Anemia

Posted on August 3rd, 2023

Anemia is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood, which result in fatigue and facial pallor. Other symptoms depend on the typeof anemia, which can be determined by a blood test. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type and may be precipitated by heavy menstrual flow, internal bleeding, dietary deficiency of iron, pregnancy or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms
• None are apparent early in this disorder
• Pallor
• Fatigue

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the amount of iron in the body is insufficient to permit manufacture of the amount of hemoglobin needed. There are several main causes of the deficiency, including insufficient consump-ton of iron-containing foods, poor absorption of iron by the body, and loss of blood.
Worldwide, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. It occurs particularly frequently among women of childbearing age.
In nonpregnant women, the cause is the monthly menstrual loss of blood. Without iron supplementation, iron-deficiency anemia occurs in virtually all pregnant women because their iron stores have to serve the increased blood volume of the mother as well as be a source of hemoglobin for the growing fetus.

Diagnosis:
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia tend to appear so gradually that they are often hard to notice. As with other anemias, you may feel tired and less tolerant of exercise. Your skin, gums, nail beds, and eyelid linings may be pale. Eventually, the anemia may become severe enough that your heartbeat seems more rapid and noticeable.

How to help yourself

Maximize:

Iron-rich foods and herbs (sea herbs, beets, dried fruits, almonds, spinach, stinging nettle, parsley, watercress)

Foods rich in vitamin C

Herbal bitters, such as dandelion root, to improve iron absorption

Minimize:

Whole wheat bread, which limits iron absorption

Eliminate:

Foods that limit iron absorption (coffee, tea, chocolate, wheat bran)

Healing Smoothies:

Apple Beet

Apricot Peach

Beet

Orange Pom

Orange Slushie

Peachy Currant

Popeye’s Power

Sea-Straw

How Acupuncture Supports Recovery From Iron-Deficient Anemia

Acupuncture helps with iron deficiency anemia by improving the absorption of iron and the production of hemoglobin. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to improve the flow of energy or Qi. This improves the function of the digestive system for better absorption of nutrients, including iron. It also increases the production of hemoglobin so your body puts the iron to good use.Acupuncture also increases the body’s supply of ATP, which is a molecule that provides energy to cells. Iron is necessary for the production of ATP, so by increasing the body’s supply of ATP, acupuncture supports the production of hemoglobin and helps alleviate symptoms of anemia.At Accessible Acupuncture, we also offer a high-quality, bioavailable liquid iron supplement to be used in conjunction with acupuncture to resolve iron deficiency anemia. Our liquid iron supplement is easy to digest and absorbs quickly, making it a convenient and effective option for those who are looking to support their recovery from anemia. (It is also non-constipating)If you’re struggling with iron deficiency anemia and are looking for a natural, effective way to manage your symptoms, consider acupuncture. The body needs more than just supplemented iron pills to recover from chronic anemia. 

Call 954-987-6988 today to schedule your acupuncture consultation and treatment.