| ANEMIA Anemia is a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This means that there is a decrease in the amount of oxygen the blood is able to carry and results in a reduction in the amount of oxygen available to all the cells of the body. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron intake and / or absorption, or by significant blood loss. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are weakness, fatigue, coldness in the hands and feet, depression, dizziness, soreness in the mouth and sometimes hair loss. Iron deficiency should always be investigated. An 'iron studies' blood test will determine if your ferritin levels are low which thereby results in low iron. Some nutrients to assist in the treatment of low iron and / or iron deficiency are Raw liver extract ~ 500mg twice daily for red blood cell production Folic acid plus biotin ~ 800mcg twice daily for red blood cell formation Vitamin B12 ~ 2000mcg twice daily for red blood cell production Vitamin C ~ 3000-10000mg daily which is important in iron absorption Recommended foods for iron absorption are apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, eggs, kelp, leafy greens, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, wholegrains, as well as food high in vitamin C for iron absorption. Blackstrap molasses ~ 1 tablespoon twice per day is a good source of iron and B vitamins. |