Anemia refers to low red blood cell and hemoglobin count in the bloodstream. It may also refer to the blood’s limited ability to carry oxygen. Fatigue or weakness is the primary symptom of the condition, due to decreased oxygenation. As a result, a person’s activities of daily living may also be restricted. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for anemia.
Causes
Anemia has several causes. According to EMedicine Health, the condition may result from active bleeding, since there is loss of blood; iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, since both nutrients promote oxygenation; pregnancy, as weight gain during this period dilute blood and reduces relative red blood cell concentrations; abnormal hemoglobin production, and chronic diseases like kidney disease. In kidney disease, the kidneys have an impaired release of erythropoietin, a hormone that helps in blood production in the bone marrow.
Signs and Symptoms
Anemia presents various signs and symptoms. According to Health Line, these include general fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, strange cravings to eat items that are not edible like dirt and clay, a tingling or crawling sensation in the legs, and tongue swelling and soreness.
Home Remedies
While vitamins, medications, and oxygen supplementation are applicable as treatment options for anemia, the following are some home remedies to manage the condition.
Beetroot
One remedy for anemia is beetroot. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, it helps resolve iron-deficiency anemia, the most common class of anemia. It makes a viable option in anemia management, since it is an excellent source of iron, calcium, sulfur, potassium, and fiber. To add, beetroot helps cleans the system and increase the body’s oxygen supply; thus, it will promote the red blood cell count in the body. To prepare, as per the publication, one medium-size beetroot is blended, along with three carrots and half sweet potato. Then, the juice is consumed once daily. Beetroots may also be consumed in a salad or in a cooked meal. It is noted that beetroot peel has incredible nutritional value.
Spinach
Spinach is another known anemia remedy. According to Rapid Home Remedies, the dark green leafy vegetable contains high amounts of vitamins A, B9, C, and E, along with beta carotene, calcium, fiber, and iron. As per the publication, half cup of the boiled vegetable contains 3.2 milligrams of iron, which reflects 20 percent of the recommended daily iron requirement for women. In addition, spinach contains oxalic acid, which interferes iron absorption; thus, a good practice is to boil spinach prior to eating it.
Apple and Honey
Apple and honey are two other remedies for anemia. According to Home Remedy Shop, apple is an excellent source of iron; thus, eating an apple a day will boost iron supply in the body. As per the publication, the person may eat two to three apples in a day to reach the daily requirement of the nutrient. To add, apple juice can also be combined with tomato for added nutrition.
Meanwhile, honey also serves as a potent natural anemia remedy. As per the publication, it can boost hemoglobin levels in the blood and just like apple, honey is rich in iron, along with copper and manganese, which promote metabolism, growth, and development. To prepare, the person prepares a concoction by mixing a tablespoon of honey with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
Anemia results to decreased oxygen supply in the body, which leads to limitation in a person’s activities of daily living. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult, along with the aforementioned remedies, to best manage the condition.
