is mostly lost in bleeding, such as during menstruation and major injury, with a small loss from sweat, hair and dead skin cells flaking off and in the bile. What the body does is control the amount coming in, and 90% of iron is recovered and recycled. Recycling not an idea originated by man, but his creator. If the body needs iron it absorbs more, if it has enough it will stop absorbing it. Most people’s diet is abundant in iron. Deficiency usually comes from poor absorption, rather than from lack in the diet, although anemia can result from blood loss, and occult (hidden) blood loss such as hook worm infestation and bleeding ulcers. While iron in animal products (mainly from the blood consumed) is absorbed more readily, animal products require iron and other nutrients to detoxify the toxins they contain. About of 5 to 10% of the iron in food is normally absorbed. This can go up in times of extra demand such as menstruation and in cases of anemia when it can be as high as 45 to 64%.

The major cause of iron deficiency is vitamin C deficiency as well as anti iron substances in our western diet. Such as Tea and coffee which reduce absorption. Vitamin C is easily destroyed. An orange can lose most of it’s vitamin C within hours of picking. Processing destroys many vitamins, including up to 90% of vitamin C and most people’s diet is grossly deficient in fresh fruits and vegetable which are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron. The digestive function is critical, low stomach acid, antacids can reduce absorption. Lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach prevents absorption. This intrinsic factor is similar in structure to B12′s intrinsic factor, and heme, the iron containing molecule in hemoglobin.

It is interesting to note that chlorophyll in green leafy vegetables have a similar in structure. Both heme and chlorophyll have the same structure, except that heme has iron in the center, chlorophyll has magnesium. Oxalates and phytates in food bind to iron but calcium causes it to be released. Again it is interesting that calcium is high in green leafy vegetables, especially Chinese greens. It seems to me that this is no accident! Iron must be chelated (bound) to be transported. Unbound inorganic iron feeds certain bacteria. Lack of phytate to bind free iron has been implicated in colon cancer. Phytic acid, also called phytate, is known as Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) (Inositol is a member of the B group of vitamins). This interesting substance binds to minerals. It has been thought that it prevents their proper absorption. This assumption has been shown to be incorrect. It does bind minerals in order to transport them and it appears that it releases them when needed.
Free, inorganic iron is toxic.

Iron will react very readily with oxygen causing substances which destroy cell membranes, including that of the gastrointestinal tract. Excess can cause a number of iron overload diseases. It can cause irritation to mucus membranes and bleeding, liver damage and renal failure. Many bacteria also need iron and unbound iron can cause bacteria to multiply. Overload has occurred in South African Natives from alcohol distilled in iron stills and cooking in iron cooking pot. This would have been inorganic free iron which would have caused GIT irritation. Too many blood transfusions can also cause Iron overload.

How is iron deficiency determined?

Iron deficiency Anemia is usually diagnosed by a blood test and looking at symptoms.
Pathology Blood Tests. A Hemoglobin count is taken from a blood sample and if the count is below a set lower limit, the person is considered to have iron deficiency anemia, if above a set upper limit, the person is considered to have an excess or iron overload. Symptoms are also considered of course. Now Pathology blood tests can provide very valuable information, however like any test done on anything it needs to be properly interpreted. The limitation is that all the test can tell anyone is what is happening in the blood at the instant the sample was taken. Also it tells what is in the blood, not the tissues. The blood can also be high in a mineral because it is bringing out from one place to transport it to another. In one case a lady had dangerously low Hemoglobin in her first test and before her second test, which showed normal iron levels, she had eaten a meal mainly of whole grains and used a lot of vitamin C. I must emphasis at this point that pathology blood test and Naturopathic blood test are looking at different sides of the picture. I have had people show low B12 in my live blood test when there Pathology Blood test showed normal B12. There was enough B12 in their blood at the time, but the overall average was low. A Naturopathic blood test is looking at the deficiency by how the blood cells were formed giving a long term picture, Pathology blood tests are looking at what is happening in the moment.

Deficiency Symptoms

Fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, behavioral changes, anorexia, and pica (compulsive eating of non-food items), cognitive and growth abnormalities in children, pale skin, inside lower eyelid, finger and toenails and gums, fingernails can be thin and spoon shaped; burning and red mouth and tongue; smooth, waxy, glistening tongue and gastritis. Please note, other factors besides iron deficiency can cause these symptoms. See a health care professional such as a Naturopath for confirmation.

How do I ensure I’m getting enough iron?

