Anaemia
– Known in Ayurveda a PANDU
Anaemia
is much more easily prevented than corrected. A liberal intake of
iron containing foods in the formative years can go a long way in
preventing iron-deficiency anaemia.
Diet
is of the utmost importance in the treatment of anaemia. Almost
every nutrient is needed for the production of red blood cells,
haemoglobin and the enzymes, required for their synthesis.
Refined
food like white bread, polished rice, sugar, and desserts rope the
body of the much -needed iron. Iron should always be taken in its
natural organic form as the use of inorganic can prove hazardous,
destroying the protective vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids,
causing serious liver damage and even miscarriage and delayed or
premature births. The common foods rich in natural organic iron
are wheat and wheat grain cereals, brown rice and rice polishings,
green leafy vegetables, cabbage, carrot, celery, beets, tomatoes,
spinach; fruits like apples, berries, cherries, grapes, raisins,
figs, dates, peaches and eggs. It has been proved that a generous
intake of iron alone will not help in the regeneration of hemoglobin.
The supplies of protein, too, should be adequate. The diet should,
therefore, be adequate in proteins of high biological value such
as those found in milk, cheese and egg.
Vitamin
B12 is a must for preventing or curing anaemia. This vitamin is
usually found in animal protein and especially in organic meats
like kidney and liver. A heavy meat diet is often associated with
a high haemoglobin and high red cell count, but it has its disadvantages.
One cause of anaemia is intestinal putrefaction, which is primarily
brought on by a high meat diet.
Moreover,
all meats are becoming increasingly dangerous due to widespread
diseases in the animal kingdom. There are, however, other equally
good alternative sources of vitamin B12 such as dairy products,
like milk, eggs and cheese, peanuts. Wheat germ and soyabeans also
contain some B12. Vegetarians should include sizeable amounts of
milk, milk products and eggs in their diet.
For
prevention of anaemia, it is essential to take the entire B-complex
range, which includes B12, as well as the natural foods mentioned
above.
A
liberal intake of ascorbic acid is necessary to facilitate absorption
of iron. At least two helpings of citrus fruits and other ascorbic
acid rich foods should be taken daily.
Mention
must be made of beets, which are extremely important in curing anaemia.
With its high iron content, beet juice regenerates and reactivates
the red blood cells, supplies the body with fresh oxygen and helps
the normal function of vesicular breathing.
