Posts Tagged ‘Red Blood Cell Count’

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The Truth About Fairway Toxins, And How Golfers Can Stay Healthy

Comments: 0November 8th, 2011 by admin



It is understood by all that the beautiful lush and perfectly manicured golf course greens are kept that way by the use of chemicals, lots and lots of chemicals for that matter. Which chemicals to use are up to golf courses and can be different state to state. The East coast by far has the highest percentage of pesticide use.

In a study done by the EPA in 1982 showed that 9 pounds per acre per year of chemicals were used on a New York golf course. Reports have shown chemical use as low as 500 pounds of chemicals used per year and as high as 1500 to 2300 pounds of chemicals per year. That is astounding considering the fact that we balk over agriculture using less than a pound of chemicals on our food per square acre.

Here are a list of common chemicals used on golf courses and their potential health effects:

Chlorothalonil – can cause blurred vision, redness of eyes and skin, abdominal pain, burning sensation

Mecoprop – burning skin and eyes, nausea, dizziness and headaches

MSMA – toxic hepatitis

Ipodione – unknown at this time

Thiram – toxic to the nervous system

Diazinon – affects red blood cells, inhibits brain function and the nervous system

Benomylcauses – low birth weight

Benfluralin – decreases red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration

Chlorpyrifos – impairs nervous system function

Dicamba – toxic to a fetus

Diquat – causes cataracts

Disulfoton – impairs nervous system function and causes optic nerve degeneration

Pendamenthalin – is toxic to the liver

Propoxur – impairs nervous system function

Thiophante-menthyl – decreases sperm formation and can cause hypothyroidism

Triadimefon – decreases red blood cell count

Parraffin oil – unknown at this time

Pentachlorophenol – damages the liver, thyroid and immune system, can cause high fevers and difficulty breathing

EDB – cancer, nerve damage and sterility in humans

DCPA – increases the weight of kidneys (in men), increases weight of adrenal glands (in women), excessive growth of thyroid, abnormalities of the liver

Maneb – cough, sore throat, redness and pain

and a host of other chemicals.

With golf courses not being required to tell you when they are spraying, you can unwittingly be walking on and inhaling these chemicals. There have been many deaths to wild life near golf courses including one of the worst at a New York golf course where some fairways had just been treated with diazinon. A large number of Geese came down to feed and over a three day period a total of 545 geese had perished.

Bottom line is this, it is known that these chemicals affect our health, but there are steps we can take to be a lot more effective in reducing the dangers of any over exposure one might encounter.

When you want to play golf, find out when they are going to spray chemicals and avoid playing for a couple of days afterwards to reduce exposure.

Eat healthy! There are foods that help to detox the body such as fruit, salad greens, sprouts, all vegetables (except asparagus, sauerkraut, chick peas and brussel sprouts), good fats such as olive or flaxseed oil and herbal teas.

Ionic foot baths are great for detoxing and generally feeling better. Many health practitioners, spas and salons are offering this service. Some people buy their own units for ease of use at home for themselves and their families.

Studies on ionic foot baths show that an overall balancing effect and a significant increase in the number of negative ions can assist one in detoxing the body. The ionic technique of cleansing thru feet provides a body purge of all vital organs, resulting in improved health.

Also, sweating in a sauna or hot bath helps to detox.

Various herbs and juices can also assist in cleansing the body of toxins. Check your local health food store or naturopath for advice.

If you love golf and want to play, you can reduce the harmful effects of the chemicals they use and just enjoy yourself!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure anything. Consult your local health care provider for diagnoses and treatment.

(Source: Oral Reference Doses, Integrated Risk Information, US EPA 1991) (ICPS International Program on Chemical Safety)

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Vitamin B12 – The Gift Of Health

Comments: 0June 11th, 2011 by admin



B12 helps your body to make life giving blood. A decrease in your red blood cell count is called anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue or poor energy and cravings for certain things such as ice. However, make sure your iron and RBC (red blood cell) folate levels are normal.

This vitamin can help one to maintain a good memory, achieve or maintain better focus, mental clarity and achieve a feeling of well-being or positive mood. Your entire nervous system can benefit from this supplement. B12 is vital to maintain the nervous system in excellent working order.