I consider the best supplement for iron deficiency is vitamin C combined with a diet high in iron rich foods such as parsley, pine nuts, legumes especially soybeans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables, especially Chinese vegetables. Vitamin C must be taken with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, and Beta Carotene otherwise it becomes a free radical in it’s self and can cause damage. Use plenty of vitamin C rich raw fruit and vegetables such as lemons, citrus, black current, red capsicum, rose hips, parsley, raw cabbage, pineapple etc. Because of modern Horticulture, it is unlikely to be enough. Don’t use ironware cookware on a regular basis. If you want to use an iron supplement, use one that is naturally derived, not an iron salt. Many common iron supplements can encourage bacterial growth. They also can cause constipation, so take measures to make certain your bowels are moving regularly, at least twice a day. Mineral deficiencies can be found by a naturopath using live blood analysis.

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Iron Deficiency and Liver Extract

Comments: 0November 2nd, 2010 by admin



Iron is a very critical component in the biochemical modalities of the human body. Iron is an essential part of RBC in the form of Hemoglobin. Basically hemoglobin is concerned with the transport of Oxygen to the tissues where it is used for various metabolic activities. Iron is also very important component in various enzymes produced in the body. It is also very important in DNA synthesis. The quantity of Hemoglobin is measured by a scale known as Hb scale. The Hb count in men is 13 to 16 while it is 10 to 12 in women. Iron deficiency can cause a type of Anemia. Anemia can be caused by other factors like deficiency of folic acid, poor absorption in the GI tract or more serious causes like leukemia.

Expectant and lactating mothers are more prone to Anemia. Women in third world countries are more prone to anemia. Similarly in geriatrics, lack of HCl secretions results in anemia caused by poor absorption of Iron. Bleeding piles and Gums are also one of the causes of Anemia. Studies have shown that 30 to 50% people in this group suffer from Anemia of varying degrees.

Anemia can also be caused by situations where there is an abrupt increase requirement of Iron by the body. Such situations can arise during pregnancy, adolescent growth and after debilitating like Typhoid or, malaria which is preceded by massive lyses of RBC. Pregnancy requires massive amounts of Iron and it is fulfilled by Iron supplementation. Vegetarianism is also, a major cause of Anemia.

The low income population is also vulnerable to iron deficiency. An iron deficient diet, coupled with poor absorption can cause anemia. Use of antacid can also hinder Iron absorption. Diarrhea, removal of a part of the GI tract can also give less surface are for absorption.

Anemia caused due iron deficiency can be easily diagnosed by the symptoms it offers. Since Iron is an important component of Hemoglobin therefore any deficiency causes breathlessness and tiredness. Anemia severely restricts the ability to do physical labor. Other function of the body is also affected. The immune system is affected

Liver Extracts have been used since long for iron deficiency anemia. The extract is usually prepared from bovine or pig liver. Since the iron is from an organic source it is readily assimilated by the body. Iron from an inorganic source is poorly absorbed by the body. Besides inorganic iron causes GI disturbances and constipation.

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New Research Links Causes Of Hair Loss To Nutritional Deficiency

Comments: 0October 18th, 2010 by admin



Whilst it may be comforting to know that humans are not alone in suffering hair loss (primates such as monkeys also experience thinning on their head) – understanding the causes of hair loss means we can take proactive action. Even though genetics does play a part, new research has uncovered a nutritional deficiency link in both men and women. And other factors, such as stress, and poor hair care, are well within our capacity to change.

The genetic link in hair loss has been well studied. It is associated with male and female pattern hair loss, or alopecia. In these individuals there is an increased sensitivity to the sex hormone, DHT. DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, and is a powerful metabolite of testosterone. It contributes to men’s unique gender characteristics, as well as facial and body hair, and the deepening of men’s voices at puberty.

DHT causes the growth cycle of hair follicles to shorten, which in turn reduces the size of the hair shaft. Increasingly narrower hair is grown, sometimes as fine as fluff, and in more extreme cases, there is complete hair loss in that area.

In women, estrogen usually counteracts the effects of testosterone. But when women go through menopause, or suffer hormonal imbalances, the reduction in estrogen can lead to female pattern baldness. Fortunately, this is not as drastic in its hair loss effects as male pattern baldness. Instead the hair tends to thin, and the crown parting becomes wider.

But a very interesting study by L’Oreal has linked an iron deficiency to hair loss, in both men and women. This was a placebo controlled, double blind study in which 13,000 healthy men and women took a supplement, and had the ferritin (iron) levels in their blood measured and cross referenced with information on their hair loss.

