Anemia refers to a condition that means lack of blood. It is the most common blood disorder that occurs when the quantity of red blood cells decreases in the body. These red blood cells contain hemoglobin- the red colouring matter, a protein and are composed of an organic compound called "heme”. Hemoglobin helps the red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. The formation of hemoglobin depends on adequate dietary supplies of iron and protein. Red cells have a lifespan of about 120 days and are daily destroyed and repaired. Each and every person should have 100 per cent hemoglobin and a blood count of five million red cells per millimeter.

Types of anemia

1. Iron deficiency anemia: It is the most common types of anemia. Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin, when there is less iron in the body it causes iron deficiency anemia.

2. Aplastic anemia: When body stops making enough red blood cells and chances of infections increases.

3. Vitamin deficiency anemia: This is also termed as megaloblastic anemia. This is caused due to the deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. In this type of anemia the red blood cells made by the body are not able to carry oxygen properly to lungs and other parts.

4. Inherited blood disease: Sickle cell anemia is an inherited anemia that is transferred through genes. In the sickle cell anemia the cells block the organs from getting proper circulation of blood. The other inherited disease is thalassemia. When the body is missing certain genes or when different genes that are not normal are passed down from parents to the kins affects the procedure the body uses to make hemoglobin.

5. Underlying diseases: Certain diseases or condition can affect the formation of red blood cells. Like in kidney failure one is on dialysis and kidney is not in the condition to produce hormones that are required for iron absorption.

6. Pernicious anemia: When body is not able to absorb vitamin B12 from the foods, the condition is known as pernicious anemia. This vitamin is also produced by the bacteria in large intestine but is not absorbed into the blood stream.

Causes

The two main causes of anemia are the reduced or low formation of red blood cell and heavy loss of blood due to injury, heavy menstruation and bleeding piles. Any defect in the bone marro

w or an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins and proteins results in low formation of red blood cells. The lack of hydrochloric acid that is required for digestion of iron and proteins also causes anemia. Use of drugs that inactive the nutrients needed in building cells also results in anemia. Various chronic diseases like tuberculosis, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis may cause anemia. Presence of intestinal parasites that feed on the vitamins and other nutrients also leads to anemia.

Home Remedies

1. Eating 2-3 apples daily helps in increasing iron content in the body.

2. A liberal intake of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for the proper absorption of iron. Two citrus fruits are recommended daily.

3. Vitamin B12 is necessary for both preventing and curing anemia. The rich sources of this vitamin are animal protein and organic meats like kidney and liver. The other good sources of vitamin B12 are dairy products, wheat germ, peanuts and soybean. The daily recommended dose is 2.2 microgram.

4. Tea and coffee should be avoided as they hinder with the iron absorption.

5. Beets are very important in the cure of anemia. Its juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and P.

6. A cold-water bath is the valuable method in curing anemia. Two baths are recommended daily.

7. Cold friction and hot Epsom baths for 5-10 minutes once a week are recommended.

8. Sunbaths are also beneficial as sunlight stimulates the production of red cells.

9. 3-4 dried figs are recommended a day for anemic person's.

10. Honey also plays an important role in improving the health. Lemon and honey or apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial when taken during morning.

11. Massaging the body daily also helps to keep the blood level in the body high.

12. Deep breathing and light exercise like walking also tones up the system and increases the blood level.

13. Various yoga asanas like sarvangasana, paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana are also beneficial.

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