ANEMIA
Natural Support For "Low Blood"
Anemia is a condition characterized by a
decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the
oxygen-carrying iron molecule of the red blood cell). Since red blood
cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of
the body, a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin can cause
fatigue, a result of insufficient oxygen being delivered to the tissues.
There are many different kinds of anemia. Some involve a
deficiency of iron (iron deficiency anemia), but other types are due to
other nutrient deficiencies (B12, folate), inability to assimilate B12
(pernicious anemia), defects in production of blood, low thyroid
function, excessive destruction of red blood cells, genetic defects and
autoimmune disease (hemolytic anemia) to
name just a few. Diagnosis of anemia should be made by a physician,
because one or several blood tests may be required to correctly
determine the type of anemia. Do NOT assume that lack of energy is
caused by anemia, and NEVER TAKE IRON as a supplement unless you have
been told to do so by a physician. Excess iron can be harmful,
storing in heart, liver and kidneys where it compromises function.
Excess iron also generates
free radicals.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- For iron deficiency anemia, eat iron-rich foods (kelp,
brewer’s yeast, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ, sunflower seeds,
millet, parsley, clams, almonds, berries, spinach, raisins, beet
greens, beets, etc.)
PRIMARY SUPPORT
For iron deficiency anemia:
-
NUTRIZYME Multiple
Vitamin/mineral supplement WITH iron: 2 caps, 3 times per day with
meals.
-
Liquid Liver: 1-2 caps,
3 times per day with meals. This form of iron is absorbed MUCH more
readily than the elemental iron prescribed by conventional doctors.
There is no associated constipation with liquid liver ("heme iron") as
there is with ferrous sulfate.
-
Vitamin C: 400-500mg, 3 times
per day with meals. Vitamin C aids iron absorption.
-
Hi-B12/Folic Acid: 1
tablet, 2 times per day with meals (sublingual).
Since a decrease of gastric acid production is a leading cause of
iron deficiency anemia in adults (except for women of menstrual age,
where monthly blood loss is the primary cause), a
Gastric Acid Function Self-Test
should be performed.
For B12/Folic acid deficiency:
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In addition to blood tests for iron, serum ferritin (storage iron),
B12, and thyroid function should be tested. Low thyroid function can
cause anemia. Low sex hormones can also cause anemia in both men and
women. A
male hormone profile or
female hormone profile can help
determine if low sex hormone levels are contributing to anemia.
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