This vitamin has been called energy in a bottle; because, it imparts energy, stamina, and vitality to those who take it. For best results/absorption, one should take b12 with other B complex vitamins, such as B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), and B6 (Pyridoxine).

B12 applied to the skin (topically) may improve certain skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and may be even psoriasis.

For individuals with kidney disease and on epogen (a medicine to prevent significant anemia), it can help to make the epogen more effective. Therefore, less medicine may be required. However, make sure your iron and RBC (red blood cell) folate levels are normal. These patients are especially prone to iron deficiency due to the reduced life expectancy of their red blood cells.

This supplement is helpful in protecting an unborn child from developing birth defects such as those defects affecting the spine.

This vitamin provides support to the immune system and promotes proper functioning. It helps to decrease the inflammatory state of an inflamed immune system.

B12 has been shown to lower homocysteine levels. An elevated homocysteine level has been associated (not causal) with stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s dementia. This implication is very exciting and promising.

This Christmas or holiday season, give the gift of health and wellness such as vitamin B12. Give gifts that impart health to prolong quality life.

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Nutritional Iron Supplements

Comments: 0May 15th, 2011 by admin



Nutritional iron supplements are primarily used by those with iron-deficiency anemia or conditions that lead to it, such as low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. Although iron is normally obtained from food, certain conditions increase the body’s need for iron. These include pregnancy, bleeding problems, hemodialysis, and intestinal problems. Breastfed infants and children undergoing growth spurts may also need supplemental iron.

There are different types of nutritional iron supplements, but each one serves a different purpose. It is important to choose the right iron supplement to best serve your nutritional needs. Here are some buying tips and advice on using nutritional iron supplements.

1. Read the generic names.

Nutritional iron supplements are either ferric or ferrous. Ferrous supplements are better absorbed by the body, but one should also know the amount of elemental iron in each type. Elemental iron is simply the amount of iron in the pill available for absorption. Ferrous fumarate contains 33% elemental iron, while ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate contain only 20% and 12% respectively.

2. Know the side effects.

The most common side effect or iron supplements is black stool, which is fairly harmless. Liquid supplements may also cause yellowing of the teeth, but the effect is reversible and can be avoided by administering through a straw. Intramuscular injections can cause considerable pain and brown discoloration of the injected area. Other common side effects are diarrhea, obstipation (severe constipation), and epigastric abdominal discomfort.

3. Consult your doctor.

Consult your doctor before taking iron supplements, especially if you are taking other medications or have conditions that affect your medication needs. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, heart disease, asthma, or allergies. If you suspect you have anemia, have a proper blood analysis to make sure it is caused by iron deficiency and not some other condition.

4. Take absorption aids.

To better absorb iron, take nutritional iron supplements along with copper and vitamins A, B complex, and C. Avoid taking antacids and high amounts of vitamin E and zinc, as these can slow down iron absorption.

IMPORTANT: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate dietary supplements, and many supplements do not contain exactly what their labels say. To stay safe, choose nutritional iron supplements that are GMP-compliant to make sure they do not include harmful additives, such as silica, starch, sugar, and gluten.

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Say No to Iron Deficiency With Ayurveda

Comments: 0March 11th, 2011 by admin



One of the most important components of the human body, which ensures a normal functioning of the body-system, is iron. As the primary component of hemoglobin, iron acts as the oxygen carrier in the blood and is normally obtained through consumption of certain foods. After calcium, iron is the second most important mineral in the body. Iron is essential for the transportation of oxygen in the blood to all parts of the body. It is highly beneficial for a positive immune activity and also helps in the proper functioning of the liver. Iron provides protection against the free radicals and facilitates in the formation of hemoglobin and certain essential enzymes. Many metabolic processes and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation are also carried out with the help of iron.

Poor absorption of iron in the body could lead to iron deficiency that could further amount to anemia. Inadequate daily intake of iron, pregnancy, blood loss due to heavy menstruation or internal bleeding could also lead to an iron deficiency. People who experience a loss of iron levels in the body undergo a gradual process of having a negative iron balance. This happens when the iron intake does not meet the daily need for dietary iron. This results into depletion of the storage form of iron even as the blood hemoglobin level remains normal. Anemia is triggered once the storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs.

