2 March 2019
Hello there! Hope you are all doing well going into the new year? I have been busy working from a health food store. I am gearing up to do more in my business but today decided to do this months blog. I chose Anaemia as this is a common problem. Especially with women who menstruate.
As a woman myself I am in menopause right now. The later phase of a womans life. My son is grown and I have no other children. My stage of life is one of winding down from fertility. However when younger, I suffered endometriosis and had severely painful and heavy periods. I would bleed heavily for up to 7 days. I have, since little, been prone to iron deficiency anaemia. My mother was told by the doctor to feed me egg yolk as it was full of iron. Being mindful this was around 1970 or so. Then ongoing into my teens when my periods started I had pale skin and schlera of the eyes.
The reason I mention this as many of you may relate. I had a diet with a lot of red meat and fruit and veg but I just had the tendency. Now symptoms of amaemia are pale skin and schlera, dizziness, breathlessness and fatigue among others.
Causes can be diet low in iron such as vegetarianism and veganism, malabsorption, occult bleeding but also high levels of copper and zinc. These nutrients compete with iron in the body for absorption. Now we do still need copper and zinc in correct doses. The best sources of iron are red meat and poultry but also dark leafy greens which, when eating with other vegetables high in vitamin C in order to help absorption. Diet is a brilliant way to replenish iron stores and if taking supplements then follow the instructions on the pack. You should be aware that taking supplements should only be under correct guidance of your health providor as you should be careful of how it effects the body if taken too long. So as a naturopath we recommend dietary sources as best for improving iron levels. If this continues then see the doctor in case there is hidden causes of bleeding within the body. In malabsorption we then treat the integrity of the gut. Hope this all helps. Have a great month!
Lisa
Comments