Treatment for anemia

Treatment for anemia should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of this disease and the type of anemia are confirmed. If you have been diagnosed with anemia, it is vital to know and understand that the anemia treatment your doctor will be ordered to follow will be based on the type of anemia you suffer from. If you have this medical condition, it is because there are abnormalities related to the red blood cells in the body.

These cells work directly with the lungs in that they absorb a certain percentage of oxygen to transport it to all other body areas, including the organs. When a reduction or complication is associated with these blood cells, the body has an issue properly maintaining itself.

Listed below are the most common approaches to treatment for anemia:

• Iron deficiency anemia. Treatment for this type of anemia usually involves taking iron supplements and changing your diet.

• Vitamin deficiency anemia. Treatment of anemia of this type involves supplementing foods and increasing these nutrients in your diet.
• Hemolytic anemia. Anemia treatment in cases of hemolysis includes infections and taking drugs that suppress your immune system and attack your red blood cells. Depending on the cause of hemolytic anemia in your particular case, you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist.
• Aplastic anemia. Treatment for low hemoglobin due to this type of anemia may include blood transfusions to raise red blood cell levels. You may need a bone marrow transplant if your bone marrow cannot produce healthy blood cells.
• Anemia. Anemia treatment may include oxygen, pain relievers, and oral and intravenous fluids to relieve pain and prevent complications. Doctors may also recommend blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and antibiotics.

Although there are different conventional treatments for anemia, natural ones have proven effective. What is more important is that the adequately prescribed natural treatment of anemia causes no side effects.

Anemia is a blood condition that affects approximately 3.5 million Americans. Women are at higher risk of developing anemia than men. People who have other diseases, such as cancer, have a higher tendency to develop anemia. Anemia can become a very serious condition that can be dangerous. Anemia can also be acute or chronic.

What is anemia?

Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to produce sufficient oxygen. As a result, your organs are affected because they don’t get enough oxygen to function. There is a relationship between anemia and the kidneys, bone marrow, and nutritional deficiencies in the body. When your kidneys are not working well, or you are malnourished, this will affect your red blood cell count. Since red blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the health of the bone marrow is critical.

There are other instances where a person is considered to have anemia. One example is when the red blood cells throughout the body fail to contain an appropriate hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin has two main functions. First, it is a protein that assists in ensuring the color of the blood in the body. Second, it helps the red-based blood cells move oxygen from the respiratory system to other body areas.

Understanding the Function of Red Blood Cells

The red blood cells in the body have a couple of different functions. These cells are also referred to as “erythrocytes.”. Regarding the body, these cells are considered the most common as far as blood cells go. A lot of medical professionals also refer to these cells as “RBCs,” “Haematids,” “Red Blood Corpuscles,” “Erythrocytes,” and even “Erythroid Cells.” Each of these cells has a section that is identified as “cytoplasm.”. When reviewing the general anatomy of the red blood cell, you will find that the cytoplasm is extremely important as it contains hemoglobin. This is a protein biomolecule that contains high levels of iron. It allows the red blood cells to bind oxygen to be transported to all body areas appropriately and also creates the color of blood.

Types of anemia

There are different types of anemia, and each requires a specific treatment. Understanding the different types of anemia can help you understand the available treatment options and prevent various health disorders resulting from anemia. Listed below are the common types of anemia.

There are different types of deficiency anemias.

There are numerous types of deficiency-based anemias, and the most common forms are:

• Iron-deficiency;
• Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12); 
• Folic acid (Vitamin B9) deficiency
• Ascorbic acid, aka Vitamin C deficiency
• Vitamin E aka d-alpha-tocopherol and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) deficiency
• Hypothyroidism
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Lead Toxicity
• Chronic Infectious illnesses

Except for the above-listed deficiencies, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration in the bloodstream can result from some chronic medical conditions, such as pregnancy, stomach ulcers, drug addiction, viral and bacterial infections, etc.

Each form of anemia has its own symptoms, and patients report dissimilar complaints depending on the type of hemoglobin deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron is an essential nutrient that is required for the production of red blood cells in the body. When the iron content in the body reduces, the production of red blood cells is hampered, which leads to iron deficiency anemia. Poor diet and chronic illness can also lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms include paleness of skin, frequent headaches, irritability, brittle hair and nails, and a rapid heartbeat. Simple dietary modifications and oral iron supplements can treat this type of anemia.

