Anemia is one of the most common diseases affecting human health. It also means "lack of blood". When there is a shortage of red blood cells and hemoglobin inside the blood it leads to anemia.
Vitamins, proteins and iron build up these cells. It results from lack of proper nutrients due to consumption of refined foods. Lack of hemoglobin also leads to depressed ability of the blood to carry oxygen to various tissues and organs.
The common symptoms of anemia are grayish skin, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes and a haggard look with fine lines of strain.
Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lack of energy, headaches, slow healing of wounds, shortness of breath on exertion, poor memory, mental depression, pale lips, fingernails and earlobes. An anemic patient usually complains of lack of energy, easy fatigue, weakness and dizziness.
There are two main principal causes of anemia. One is due to the reduced formation of red blood cells, either due to inadequate intake of vitamins, iron and proteins or due to defects in the bone marrow. A variety of drugs which destroy Vitamin E also lead to anemia.
Other causes of anemia which are not much known are worms or intestinal parasites. Roundworms, hookworms and pinworms feed on the blood supply and vitamins. All these worms can decrease red blood cells by consuming blood.
Nature Cure for Anemia: The old saying "Prevention is better than cure" holds true for anemia. This disease can easily be prevented by taking foods rich in iron, vitamins and proteins.
Diet plays a very important role in the treatment of this disease. Every essential nutrient is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, enzymes and red blood cells. These essential nutrients are supplied by consuming natural foods such as green leafy vegetables, wheat, brown rice and rice polishings, wheat grain cereals, celery, carrots, beets, cabbage tomatoes, spinach and fruits such as cherries, figs, raisins, grapes, apples and peaches. Intake of iron alone, itself does not help in the regeneration of hemoglobin.
Regular diet should therefore consist of all essential and vital nutrients along with iron. Copper is also necessary for building up of hemoglobin through the proper utilization of iron.
Anemia can also be successfully prevented and cured by the adequate intake of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is mostly found in animal meat but consuming meat has its own disadvantages. Here the question of safety and hygiene arise as the animals themselves may be infected by some other diseases. Consumption of other alternative sources like cheese, eggs, milk and peanuts help in fulfilling the need for Vitamin B12.
Soya beans and wheatgerm also contain Vitamin B12 to some extent. Vegetarians should include good amounts of milk products, fruits, milk and vegetables in their diet. Brewers yeast is also a good source of this vitamin.
Proper intake of a liberal amount of ascorbic acid is necessary to facilitate the absorption of iron. Foods which are rich in ascorbic acid, especially two servings of citrus fruits should be taken daily.
Beets are very useful and nutritious food for curing anemia. Beet juice contains calcium, potassium, sulphur, phosphorous, copper, iron, iodine, vitamins, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin P. Beet reactivates and regenerates red blood cells with its high content of iron, provides fresh oxygen to the body and helps the normal functioning of breathing.
Water treatments also prove to be beneficial for the treatment and cure of anemia. Taking a cold water bath is one of the best curative measures in anemia. These cold baths should be given to the patient twice daily. Hot Epsom salt bath for about ten minutes, cold bath and a cabinet steam bath, once a week are also recommended. Sunbaths are also helpful as sunlight stimulates the generation of red cells.
Light exercises and deep breathing are amongst the several other factors useful in curing anemia. Exercises such as walking and yogasanas such as paschimottasana, sarvangasana, shavasana, and uttanpadasana are recommended to tone up the entire system. Proper body massage is also beneficial in keeping the level of blood high.
Thus we can conclude that natural foods supply all the essential nutrients, vitamins, proteins and iron to the body and are very helpful in the treatment and cure of diseases like anemia by improving the level of hemoglobin and red cell count in blood.
See
All articles From Author
Article Source : http://www.articlecontentking.com
Word Count Appx. : 727 | Article Views 573 Published 16-08-2009