Symptoms of anemia range from weakness, lethargy, dizziness to palpitations, short breath, sourness of the gums and severe headaches.

Diagnosis of an iron deficiency can be carried out without any fuss. Consulting a doctor would definitely help after which the individual would be required to take few blood tests for red blood cell count and hemoglobin; size of red blood cells, serum iron level, and iron binding capacity in the blood.

Treatment for iron-deficiency can begin at home itself. Consuming iron-rich foods is a must for everyone and it becomes even more critical for someone suffering from a deficiency of iron in the body. Daily multivitamin dosage along with a minimal exposure to lead and other toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium and mercury would be a great beginning against iron deficiency. Also excess consumption of alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

Another alternate remedy for iron-deficiency and anemia is Ayurveda. Ayurveda recommends the consumption of beets, fenugreek, lettuce, spinach, soya beans, sesame seeds and honey for an iron-filled diet. One of the most successful and highly potent products of Ayurveda is AnemiCare. It is an age-old remedy for the treatment of anemia and fatigue. By creating calmness of mind, it helps the body’s natural autonomic nervous system to be restored with alkaline and acidic balance.

Along with natural Iron, it also contains Emblica Officinalis, which is a rich natural source of vitamin C and Calcium; both beneficial for proper assimilation of Iron in the blood. Ayurveda is the most effective solution to all kinds of problems relating to iron-deficiency in the body.

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How to Defend Your Pet Against Anemia

Comments: 0August 17th, 2010 by admin



Anemia is a condition that occurs in pets when their red blood cell count is lower than normal. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body. The hemoglobin in the red blood cells causes blood to have a red tint and is the responsible party for delivering the oxygen. If the number of red blood cells being produced drops then your pets body has to work much harder to get oxygen to different parts of the body. Anemia causes animals hearts to beat faster, causes a depressed mood, makes their gums turn pale and fatigues them.

Anemia can be extremely serious if it is not caught and treated right away. A young dog or cat are at an added risk for developing anemia if they are infested with fleas or internal parasites. Their bodies are much more easily weakened when their blood is being fed on. Be sure to get rid of fleas and worms right away if your dog or cat is very young.

Anemia can be caused by three categories of problems – loss of blood, low red blood cell production and hemolysis.

Many things can cause the loss of blood. The most common are injury or trauma to internal organs, parasites and blood vessel damage. There are also a whole group of substances that can cause damage leading to blood loss. Make sure your pet stays away from cooked onions, any type of OTC or prescription drugs, propylene glycol, zinc and copper.

Hemolytic anemia is the most common form of anemia found in pets. It is caused by immune-mediated diseases. When this occurs the body actually attacks its own red blood cells rather than the germs that it would normally attack. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to get this – including poodles, spaniel breeds and Old English sheepdogs.

If anemia is serious your pet might need medication and an IV of blood or fluids. Just make sure that you get them to the vet right away if you are seeing any symptoms.

Make sure that you keep an insect and worm repellant on your pet, feed them a balanced diet and give them regular exercise. Dandelion, ashwagandha and milk thistle can all be used to boost the immune system and levels of hemoglobin. Make sure that you take extra care when your cat or dog is really young. They are more likely to get anemia when they are puppies and kittens.

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Vampires – The Bloody Truth

Comments: 0April 10th, 2010 by admin



Be kind to a Vampire. They have nutritional needs too!

Is your blood healthy enough so that if your vampire boyfriend took a little bite, you wouldn’t be threatening his health? What if you are anemic, let’s say your hemoglobin (the compound that blood uses to carry oxygen to all of the tissues and cells of the body) was way below 12 and your hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells to total blood) is under 40%. You may be tending toward anemia and your boyfriend who is relying on a quality “sip” from your neck may be lacking energy as well. Is this a reason for him to break up with you?

When healthy women grow tired easily, a red blood cell count (RBC) done by your physician may be in order. Also fatigue, cold hands and legs, thinning hair, may be signs that your thyroid is underperforming. Keep your inter-species relationship at its energetic peak; speak to your physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

On the other hand, how big of a bite would he have to take before he was threatening your life?