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin deficiency is anemia when there is a lack of vitamin B12 in our diet, which can cause a reduced production of hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is usually found in animal products, so vegans and vegetarians may lack this. Although it may not be down to just diet, some people cannot absorb vitamin B12 through the stomach walls. This type of anemia usually occurs in those over 40 with thyroid or diabetic problems. It is also more common in people of northern European descent with fair skin.

Hemolytic anemia

When the bone marrow in the body cannot keep up with the production of red blood cells, the body prematurely destroys them; this condition is known as hemolytic anemia. Healthy red blood cells typically last between one hundred and twenty days.

However, hemolytic anemia destroys these cells much faster, and the bone marrow cannot produce these cells fast enough to replace them.

Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are dark-colored urine, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heart rate, and an enlarged spleen.

Aplastic anemia

An absence or reduction in the red blood cells characterizes aplastic anemia. This can result from severe blood loss due to an injury, heavy menstruation, hepatitis, or exposure to certain toxins. A lack of red blood cells inhibits the body’s disease-fighting ability, and the person becomes prone to various infections.

Lethargy, paleness of skin, heavy bleeding, rapid heartbeat, multiple infections, and heart failure are some of the common symptoms of aplastic anemia.

People suffering from mild to moderate aplastic anemia do not require treatment if the condition deteriorates. For severe cases, treatment includes blood transfusions, blood and marrow stem cell transplants, and medications.

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited, life-long disease in which the body makes sickle-shaped (shaped like a ‘C’) red blood cells. Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin and tend to form clumps. These clumps get stuck in the blood vessels, causing pain, multiple infections, and severe organ damage.

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia include jaundice, high fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, paleness of skin, and severe pain in various body parts, especially the arms, legs, and stomach. An extreme form of sickle cell anemia can lead to ulcers, cerebral hemorrhages, and orthopedic disorders.

What causes anemia?

Some of the common causes of anemia are sudden blood loss due to an accident, surgery, or internal bleeding. Increased bleeding during the menstruation period or the absence of menstruation periods is one of the causes of low hemoglobin in women.

Anemia is a medical condition when the level of hemoglobin concentration in the bloodstream falls below average. It can happen if the number of red blood cells decreases or when the quantity of hemoglobin in each RBC falls below average. Both of these forms of anemia may develop as a result of different initiating factors. For example, a decrease in the number of RBCs may follow severe bleeding (menstrual bleeding, trauma, labor, delivery, etc.). In those cases, a body loses RBCs, and it needs some substantial time to produce new ones. Also, this form of anemia may happen if the bone marrow does not produce enough RBCs, which is usually a sign of some malignant blood disease. On the other hand, a lower-than-normal concentration of hemoglobin in each RBC (erythrocyte) often happens in response to a deficit of some essential chemicals in the human body. Hemoglobin is the pigment that makes RBC red. It works as a vehicle for oxygen in our bodies.

Poor nutrition is also a common cause of anemia. Nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are essential for red blood cell and hemoglobin production. The other causes of low hemoglobin include kidney failure, cancer, or bone marrow failure in producing red blood cells.

Anemia is the deficiency of vigorous red blood cells. Without these essential components, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to oxygenate every organ and tissue in the body. This leads to a variety of complications, ranging from mild to severe. There are many types of anemia, but they can all be grouped by three causes: blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, and defective or diminished blood cells.

Below, we’ll discuss the ten central and most common causes of anemia.

1. Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding, a possible result of a traumatic injury or gastrointestinal illness, can cause anemia. Excessive bleeding can occur over a short period, or the vessels can lose small amounts of blood over a long period. If not detected, conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and cancer, as well as unidentified internal injuries, can also bleed and lead to anemia.

2. Pharmaceutical drugs

Most people use over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve headaches and muscle cramps and help prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, recent studies indicate that prolonged use of some medications without a prescription can damage gastric walls and increase the risk of significant bleeding, which can lead to anemia.

3. Menstrual cycle and childbirth.

For many women, periods, pregnancy, and childbirth are regular. However, under certain circumstances, any of these can lead to anemia. Excessive bleeding during menstruation results in significant blood loss in a relatively short time. If this occurs monthly, it can significantly lower iron levels, lowering the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells and causing anemia. A growing baby can also deplete the mother’s iron stores during pregnancy. Excessive blood loss during childbirth can also negatively affect the level of red blood cells.