The results showed not only a link between hair loss and iron deficiency, but they were able to estimate the risk of hair loss in a certain level of iron deficiency. For example, women whose blood ferritin levels dropped from a normal 70

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How Can I Relieve My Anaemia Symptoms?

Comments: 0September 29th, 2010 by admin



Anemia literally means lack of blood. More precisely, it’s a problem with hemoglobin the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood. It can be seen quite easily: some one with anaemia looks pale with pale skin, lips and inner rims of the eyelids. Sufferers seem to have a degree of what you might call power failure, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, depression, a sinking feeling blurred vision and frequent infections. They may also experience food and/or sugar carvings, general sluggishness, cold hands and feet, and put on weight easily – all connected to a poor metabolism.

Blood consists of blood cells and platelets, which swim in a colourless liquid called plasma. Red blood cells are the most abundant and also the most specialised cells in the body, as they transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; without them, the body simply can’t survive. White blood cells are part of our immune defences, and platelets enable the blood to clot.The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a powerful compound consisting of an iron-containing pigment called ‘heme’, and ‘globulin’, a protein. Haemoglobin has a vial role in the supply of oxygen to the body, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Heme also contains cobalt, a micro-element that acts as a catalyst in the exchange of these gases. Meanwhile, the iron is responsible for binding oxygen molecules in the lungs and then releasing them to target cells.

Body cells only function optimally if there is enough oxygen and if carbon dioxide, a waste gas, is removed efficiently. If there aren’t enough red blood cells, or they are smaller in size, the haemoglobin’s capacity to supply oxygen is reduced. This Oxygen starvation affects every system in the body, producing the symptoms above. Also, people with anaemia often suffer from breathlessness, due to the lack of oxygen, and palpitations, as the heart beat faster to try to improve the oxygen supply.

The most common type of anaemia is due to iron deficiency, which in my view is mainly due to lack of protein from a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, anorexia, as well as some kidney problems and burns, which destroy protein. A deficiency of vitamin B12, which forms the nucleus of the haemoglobin, folic acid or vitamin B6 can cause pernicious (megaloblastic) anaemia. There are other, rarer forms, including sickle-cell disease and thalassaemia (both inherited conditions), plus haemolytic and aplastic anaemia.

Because you have nausea and digestive problems, I suspect that your problem is iron deficiency anaemia. (l assume that your GP has organised blood tests,) Iron is absorbed mainly in the stomach and any problems with its lining will affect absorption. Gastritis, stomach ulcers, acidity, eating too many acid foods, infections such as helicobacter pylori, drug-related gastritis (from steroids or pain killers for example) and stomach surgery will reduce the stomach’s capacity to absorb iron. Parasites (worms) can also cause iron-deficiency anaemia Since you have both digestive and skin problems, you may have yeast overgrowth or candidacies. These conditions can be symptoms of a leaky gut, where the gut wall has been perforated by yeast overgrowth (or other factors), which then get into the bloodstream causing a host of problems. The itching and rashes may be because the body is trying to eliminate toxins through the skin…

I advise an all-round approach to treatment lf you just treat the anaemia wont give you the results you hope for.

These are my suggestions

Diet

* Eat small, regular amounts of calves’ liver and red meat’ fresh organic eggs (bled, semi-boiled or poached), spinach, broccoli, cherries, aubergines, avocado, and pomegranate, red

apples, carrot juice. Take ten almonds and brazil nuts, soaked in still water for 24 hours, daily. These are all ‘known to help blood synthesis in traditional medicine.

* To improve digestion: avoid citrus and sour foods (eg orange, rhubarb, Pineapples, kiwi, vinegar), chilies, deep-fried foods, unsoaked nuts and seeds, plus painkillers (unless you really have to take them); also yeast products, sugar and alcohol.

Remedies

* Take Iron tablets, one daily for three months.

* Take two twigs kadu and one third teaspoon full kariatu powder; soak in a cup of hot water over night strain and drink in the morning on an empty stomach.

* Take Stomach Formula tablets, one twice daily for two months to control excess stomach acid.

Incoming search terms for the article:

can worms cause digestive issues

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Anemia Part III – Symptoms of Anemia

Comments: 0April 14th, 2010 by admin



As we mentioned in previous articles we know that it is hard to believe that America, a country with one of the highest standards of living in the world having over 20 million people with the disease of anemia caused by unhealthy diet, and nutritional deficiency, with protein and fat intake 30% higher than any other country in the world. Most people understand that anemia is caused by iron deficiency in the bloodstream. In fact, anemia is characterized by deficiency in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells diminishing the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to our cells and to remove carbon dioxide. In this article, we will discuss symptoms of anemia.

