Anemia is a condition where there is a reduced number of blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is part of the blood that binds oxygen to the blood, so it can go throughout the body. Women in their childbearing years are more susceptible to having anemia due to menstruation and the extra blood flow during pregnancy. Women need knowledge of the symptoms, causes, and food and nutritional supplements that help to improve the condition.

Personal Story

Although I have not experienced anemia. I have a grandson who had some low blood counts as a newborn. I researched anemia and learned many helpful things.

What are the Symptoms of Anemia?

The symptoms of anemia include:

• Cognitive problems
• Cold hands and feet
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Energy loss and easy fatigue
• Exercise that results in rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or headache
• Insomnia
• Leg cramps
• Pale skin
• Pallor of nail beds and conjunctiva (membranous lining of eyelid and white of eyeball)

Note: Other conditions can have these same symptoms. Please consult your health care professional.

Causes of Anemia

Women can develop anemia from several causes.

• Monthly periods (Heavy blood loss can lead to anemia, so check iron levels with lab tests. Establish the cause of the bleeding before beginning treatment.
• Fibroid tumors cause increased bleeding.

Ways to Improve Anemia

Correcting anemia, which is a nutritional deficiency, by boosting iron levels.

• eat more fiber to enhance B-12 absorption
• drink more water
• eat cold water fish
• address blood sugar management
• drink flaxseed, red clover, and fennel teas

Foods that Help

Iron–containing foods Include:

• black cherries
• organic liver
• prunes
• dairy
• eggs
• watercress
• whole-wheat bread
• dried apricots
• cocoa
• carob
• beets
• alfalfa
• raisins
• cherries
• kelp
• sea vegetables
• molasses
• grapes
• brown rice
• almonds
• sunflower seeds
• wheat germ
• parsley
• lentils
• chicory
• strawberries
• black currants
• blackberries
• spinach

These foods are best taken with animal protein and Vitamin C, because they enhance iron absorption. Avoid tea, especially black tea, and coffee because they lower absorption.

Supplements

Multi-mineral supplements which contain B complex protect against anemia.

Nutritive herbs to consider for anemia are:

• ashwagandha
• mullein leaves
• nettles
• raspberry leaf
• red beet root
• Rehmannia
• yellow dock root

Consult with a herbalist or doctor for help in choosing the herbs best suited for you.

Action Step

Good nutrition is vital to improve anemia. Begin to get the food and supplements your body needs. Remember to consult with a health care professional to do blood draws to help guide you.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How do you get the iron you need?

Resources:

http://www.homemademedicine.com/home-remedies-anemia.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/312110-herbal-treatments-for-anemia/

http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/homeremedies_anaemia.htm