4. Iron deficiency

Anemia due to iron deficiency is one of the most common anemias. This type of anemia occurs when there is too little iron in the body. Blood loss is the most typical cause of iron deficiency anemia, though poor iron absorption is to blame in some cases. Increasing your iron intake is pretty straightforward. Incorporating leafy greens and cooking with cast iron can increase the consumption of this essential mineral. However, animal sources (i.e., meat, fish) contain “heme iron,” which is better absorbed in the body than “non-heme iron” from vegetable sources. Iron supplements are also available.

5. Vitamin deficiency

Pernicious anemia develops when the body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12, and this is an autoimmune condition. In some cases, vitamin deficiencies result from a diet not containing enough folate and B vitamins. This condition can also develop secondary to a digestive condition, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease because the body cannot properly absorb B12 and others. Nutrients from the foods you eat. In some cases, the body cannot process vitamins efficiently.

6. Bone marrow deficiency

The bone marrow contains stem cells, which turn into red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. A bone marrow deficiency leads to anemia because it interferes with the body’s ability to produce blood cells adequately. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow does not produce red blood cells; in lymphoma, the disease spreads in the bone marrow, affecting the production of blood cells.

7. Chronic kidney diseases.

Anemia often develops in people with advanced kidney disease; damaged kidneys do not produce enough of the hormone erythropoietin. Because erythropoietin tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells, not enough of it causes anemia, which worsens when kidney function is lost partially or permanently. At this stage, the condition requires dialysis or transplantation. Anemia resulting from kidney disease often leads to heart and muscle complications. Increasing iron levels with red blood cell transfusions and dietary changes can help relieve anemia symptoms, as can synthetic erythropoietin injections.

8. Other diseases

The list of the most common illnesses that affect the creation of red blood cells includes diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and lupus. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease can also lead to anemia.

9. Destruction of erythrocytes, aka red blood cells

During hemolysis, the human body usually breaks down old or malfunctioning red blood cells in the spleen or other system parts. Hemolytic anemia occurs when you have a low erythrocyte count due to excessive hemolysis in your body. Hemolytic anemia is when erythrocytes are destroyed quicker than the body can produce new cells. The damage to red blood cells is called hemolysis. Hemolytic anemia can be present at birth or develop later in life. Kidney and liver disease can cause this type of anemia. Exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, tumors, severe burns, various infections, autoimmune diseases, and some blood diseases all cause red blood cell destruction.

10. Old age

Anemia is a common problem among the elderly. A wide range of factors can contribute to anemia in this population. Insufficient diets of red meat and green leafy vegetables can cause anemia due to reduced iron and vitamin B12. Additionally, older people are more susceptible to chronic disease, which can lead to anemia. Stomach bleeding due to a stomach ulcer or intestine bleeding due to ulcerative colitis are other common causes of low hemoglobin in the elderly. Anemia must be treated promptly because it aggravates heart conditions and cognitive impairments, which are common in the elderly.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

The symptoms of anemia are:

• Tiredness
• Easy fatigue
• Generalized muscular weakness
• Lethargy
• Headache

The symptoms of anemia in older patients are:

• Cardiac failure
• Angina pectoris
• Intermittent claudication
• Confusion
• Visual disturbances.

 

The signs of iron deficiency anemia are:

• Pale skin, especially on the face;
• Low energy;
• Fatigue;
• Exhaustion;
• Chest pains in most complicated cases;
• Dyspnea when the level of hemoglobin is deficient;
• Rapid and irregular beating of the heart;
• Tachypnea;
• Blood Hypotension.

The symptoms of methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency are different and include:

• Yellow staining of the skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes) by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. The yellowing extends to other tissues and body fluids
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Equilibrium difficulties
• Confusion
• Personality changes and depression

Natural Treatments for Anemia

Several natural treatments can help treat anemia by allowing the body to absorb iron more efficiently and increasing oxygen absorption. Vitamin B12 is commonly used to treat anemia. It is found mainly in dairy products such as milk and cheese and can also be found in significant amounts of animal protein, such as in the kidneys and liver.

Another commonly known natural remedy for anemia is beetroot. The juice obtained from beetroot contains high levels of iron, strengthening the body and providing durability throughout the day. Furthermore, honey is an excellent producer of hemoglobin. With its high iron, copper, and manganese content, honey should be regarded as a ‘must-have’ for anyone suffering from anemia. Vegetables such as lettuce and spinach should also be consumed to treat the disorder. This is so that the body can absorb the iron in these foods more quickly, which is necessary to form hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Another product for the natural treatment of anemia that is overlooked is soy. Soy is rich in iron and also contains a high quantity of protein. People with anemia and digestive problems should drink soy milk because it is easily digested. Almonds are also a valuable remedy to combat anemia. This is because almonds are rich in copper, which works with vitamins to act as a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin.

