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Home remedies for anemia

Published On: September 18, 2009, 6:36 am

Home remedies for anemia By Megha Batra

The state of body in which the quantity of hemoglobin or the number of red cells decreases is called anemia. It is one of the most common problems among human beings. Almost 50% of the blood running in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues.

Iron and proteins are required to build up hemoglobin in the body. For a healthy body, it is essential to have about 15 gm of hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood and a blood count of around five million red cells per millimeter of blood.

 
Symptoms of anemia
 
The most common symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, lack of energy, dizziness, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory, breathing problem on exertion, headache, slow healing of wounds and palpitation. Also, the skin and mucous membranes start looking pale in an anemic condition.
 
Causes of anemia
 
Following are the common causes of anemia: 
 
• Reduction in the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow is one of the major causes of anemia. This could be due to two reasons, either due to defects in the bone marrow or because of insufficient intake of iron, vitamins, and proteins.
• Anemia is also caused due to huge blood loss because of injury, bleeding piles, or excessive menstruation in women.
• Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach also causes anemia. Hydrochloric acid is essential for digestion of iron and proteins.
• Diseases such as leukemia or stomach cancer also cause anemia.
• Infections like malaria and septicemia reduce the life span of red blood cells and thus make the body anemic.
• Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism may also cause anemia.
• Excessive intake of alcohol reduces the uptake of folic acid and makes the body anemic.
 
Home remedies for anemia
 
Anemia can be prevented and cured by using any of the following home remedial tips:
 
• Anemia can be cured by using any of the following home remedial tips:
• Anemia can be prevented or cured by intake of Vitamin B12. Meats such as kidney and liver are rich in Vitamin B12. Dairy products also contain some amount of Vitamin B12.
• Beets help in curing anemia. Beet juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin, and vitamin P. As beets are rich in iron, they help in the formation of red blood cells. It has been proved as an excellent remedy for anemia, especially in children and teenagers, where other blood-forming remedies have failed.
• Fenugreek leaves help in blood formation. Their intake has been a proven cure for anemia as they are rich in iron.
• Lettuce is also considered to be an effective remedy for anemia as it is rich in iron. Therefore, it can be used as a good tonic for anemia. The iron present in lettuce can be absorbed by the body easily.
• Spinach is a leafy vegetable that is a good source of iron. When it is absorbed, it helps in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Thus, it is beneficial in preventing and curing anemia.
• Soybean is also rich in iron and has a high amount of protein in it. Anemic patients usually suffer from indigestion. So, they should be given soybean in a very light form, preferably in the form of milk to make the digestion process run properly. 
• Almonds paste is a common remedy for anemia. Seven almonds should be dipped in water for about two hours and ground into a paste after removing the thin red skin from them. Regular intake of this paste for three months is an effective cure for anemia.
• Black sesame seeds are rich in iron and are good for curing anemia. Dip around one teaspoon of the seeds in warm water for two hours. Grind and strain them and mix them in a cup of milk sweetened with jaggery or sugar. This should be given regularly to the anemic patients. 
• Honey helps in building hemoglobin in the body as it is rich in iron, copper, and manganese. 
 
 
We must remember that anemia is basically caused as a result of nutritional deficiency. A proper and healthy diet along with physical exercises can prevent anemia to a great extent.


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