How to treat anemia
introduction
Anemia, also known as anemia, is when the blood values hemoglobin, erythrocyte count and / or hematocrit do not correspond to the normal values. This then results in a reduced oxygen supply to the body, which can manifest itself in the affected person in the form of fatigue and exhaustion. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. However, blood loss or an increased breakdown of red blood cells can also be the reason for anemia.
Inform yourself here in more detail about the composition of the blood.
These treatment options exist
The therapy for anemia depends on the underlying cause. If blood formation is impaired due to a lack of substrates, these should be substituted. Iron deficiency is the most common, but folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency can also be present. All three components are necessary for blood formation. If they are not sufficiently available, anemia results, which can be counteracted by adding the components.
Read more on the subject at: Iron deficiency anemia and Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Some drugs, for example cytostatics, which are used in cancer therapy, can also cause anemia. In this case, the blood count may return to normal after stopping these drugs.
If blood loss, for example as part of a gastric bleeding, is the cause of the anemia, it must be stopped. Hemostasis can be carried out by endoscopic intervention or surgery, depending on the origin and extent of the bleeding. If the blood loss is massive, a blood transfusion can take place in order to replenish the blood reservoir quickly and thus maintain the circulation.
Iron gift
Anemia caused by an iron deficiency is the most common form of anemia. Women of childbearing age are particularly affected by it, due to the loss of blood during menstruation. If the iron uptake is insufficient for blood formation, iron must be supplied to the body. This can be done through an increased intake of iron-containing foods or drug therapy, for example using iron tablets or iron infusion. However, the cause should be clarified beforehand, as bleeding or reduced iron absorption in the intestine can also be the reason for the iron deficiency.
Iron can be given in the form of iron tablets, capsules or drops. These should then ideally be taken on an empty stomach in order to achieve maximum absorption. However, they can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and black stool. In order to replenish the iron stores, the supply should take place over a period of three to six months.
If the oral intake of iron is not tolerated or if there is an intestinal disease that prevents iron absorption, the iron can also be administered as an infusion. The passage through the intestine is avoided and the iron enters the bloodstream directly. However, as iron infusion can lead to intolerance reactions and serious side effects such as anaphylactic shock, it should only be carried out under medical supervision. The advantage of iron infusion is that the iron stores are replenished faster than by taking iron orally.
Read more about the Therapy for iron deficiency
These drugs can help
As already described above, anemia can be counteracted with certain drugs. If the intestinal passage is intact, components that are required for blood formation can be administered orally. Depending on the cause of the anemia, iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements are possible. When supplying these elements externally, care should be taken to ensure that they are taken correctly in order to enable optimal absorption into the bloodstream. For example, iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. However, the iron supplements are then also less tolerable. The optimal intake must be weighed up individually.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the body that stimulates blood formation in the bone marrow. As a rule, when the body is anemic, it is synthesized to an increased extent in order to stimulate blood formation and thus compensate for the anemia. Erythropoietin is mainly produced in the kidney. If there is a disease of the kidneys which means that not enough erythropoietin can be produced, anemia results. This can then be counteracted by an external supply of erythropoietin.
Erythropoietin is used as a doping agent in endurance sports.
These home remedies can help
Depending on the cause of the anemia, attempts can be made to counteract this by using certain home remedies. Nevertheless, the cause should always be clarified by a doctor in order to rule out serious causes of the anemia. In addition to nutrition, medicinal herbs and medicinal plants as well as essential oils can be used, which are said to have a positive effect on blood production. However, the effectiveness of these substances has not been scientifically proven.
For example, horehound, quince or verbena plants can be used. Chamomile, thyme or garlic oil can also have a positive effect.
This is how I eat properly when I have anemia
Anyone suffering from anemia can counteract this with a targeted intake of certain foods. Of course, this only applies if a lack of blood-forming components is the cause of the anemia. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. To prevent iron deficiency, care should be taken to ensure that foods that contain iron are sufficiently consumed. So that the iron can be optimally absorbed by the body, enough vitamin C should also be supplied, as this supports iron utilization. A lot of vitamin C is found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges or grapefruits. Foods that contain a lot of iron include red meat, spinach, bulgur, chanterelles and Jerusalem artichokes. The recommended daily dose of iron is 10 mg for men and 15 mg for women.
You can find out more about the topic here Diet for iron deficiency
Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia. The following foods, for example, contain a high proportion of folic acid: beef liver, wheat germ flakes, parsley or cress. Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products such as meat, cheese, milk, eggs and cheese. It is recommended to consume approx. 400 µg folic acid and 3 µg vitamin B12 per day.