Eight dos and don’ts if you suffer from anemia: Follow this instruction during natural treatment for anemia.

• Comprise the ingredients suggested for a particular type of anemia.
• Consider the ingredients in your foods and make sure that your meal is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and B vitamins. For more information, use the online Holistic Nutrition database.
• Avoid coffee, tea, beer, or soda during meals because these drinks prevent iron digestion. Instead, drink orange, lemon, and lime juices. The high concentration of ascorbic acid supports iron absorption.
• Take multivitamins daily.
• Please do not take additional iron supplements unless your doctor prescribes them.
• I usually recommend one dry red wine to my patients daily during dinner.
• Vegetarians must watch their diet thoroughly to consume enough proteins to build blood cells.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce your contact with toxic products such as cadmium, mercury, etc.

Diet for anemia: an essential part of any natural treatment for anemia

Diet for anemia is also one of the most essential additions used along with natural remedies for anemia, and it has been proven to be effective. The best diet for anemia includes foods rich in iron and other vitamins essential to hemoglobin and red blood cell production. It should also include foods that help your body absorb iron better.

Add these foods to your diet to get more iron and help fight iron deficiency anemia:

Leafy greens

• Leafy greens, especially dark ones, are among the best sources of iron.

Liver

• The liver is arguably the most famous organ meat. It’s rich in iron and folate. Some other iron-rich organ meats are the heart, kidney, and beef tongue.

Beans

• Beans are good sources of iron for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They’re also inexpensive and versatile.

Meat and poultry

• All meat and poultry contain iron. Red meat, lamb, and venison are the best sources. Poultry and chicken have lower amounts. Eating meat or poultry with leafy greens and vitamin C-rich fruit can increase iron absorption.

Seafood

• Some seafood provides iron. Shellfish such as oysters, clams, scallops, crabs, and shrimp are good sources. Most fish contain iron.

Root vegetables

• Most root vegetables are rich in minerals and can increase blood count when regularly included in the diet. Carrots and sweet potatoes are also great to include daily because they are nutrient-rich.

Nuts and seeds

• These seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrition, rich in minerals and vitamins. Moreover, a regular intake of nuts provides ample nutrition and can also be rich in fiber, which helps increase blood count.

Herbs for anemia: a popular natural treatment for anemia

Herbs for anemia are one of the natural remedies that can work well as a complementary choice. The following herbs for anemia can do wonders for anemia recovery:

Nettle

• Also known as stinging nettle, this herb for anemia is very high in iron. However, what makes it even more valuable is the presence of vitamins A (retinol), B group, C (ascorbic acid), and K, all of which improve iron absorption in the body.

Avocado

• Avocado is an herb for anemia that contains large amounts of iron, making it an ideal dietary supplement after significant surgery. Although dietary folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency is rare in Western countries thanks to the widespread fortification of flour, avocados are helpful for boosting folic acid levels.

Parsley

• Parsley is a popular green herb that is excellent for overcoming anemia. It contains an impressive concentration of iron.

Dandelion

• There are two potential causes of iron deficiency anemia: either you are not eating enough iron-rich foods, or your body is not absorbing it properly. In any case, Dandelion has got you covered. Its leaves contain high levels of iron and enhance the body’s ability to absorb this vital mineral. This herb can be paired with others to boost its benefits, such as in this Anti-Anemia Dandelion and Nettle Tea.

Homeopathic treatment for anemia: #1 natural treatment for anemia

Homeopathic medicine has a dozen or more remedies that may benefit in curing anemia.

Ferrum metallicum [Ferr]
Iron is a recognized allopathic dietary supplement for anemia. At the same time, homeopathically prepared iron is beneficial for anemia related to iron deficiency. However, as always in homeopathy, this remedy is not universal for all iron deficiency anemias, and cautious personalization is essential.

If an individual has a look of full-bloodedness or overabundance tailed by pallor or grayishness of the skin of the face and swollenness of the limbs, then Ferrum is the remedy of choice. Ferrum metallicum is not the appropriate medicine for the anemia caused by the loss of internal body juices (blood, lymph, etc.). For those forms of anemia, we prefer either Cinchona or Natrum Muriaticum. In cases of Ferrum, the mucous tissues are pale.

Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla is the perfect antidote for “iron overdose” and therefore points to the conditions caused by excessive and persistent consumption of this ingredient. The Pulsatilla patient always feels chilly and suffers from stomach and menstrual disorders. Therefore, Pulsatilla should be prescribed either to women with very light and missing periods or to men who look and behave like women and have anemia. 

Calcarea carbonica [Calc]
Calcarea is a constitutional remedy and may benefit any anemia if it is constitutionally similar to the patient. In constitutional treatment, we don’t pay too much attention to the symptoms of anemia but more to the appearance and behavior of the individual. Calcarea carbonica patients are usually puffy and overweight because they suffer from hypothyroidism. Their heads are usually significant. These people crave eggs and don’t like or drink milk. They sweat during the night.  

Arsenicum Album [Ars]
Arsenicum album is a therapeutic toxin that destroys red blood cells. This famous homeopathic remedy is #1 for toxic or pernicious anemia. Or in anemias due to a malarial or poisonous influence. Dr. Blackly testified that about six patients with pernicious anemia were successfully cured with the homeopathic dilution of this remedy. Arsenicum album is not helpful for the treatment of simple forms of anemia. The constitutional signs for this remedy are:

• Unnecessary prostration;
• Significant swollenness;
• Forceful and unbalanced heart rhythm;
• Craving for acids and alcohol
• Thrilling anxiety and skinniness
• Irritable stomach;
• Intense thirst.

Helonias is an exceptional homeopathic medication for anemia and chlorosis. Helonias is most appropriate in cases of anemia from lengthy hemorrhages, especially in females. These women are “too exhausted to fall asleep,” and they experience burning aches in muscles all over the body. The primary characteristic modality for Helonias is that these patients feel better when they can draw attention to their condition. Of course, these patients—usually women—feel better after a doctor’s examination in the office. The typical anemia related to this homeopathic remedy has an amnesia of instabilities in the urinary and reproductive systems. “Exhausted, fatigued, and anemic women need Helonias for the perfect, safe, and efficient cure,” Professor E. G. Jones said.
Natrum muriaticum is one of the best homeopathic medicines in the anemia clinic. Natrum muriaticum patients are pale, and regardless of their regular appetite, they are pathologically skinny. These patients (mostly women) experience episodes of throbbing headaches associated with dyspnea. The general characteristic modality for Natrum Muriaticum is that these patients feel worse when going upstairs.

The homeopathic formula for anemia treatment

Fe-min tablets represent a homeopathic formula—a combination of several homeopathic remedies for anemia. This formula is a harmless and efficient homeopathic remedy for the lack of hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Fe-min combination delivers a cure for iron deficiency anemia. It rapidly increases the level of iron in the bloodstream.

The main ingredients of Fe-min tablets are:

• Ferrum phosphoricum delivers natural iron to the system and aids in manufacturing RBC and hemoglobin. Ferrum phosphoricum is a perfect homeopathic medicine for individuals who feel fragile and drained due to losing iron from the organism due to chronic diseases, hemorrhages, or insufficient iron absorption from food.
• Kali Phosphoricum is a different beneficial homeopathic drug for the iron-deficiency forms of anemia. Kali Phosphoricum supports nerve-reinforcing and heals migraines and dizziness.
• Calcarea phosphoricum improves the functionality of the bone marrow and fights faintness, paleness, and enervation caused by iron deficiency.
• Calcarea fluorica enhances internal energy and upsurges iron absorption into the bloodstream. Calcarea fluorica reduces the signs of anemia by improving the production of hemoglobin.

Discovering the particular causes of anemia and eliminating any dietary shortages is essential. In the majority of clinical cases, it is the individual’s gastrointestinal and assimilative abilities that result in anemia. Nutritional deficits rarely happen nowadays. Homeopathic remedies efficiently fix such disorders in the organism, and the system adapts to the food. Thus, essential ingredients are appropriately consumed, improving body functions that require these nutrients. Therefore, the body heals itself and cures the anemia naturally.

Anemia treatment by Doctor Tsan

At the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic, Victor Tsan, MD, and his associates cure different forms of anemia using various holistic techniques, including homeopathy, acupuncture, and medicinal herbs.

Contact our office or use our online scheduling system to make an appointment for the holistic evaluation and discuss with Dr. Tsan whether alternative medicine is a good treatment option for you.