1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of people with anemia which causes less oxygen being transported to the tissues of the body because of low count of red blood cells in bloodstream.

2.Weakness
Since the bloodstream cannot provide enough oxygen as well as nutrition to our body tissues, it interferes with normal function of organs resulting in weakness in anemia patients.

3. Fainting and dizziness
Our brain needs protein and fat to function daily. It also needs oxygen to nourish it’s cells. Without enough red blood cells to carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from it’ s cells, it may cause fainting.

4. Shortness of breath
Since there are never enough oxygen in the bloodstream, it causes the reaction of our lung to breath faster so it can get enough oxygen to our body tissues causing shortness of breath.

5. Heart palpitations
People with anemia have less oxygen in their bloodstream. In order to provide enough oxygen to nourish our body’s cells, their heart has to work harder resulting in heart palpitation.

6. Pale complexion
Pale complexion is caused by iron deficiency. Iron is vital for our blood cells reproduction for replacing the break down of the old ones. Deficiency of iron causes low red blood cells in the bloodstream resulting in a pale color in our skin.

7. Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty concentrating caused by iron deficiency causes less production of new red blood cells to replace the breaking down of the old ones resulting in less oxygen being delivered to certain regions of the brain cells making concentration difficulty.

8. Excess menstruation
Excess menstruation is characterized by loss of abnormal quantities of blood during menstruation. It is caused by iron deficiency anemia in women as a resulting of massive breaking down of old red blood cells.

I hope this information will help , if you need more information of the above subject please follow my
series of the above subject at my home page at:

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Anemia During Pregnancy Explained

Comments: 0March 12th, 2010 by admin



If you are pregnant, it is important to understand that suffering from anemia during pregnancy is a relatively common issue. Despite the fact that it is common, it is important to understand that it may result in many serious complications, such as giving birth before your due date and even extremely low birth weight in your child.

When you are pregnant, the body must create enough red blood cells that will carry oxygen to your body as well as your unborn child. When there is a low production of these blood cells, it is challenging for the body to get the oxygen that it needs to properly maintain itself.

Causes

There are a couple of different reasons why a woman may experience anemia during pregnancy. The most common cause seems to be related to a general iron deficiency in the blood. Iron actually works to create the blood cells in the body – particularly the red ones. It is a type of mineral that is absolutely essential to the life and maintenance of the body.

In some instances, Anemia occurs as a direct result of an illness or a type of disease. It may go unnoticed until pregnancy is experienced because the individual may not have had a need to get testing of the blood prior to the pregnancy.

Symptoms

If you experience Anemia during pregnancy, it is important to know and understand that there are some signs that you may experience. First, you may start to experience varying degrees of fatigue. You may then become dizzy and even start having moderate to severe headaches. The skin may become pale and cool to the touch and you may find that your body temperature is lower than normal.

You may also experience chest pain and even a mild to moderate breathing complications. If you are concerned that you may have or will develop Anemia during pregnancy, be certain to discuss this with your medical doctor. They will perform tests that will determine whether or not Anemia is a complication.

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Anemia Cause – Are You at Risk? Have Your Doctor Check Your Cell Count and Get Plenty of Iron!

Comments: 0February 13th, 2010 by admin



Dietary Deficiency: Is There a Connection?

What is anemia and what is the cause of anemia? There are various types of anemia, but in general, anemia is a blood disease. First, let me explain the function of the blood and how it works. The blood has several main functions: 1) to carry oxygen from our lungs to tissues in our body; 2) to carry waste products from the foods we eat; 3) to regulate the ability to clot; 4) to regulate our body temperature; 5) to regulate the amount of water and electrolytes in our body; and 6) to protect us from harmful organisms through antibodies and our white blood cells.

There are 3 kinds of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight off infection, and platelets clot our blood. Aplastic anemia is when your body stops producing enough blood cells. If your body stops producing enough blood cells, then you are at risk of bleeding to death (hemopheliacs suffer from this) or you are at risk of getting diseases (AIDS patients are susceptible to this).

