Anemia — called blood-deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine — is associated with loss of blood or a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 — or a combination of these factors. (Sometimes, as in the case of a bleeding ulcer, the blood loss is so subtle that you don't notice it.)
- Women of reproductive age are more prone to iron-deficiency and other types of anemia because they lose blood during the menstrual flow each month.
- Elderly women are also more likely to develop the condition because of poor nutrition and lowered ability to assimilate and utilize nutrients from their food.
- Vegetarian women who eat lots of whole grains, but no red meat, are at increased risk, because some molecules from grains, called phytates, can interfere with iron absorption.
Mild anemia can be subtle and can affect your memory, learning ability, mood, immune status, and energy levels. However, if you experience chronic fatigue and your tongue and cheeks are pale, or if your menstrual flow is slight or stops altogether, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
To improve the symptoms of anemia, try the following:
- Eat iron-rich foods. If you find that you have a blood-deficient condition or if you feel a little run-down and have pale cheeks and a pale tongue, add more iron-rich foods to your diet. If you eat meat, try adding 3 or 4 ounces of red meat each week. Liver is a particularly rich source of iron. Eat more green leafy vegetables, almonds, and almond milk.
- Take nutritional supplements. Take an all-inclusive dietary supplement that gives you from 15 to 20 milligrams of iron a day. A comprehensive nutritional formula for building strong blood contains iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin E, and copper.
- Keep your digestive system strong. According to traditional systems of healing, like Traditional Chinese Medicine, strong blood is built with the aid of a strong digestive system. If you have any digestive symptoms (such as gas after eating) or if you're overweight, you're more likely to have digestive weakness. Consider adding a bitter tonic formula to your daily regime to enhance the uptake of nutrients necessary for building strong blood — you can find bitter tonic formulas at your local herb shop or natural foods store.
|