The average woman has about six quarts of blood. Loss of two of these quarts could be life threatening. Your vampire boyfriend would have to be feasting on your neck for quite a while to get two quarts of blood through those rather narrow fangs.

Finally, ask the average person what blood actually does in and for our bodies and you will get some pretty blank stares in many cases.

Below is a partial list of the purposes and functions that blood serves in our bodies:

Distribution/Transportation

1.) Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells of organs and tissues, and carbon dioxide from those organs and tissues to the lungs inside our body.

2.) It carries hormones from glands into the cells of our body and to the kidneys for excretion.

3.) Blood distributes nutrients absorbed in the digestive tract to the cells and tissues of our body.

Regulation:

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Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice – What, How, and Why!

Comments: 0February 25th, 2010 by admin



Since the late 1960′s, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in health and medical circles as one of natures greatest gifts. Classified as one of the most abundant superfoods known to man, wheat (and more recently barley) grass has been celebrated for its nutritional content, cleansing and cell regeneration capabilities as well as being in a form that is easily and effortlessly assimilated and digested by our bodies.

The chlorophyll content of wheatgrass alone has been enough to prompt many individuals to consume either fresh or powdered wheatgrass on a daily basis. Being approximately 70% crude chlorophyll, this can have a highly energising effect and a real boost to those looking to alkalise their body.

A discussion on the benefits of wheatgrass juice or powder could be endless – so for the purposes of brevity I have categorised these benefits into four areas. These are the areas that I have found that wheatgrass has benefitted both myself and those around me (family, friends, clients and colleagues).

1. Wheatgrass Builds Blood!

Many health experts including Dr Young (pH Miracle) and Steve Meyerowitz (Nature’s Finest Medicine) have highlighted that the chlorophyll molecule in wheatgrass is almost identical to the haemoglobin molecule in human blood. The only difference is that the central element in chlorophyll is magnesium and in haemoglobin it is iron.

Due to this inherent similarity the human body can easily transform chlorophyll into hemoglobin increasing the red blood cell count as well as the blood’s capacity to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the body’s cells (Hagiwara, 1985).

Chlorophyll has been shown to build red blood cells quickly, normalise blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways though out the body, destroy poisonous carbon dioxide, release free oxygen and promote higher metabolism and stimulated enzyme systems. On top of all of these benefits, consuming chlorophyll from wheatgrass is a highly effective way to alkalise the blood and energise the body!

2. Wheatgrass Cleanses the Body

Wheatgrass is an extremely beneficial food in terms of both its cleansing capabilities. The contents of wheatgrass juice and powder (green drink) are reported to be within the region of approximately 100 separate elements with scientists dubbing it a ‘complete food’. According to ‘The Wheatgrass Book’ (Wigmore, 1985), just 140g of fresh wheatgrass offers the same nutritional value as over 3kg’s of fress green vegetables!

Wheatgrass is a great source of vitamins B, C, E and carotene which are hugely effective in destroying and eliminating free radicals and cleansing the body. Wheatgrass is also highly regarded for its ability to cleanse the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract.

Because it is also high in saponin, wheatgrass offers excellent support to the lymphatic system, helping to carry away hundreds and thousands of toxins from the cells of the body. Kulvinskas (Survival into the 21st Century, 1975) wheatgrass helps to ‘detoxify the body by increasing the elimination of hardened mucous, crystallised acids and solidified, decaying faecal matter…It is the fastest, surest way to eliminate internal waste and provide an optimum nutritional environment’.

These are just some of the cleansing benefits of wheatgrass, and I have barely scratched the surface with regards to listing its nutritional content. Put most simply, whether you are looking to undertake a formal cleanse, or simply try to add more nutrition to your diet – these reasons alone are enough to consider adding wheatgrass to your daily lifestyle.

3. High Amino Acid Content

You may have heard the expression before that – amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are absolutely essential to our growth and cell regeneration. It is the astonishingly high amino acid content in wheatgrass that is leading to many bodybuilders and gym-goers incorporating fresh or powdered wheatgrass juice into their daily routine.

Wheatgrass juice is a complete protein and contains, amongst others, the following amino acids: arginine, serine, absenisic, lysine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, and valine.