So what does diet have to do with any this? Well, although a healthy diet is the foundation of all things, Aplastic anemia, studies show that it can come from the following factors:

a) Radiation during chemotherapy

b) Exposure to toxic substances

c) Auto immune disorders

d) Certain medications

e) Pregnancy

Although the above factors seem to have nothing to do with diet, they are all indirectly related to poor dietary practices.

How Does Loss of Iron Increase Your Risk?

There are various types of anemia and therefore, various causes of anemia. Hemolytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are destroyed before new ones can be reproduced. Doctors always first look for iron deficiency as a risk factor in patients when they are presented with anemia. There are various symptoms displayed when one has anemia, but more often than not, the most common symptom is fatigue.

The Function of Bone Marrow and Depletion of Cell Count

Another cause of anemia lies in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for reproducing new blood cells, but when someone has hemolytic anemia, the marrow cannot keep up with its production of new red blood cells with the rate of the premature destruction of the red blood cells. The depletion of cells jeopardizes the patient’s health.

Sickle Cell – What’s the Correlation?

Sickle cell anemia is caused by genetics. The cause of this type of anemia is inheritance. African Americans are often susceptible to sickle cell as they are in contracting tuberculosis (tb). Researchers don’t know why this is.

Normally our blood cells are round and they flow through the vessels of our body easily. Sickle cells are bean shaped, which doesn’t allow them to flow through the vessels. As a result, they get stuck in the vessel and these cells block blood from freely flowing to other parts of the body. The result is pain, serious infections and/or damage to the organs.

In sum, all types of anemia are serious. Although some types of anemia are rarer than others, such as Aplastic anemia, anemia is still a disease of the blood. Given the importance of the function of the blood, it is important that people schedule routine check ups with their physician, get plenty of iron, eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, and exercise.

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Raw Food Health Solutions For Anemia

Comments: 0August 18th, 2009 by admin



Understanding How to Prevent Anemia with Raw Foods

Many of us complain of being ‘anemic’ when we simply feel excessively tired and lethargic but in fact we are almost certainly not actually anemic. Instead we probably just need to get out and exercise to get the blood pumping oxygen around our body. In fact, those most likely to suffer from anemia are pubescent girls growing rapidly and starting their periods as well as pregnant women. In both cases the body needs extra supplies of iron which it isn’t getting.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition that occurs when you have an especially low red blood cell count. It is these that take the oxygen around the body. When the count is low, the blood can’t supply the vital organs and tissues with oxygen which means your lungs and heart have to work harder to get oxygen into the blood. One of the first signs of anemia will be difficulty in breathing.

What Causes Anemia?

Anemia is usually the result of insufficient iron in the diet, which the red blood cells need to do their job. Signs that you might need more iron in your diet are tiredness and shortness of breath. Friends and family may comment that you look pale and flush easily, signs of poor circulation. You may also feel more moody and irritable than usual as well. There are several reasons for the iron deficiency.

Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and aspirin can sometimes result in bleeding in the stomach, depleting reserves of iron. Other causes of stomach bleeding can be heavy periods and pregnancy. You could have an iron deficiency simply because your diet is low in iron as can be the case with vegans or indeed heavy tea drinkers because tea prevents the absorption of iron from plant sources. Drink orange juice instead, the vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from the diet.

Lifestyle Changes you Should Think about to Help Anemia

As anemia is often linked to diet, changing the diet is going to be the most effective solution. Lifestyle changes you might like to consider though would be to start the day with breakfast if you currently skip it because bran cereals are an excellent source of iron. Snack during the morning on nuts and raisins and then have a whole meal sandwich at lunchtime accompanied by orange juice. In the afternoon, snack on liqorice sweets or twiglets and then eat a normal evening meal but add some herbs and spices if you can because thyme and curry powder are top iron rich ingredients.

Raw Foods to Keep in Stock

As a raw foodie you will undoubtedly be aware that your diet is already rich in iron. The following are the best sources:

* Vegetables – green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, green cabbage, spinach, kale and watercress

* Fruit

o Oranges

o Grapefruit

o Guavas

o Paw paw

o Kiwi

* Dried fruits

o Apricots

o Prunes

o Raisins

* Nuts

* Salad vegetables contain vitamin C and help the body to absorb iron

o Tomatoes

So if you have teenage girls in your family, encourage them to have a big breakfast and give them a pot of nuts and raisins to snack on at school. This is probably good advice for us all because the benefits of having a good supply of iron in the body is that more oxygen will pump round your body enabling you to exercise for longer which is a good way to prevent illness and keep your body healthy.

To your health,
Omid

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