Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBC) or the amount of haemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in them) is low. When the number of red blood cells is reduced or the amount of haemoglobin in them is low, the blood cannot carry an adequate supply of oxygen. The inadequate supply of oxygen in the tissues causes the symptoms.
Causes of Anaemia
- Inadequate nutrition often leads to iron deficiency anaemia, this is the most common cause of anaemia in developing countries and is easily treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. This is also observed during pregnancy.
- Blood loss due to a medical or traumatic condition such as tumours and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Inadequate production of RBC observed in leukaemia, lymphomas, sickle cell anaemia often hereditary where the red cells are crescentic shape due to a defective gene, metabolic demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding that depletes women’s iron store, vitamin B12 deficiency, celiac diseases, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and metastatic cancer
- Excessive destruction of RBC seen in haemolytic anaemia caused due to infection, snake bite, and lead poisoning
Symptoms of Anaemia
- Excessive hair fall and pale looking skin are a few early symptoms
- Fatigue, dizziness, confused, depressed, agitated, breathing difficulty, excess sweating and increased thirst are seen in mild anaemia
- Chest pain, painful leg cramps, black tarry stools, blood in urine, irritable, pale skin, coughing of blood, yellowish tinge to the skin or white of the eye and pricking sensation of the hands or feet are symptoms of severe anaemia.
Treatment of Anaemia in Allopathy
- A thorough examination by the physician based on the symptoms and complete blood test often confirms the diagnosis and also indicates the possible cause of anaemia. Based on cause the treatment is planned accordingly and supported by nutritional supplements essentially iron supplements are prescribed are prescribed in mild cases, in severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
- Intravenous fluids and pain medication are given as a supportive treatment
- Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) is usually the last resort in the severe form of haemolytic anaemia
Allergy and Anaemia
In Ayurveda Anemia is referred to as Panduroga. Pandu means whitish colouration of the skin, eyes and nails. Improper diet, weak gastric fire, worm infestation and blood loss are the main reason which causes accumulation of Ama (toxin) in the stomach, which blocks the channels of rasa dhatu which leads to vitiation in all the three Doshas.
Treatment in Ayurveda
Panchakarma
- Vamana Karma is a process where vomiting is induced to get rid of the toxins in the body.
- Anuvasana Vasthi is a medicated oil enema enhances the healing process and reduces the inflammation of the gut, cleanses the colon and enhances absorption
- Abhyanga is an oil massage followed by a steam bath (swedana) which is very useful for systemic detoxification, strengthening the immune system and improve circulation. This therapy improves the oxygenation of each and every tissue in the body thus rejuvenating them.
Diet changes
- Food should be prepared in iron vessels as it improves the iron content in the body
- Heavy meals, spicy and fatty food should be avoided as it burdens the digestion
- Meat and eggs should be totally shunned
- Vegetables and fruits should be consumed in excess
- Seeds and nuts are rich in amino acids and aids in RBC production
Lifestyle modification
- Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, exposure to the sun is very essential to build one’s immunity and improve Anemia, indulge in a healthy mindset, have a clean and green surrounding.
- Indulge in yoga and Pranayama as they promote circulation and treat Anemia as well
- Alcohol and smoking should be shunned as it aggravates Anemia and leads to Ama accumulation
Ayurvedic Medicines
- Punarnavadi Mandura administered with buttermilk is the best possible treatment in the management of anaemia. The iron present in Punarnavadi Mandura combines with lactic acid in the buttermilk to form ferrous lactate which is easily absorbed in the body.
- Dodimadi Gritha and Trikatrayadi Lauha are rich in ferrous and are used to treat Anemia
- Dhatrilauha vati is used to treat anaemia in pregnancy. Dhatrilauha Vati is composed of Lauha Bhasma which is an iron supplement which rectifies the metabolism and nourishes the tissues.
- Ayurvedic herbs such as Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Amruta (Tinospora Cordifolia), Ashwanghada and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra L) nourish the body and is supportive of iron absorption.
Yastimadhu prevents bleeding and normalises hematopoiesis.
Yoga and Pranayama
Regular practice of different yoga poses increases the RBC production as well as purifies the blood.
Asanas such as Sarvangasana, Paschimottanasana, Uttanpadasana and Shavasana promotes good circulation and directs the flow of the entire body towards the heart.
Breathing exercise like Anuloma Viloma, Ujjayi Pranayama, Suryabhedana and Kapalabhatti increases circulation of blood and oxygenation of all the tissues in the body by increasing the vitality and oxygen carrying capacity of the RBC.
Naturopathy and Anemia
According to naturopathy healthy diet and a holistic lifestyle are the key to treat anaemia.
Drinking a glass of aloe vera juice with a teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder early in the morning on empty stomach is an excellent blood tonic and a detoxifying agent as well.
Diet modification
- Eat healthy and fresh. Consume plenty of fruits as it very essential for healthy blood cells.
- Ensure consumption of plenty of vitamin C, as it is very necessary to strengthen the immune system because anaemia weakens it.
- Eat more greens such as spinach, celery, broccoli and mustard greens as they are a great source of iron
- Drink up fresh beetroot or pomegranate juice as they are blood builders and also blood purifiers.
- Add raisins and dates into the diet as a mid-day snack, this enables the body to quickly and effectively absorb iron.
Lifestyle modification
- Regular exercises, yoga and pranayama are very beneficial in boosting up immunity and haemoglobin levels, as the boost immunity, improve circulation and trigger red blood cell production
- Have a regular 8-hour sleep at night, as it is very essential for the body to relax and rejuvenate
- Surround yourself with plants and trees as it contributes to oxygen production which is very essential for our survival and also very soothing to the eyes
- Drink plenty of water.
Botanical herbs
- Sesame seeds are very rich in iron, which is necessary for blood production. Make a paste out of it and consume a teaspoon of this paste with honey.
- Moringa extract is an excellent herb for anaemia as it drastically improves the iron levels and thus improving the haemoglobin in the blood.
- Milk thistle is a potent detoxifying herb and a blood tonic.
- Ginko improves immunity and triggers blood production
- Asian ginseng improves the general health and improves anaemia