4. Wheatgrass Fights and Protects Against Illness

Organic wheatgrass powders and juices are an extremely effective way of boosting the body’s immune system to fight against and recover from illnesses and ailments. Wheatgrass is a great source of beta carotene, contains most of the B vitamins and vitamins C, E, H and K, and also contains over 90 different minerals and 19 amino acids. It also contains several active enzymes which play a major role in breaking down fats, undertaking biological functions and assist hugely in weight loss.Of the 90 minerals found, many of these are very alkalising and include calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.

Many of the health benefits of wheatgrass stem from the faact that it is a living food. Being highly anti-bacterial, consuming wheatgrass will help to alkalise and detoxify the lymph and blood cells, helping the body to rebuild and transport toxins out of the body quickly and effectively.

Again, coming back to the chlorophyll content of wheatgrass – this can protect the body from carcinogens more effectively than any other food. Studies conducted on animals have shown that wheatgrass consumption has reduced the absorption of a number of very serious carcinogens whilst strengthening cells, detoxifying the liver and neutrailsing polluting elements within the blood.

Conclusion – Incorporating Wheatgrass into Your Lifestyle

Wheat and a number of other grasses are clearly very beneficial to the body and there is a very strong case for making them a part of our daily health routines. There are two principle ways to do so:

buy a growing kit/ freshly grown grass and juice at home purchase an organic grass (green drink) supplement

Both have their pro’s and con’s, however, you do not have to do one to get the benefits of the other. Many juice bars are also now selling wheatgrass shots and are including wheatgrass as an ingredient in their other juices.

If you are looking to purchase a powdered wheatgrass supplement, please be sure to check that the ingredients are organic and 100% pure (no fillers!).

If you have any questions regarding wheatgrass juice, juicers or powdered grasses/greens, please do not hesitate to contact us at Energise for Life

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Zrii and The Benefits of Amalaki

Comments: 0September 25th, 2009 by admin



Amalaki fruit is grown exclusively on certified organic farms. The fresh, ripe fruit is harvested at the optimal time using environmentally sustainable methods that are sensitive to the long term health of the trees and their surrounding ecosystems.

The fruit contains the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occuring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.

Amalaki is also a potent rejuvenative for the entire body. It is said to stimulate the production of red blood cells, enhance cellular regeneration, increase lean body mass and support proper function of the liver, spleen, heart and lungs. It has also been used to improve eyesight, strengthen the bones and teeth, and cause hair and nails to grow. It improves the digestive fire, maintains a healthy blood sugar level and is a rich natural source of antioxidants.

Studies show that the fruit contains 20 times more vitamin C than orange. Other scientific researches show that amalaki increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin and when taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel. The fruit is distributed for human consumption in the form of juice through the Zrii company and is also used in various other forms as murabbas, pickles and chutneys. Flowers, root and bark of its tree are also medicinal, but nowadays the twig of amalaki is also used for tanning and dyeing. Its timber is useful for miscellaneous domestic purposes, as it stands well under water and is used in making wells in rural areas.

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Treating Anemia in Dogs

Comments: 0August 28th, 2009 by admin



Treating anemia in dogs can be difficult simply because there are so many potential causes of this very dangerous condition. However, there are several very successful treatments that will include both medical as well as natural forms. The treatment of anemia will all depend of the actual cause, which can be primary or secondary, as well as the severity of the anemia.

Anemia in dogs is technically defined as a low red blood cell count and can be caused by a number of processes that include blood loss, red blood cell destruction, as well as an inadequate red blood cell production by your dog. In determining the actual treatment, your veterinarian will have to fully understand the actual cause. But before any of this can be done, you will have to identify that your dog does have anemia.

There are several warning signs and symptoms that will help to with identifying it.

Symptoms:

Treating anemia in dogs can not be done until you identify that your dog actually has anemia, and there are several warning signs and symptoms that you can watch for. The first warning is a generalized weakness in your dog. This weakness may be very sudden, or it may be gradual, depending on the type of anemia that your dog has.

As soon as you see any sign of weakness, do not assume that your dog is just not felling well. Very quickly check their gums, as this is the first true indicator that your dog has something seriously wrong with them.

