Although various nutritional deficiencies can result in anemia, the most common are iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies. In the case of iron deficiency, the red blood cells are characterized by their smallness in size when viewed under the microscope whereas in B12 or folic acid deficiency the red blood cells are large in size. Iron is an important factor in anemia because this mineral makes hemoglobin, the component of the blood that carries oxygen.
Possible causes of anemia include drug use, surgery, infections, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, heavy menstrual bleeding, liver damage, thyroid disorders, arthritis, and dietary deficiencies. Increased iron needs occur during growth spurts of infancy, adolescence, pregnancy, and lactation and may require some type of iron supplementation. The diagnosis of iron deficiency can best be made from measuring the serum ferritin level, the iron storage protein. Long-term iron, B12, or folic acid deficiencies will result in a low hematocrit or red blood cell volume.
Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment
1. Avoid processed foods (e.g., white flour), refined foods (e.g., white sugar), and dairy products. (See “Allergy—Foods”.)
2. Increase your consumption of liver, dark-green and leafy vegetables, dried fruits (incl. raisins), fish and whole grains. Avoid bran as a fiber supplement as this can interfere with iron absorption.
3. Avoid foods containing oxalic acid which interferes with iron absorption such as asparagus, beets, chocolate, soda, and most nuts and beans.
4. Calcium supplements and certain medications can interfere with iron or folic acid absorption such as antacids, anticonvulsants, aspirin, oral contraceptives, some diuretics and chemotherapy agents. Excessive aspirin use may also cause internal bleeding.
5. Decreased iron and B12 absorption from the diet is common in the elderly who tend to produce less hydrochloric acid. In such cases, supplementing with betaine hydrochloride or a small amount of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water with meals may be beneficial.
6. As the body ages, and degenerative diseases increase, hormone levels decrease. Keeping hormone levels as near mid-range as possible helps to its optimum. Natural hormone supplements, such as DHEA, pregnenolone, and progesterone, are available. These help to counteract the effects of stress (See “Stress”), which increase the production of cortisol and estrogen (both of which can reduce oxygen consumption in the body), and promote well-being.
7. Have a blood test to determine whether you anemia is possibly due to either an iron deficiency or possible vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. Be cautious in taking supplements with iron as this is a heavy metal which can act as a free radical in the body and possibly cause damage to body organs.
8. Make sure your thyroid is functioning normally by taking your basal body temperature. This is done by placing a thermometer under your arm for 10 minutes before arising in the morning on two consecutive days. Your basal body temperature should be greater than 97.8. If not, then you could probably benefit from natural thyroid supplementation (See “Hypothyroidism”.) Natural adrenal supplements (DHEA and pregnenolone) should be considered as well.
9. Heart rate variability testing, an assessment of heart rate variations, can reveal if an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system exists. The autonomic nervous system regulates the body's subconscious bodily functions such as blood production. An imbalance in the ANS can now be treated with non-cognitive biofeedback (i.e., recycling of the heart rate variations).
10. Supplements known to be beneficial include vitamins C (which enhances iron uptake from the diet), E (as an antioxidant), B-complex, and the minerals zinc and cooper in a ratio of 10:1. If anemia is thought to be due to a Vitamin B12 deficiency, B12 injections are more effective than the oral or sublingual routes. Ferrous sulphate, the most commonly prescribed form of iron, is poorly absorbed and constipating. A bioavailable form of iron known as ferritin is an iron supplement that does not cause constipation. Black strap molasses contains iron and B-vitamins and may be easier for children to take. Liver and spleen glandular supplements may also be very beneficial.
11. Herbs found to be useful are comfrey, dandelion, gentian, and red raspberry.
12. Homeopathics recommended include Arsenicum Iodatum (stimulates red blood cell production), Ceanothus (a spleen stimulate), China (if anemia and/or exhaustion is due to blood loss), Cinnamonum (to prevent bleeding), Ferrum Phosphoricum (enhances oxygen uptake), Lycopodium (if liver damage is present), Phosphoricum Acidum (for physical and mental exhaustion), Sulphur (a general cleanser of impurities).
13. Gentle skin detoxification through a medical spa with steam sauna, infrared sauna, and/or contrast shower.
To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.RoyalMedicalClinic.com or call ROYAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED MEDICINE at (702) 836-0961.