What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition rather than a disease itself that results due to a dysfunction in the body.  The condition indicates lower than normal levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the body. Red blood cells use haemoglobin (a protein) to carry oxygen around the body, which then in turn performs its various duties.  Low levels of hemoglobin and RBCs cause the blood supply insufficient amounts of Oxygen to the tissues, thus forcing the heart and lungs to work harder to pump additional oxygen to where it is needed.

Different types of Anaemia

• Iron Deficiency Anaemia
  This occurs when the body runs low on Iron, mainly due to inadequate dietary intake, diseases such as gastritis and stomach cancer, and menstruation.
• Pernicious Anaemia (B12 Deficiency Anaemia)
  This kind of Anaemia is caused by inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 from the diet. B12 if most commonly sourced from animal food sources thus placing vegetarians and vegans at a higher risk of developing pernicious Anaemia. It may also be caused by diseases that affect absorption such as stomach cancers, ulcers and small intestine disease.
• Megobalstic Anaemia (Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia). This type of Anaemia is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption and inadequate intake of dietary folic acid.

Causes of Anaemia

• Autoimmune disorders
• Blood loss, most often caused by heavy menstruation, trauma, surgery and disease.
• Bone marrow disorders
• Chronic diseases
• Dietary deficiency, such as low dietary intakes of Vitamin B12, Iron and folic acid.
• Medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and anti-coagulant drugs.
• Hormone disorders
• Infection
• Inherited disorders
• Malabsorption issues/conditions
• Rapid Growth periods, such as puberty and pregnancy.

Symptoms of Anaemia

• Abnormal food cravings
• Angina
• Appetite loss
• Difficulties with concentration
• Dizziness
• Fatigue & weakness
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Irritability
• Orthostatic Hypertension – rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing from a lying/sitting position.
• Pale skin
  
• Reddened/ cracked tongue
• Shortness of breath

Foods for Anaemia

Symptoms of Anaemia resolve when the body is nourished with additional amounts of Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 that are sourced from a balanced diet and supplementation.

Heme Iron is a richer source of Iron to the body as it is more available for absorption. Foods rich in heme Iron include:

• Beef
• Beef Liver
• Chicken Liver
• Clams
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Pork Liver
• Sardines
• Shrimp
• Turkey

Whilst not as available to the body for absorption, non-heme Iron is still a good source of Iron and may be sourced from foods such as:

• Baked potato with skin
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Canned asparagus
• Canned beans
  
• Cooked beans and lentils
• Enriched breakfast cereals
• Pumpkin seeds

Foods that enhance Iron absorption include:

• Oranges
• Cantaloupe
• Strawberries
  
• Grapefruit
  
• Meat/fish/poultry
  
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Tomato
• Potato
• Green & red capsicum

Foods that may contribute to Anaemia

The following foods may in fact contribute to Anaemia by inhibiting iron absorption in the body:

• Tea
  
• Coffee
  
• Wheat Bran
  
• Tofu
  
• Rhubarb
  
• Chocolate
  
• Soft Drinks
  
• Red wine\
• Ice cream

It is also worth noting that smoking should also be avoided as it depletes the body of the Vitamin C required for efficient Iron absorption.

Iron Supplementation

Along with a good dietary plan, your health practitioner may also recommend Iron supplementation to treat symptoms of Anaemia.  When taking them, it is important to remember:

• To take them on an empty stomach for optimum absorption.
  
• To avoid taking them with foods that may inhibit the Iron’s absorption (see list above).
  
• To delay the ingestion of other medications for a few hours after taking the Iron supplement.
• To continue with the supplement regime for a minimum of three months (for optimum results).

If you are interested in finding out more information on how nutrition may assist Anaemia, please speak to a qualified Nutritionist or Naturopath.

Find out about other effective natural anaemia treatments.