If their gums are pale at all, the chances are very high that they have developed this condition. Next, check for an increased respiratory rate in your dog by checking their pulse. This is done by placing your fingers around the front of their hind leg and than moving your hands up between their thigh and abdomen.

Once you feel the pulse, it should be between 70 and 120 beats per minute. The next sign that you may see with anemia is collapsing. This is a very frightening situation and one of the sure signs of this condition. Blood loss of any type in your dog, especially in the urine or externally, is the next sign of anemia. Abdominal distention, vomiting, and any type of a yellow discoloration are also signs that your dog has this condition.

CBC in Dogs:

Treating anemia in dogs will also depend of their complete blood count, or their CBC. This is one of the most basic as well as most important tests your veterinarian will do, as it can very quickly determine the health status of your dog. It will provide much needed information about the three types of cellular elements. It tests the red blood cells, the white blood cells, as well as the platelets.

These tests will determine in detail the number, size, and shape of the various cells, as well as any potential abnormalities. With regards to the red blood cells, it will tell your veterinarian how many cells there are and if there has been a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin, which is critical in determining anemia.

Treatments:

Treating anemia in dogs must first be determined by treating the underlying cause of the anemia. One of the most common causes of anemia in your dog is by what is referred to as suppression of the immune system, or immune mediated hemolytic anemia, also known as IMHA. This is a situation where your dogs own system, which is designed specifically to attack and kill germs, actually attacks it own red blood cells.

This occurs when the antibodies attach themselves to your dogs red blood cells and target them for destruction.

The actual cause of this is still unknown, and the treatments will vary, but the most common treatment is with corticosteroids. This form of treatment is usually very rapid, but it may be 3 to 4 days before you will see any improvement. The initial dosages are usually very high, and you should always get a second opinion as there can be several side effects. If this form of anemia is severe, there are other forms of immune suppressive drugs that may be used, but these have even more severe side affects.

If the cause of the anemia is a toxin, your dog will than be treated with antibiotics. One of the leading causes of anemia in a dog is the ingestion of a toxic substance. If the substance is the result of zinc toxicity, it is usually caused by a penny that your dog has swallowed. If this is the case, it will have to be surgically removed.

However, the most common toxic ingestion in dogs is from rat poison. Rat poison is designed specifically to stop red blood cell production in rats, causing their death, and it is extremely effective. Although it will not be toxic to your dog to the point of causing death, it can very rapidly be the cause of anemia. The treatment for this will be with Vitamin K therapy; first with injections, and than followed up with supplements.

If an iron deficiency is the actual cause, treating anemia in dogs, will be done with iron supplements. If the cause is from a kidney failure, the treatment is then hormonal therapy. However, if the anemia is severe enough, your dog may need a transfusion of either their entire whole blood, which is cells plus the liquid plasma, or packed red blood cells. This is a situation where transfusion is done after the liquid is removed.

But there is a real problem with this, especially if it is IMHA. If the corticosteroids or other methods do not stop the system from attacking itself, it will kill theses cells as well. For this reason, transfusion is usually used only as a last resort.

Preventive Treatments:

Treating anemia in dogs also has some very natural methods of treatments if the case is not severe, and most cases, they are not. Even though your dog is carnivorous, placing some green vegetables in their food which contain iron as well as several other minerals may help slow the anemia, or in some cases, may even prevent it. Beef liver is also extremely effective as it contains iron, protein, as well as B complex of vitamins. It is also very rich in Vitamin B12 which is extremely effective in treating anemia.

A nutritional yeast in a powder or supplement form is also very effective, as it will contain the same ingredients as beef liver. Kelp powder is also a very effective treatment, as it contains iodine as well as several other trace minerals. Vitamin C for dogs has many uses and one of them is helping in both treating and preventing several forms of anemia.

The recommended dosage is between 500 to 2,000 milligrams a day, depending on the size of your dog. This vitamin naturally helps you dog with the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract.

Summary:

Treating anemia in dogs can be extremely effective, especially if your take the preventive approach and build up their immune system. Immune mediated conditions in dogs may never be explained or understood, but it is also quite rare. If your dogs system is built with natural iron and the essential vitamins and trace minerals, it is already being treated.

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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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