Home Remedies for Anemia includes eating spinach, pomegranates, and sesame seeds, consuming fermented foods, consuming foods rich in Beta-Carotene such as butternut squash, eating more liver, taking citrus fruits, taking natural yogurt, eating dark chocolate, and consuming sunflower seeds.
What is Anemia?
Is estimated that as much as 25% of the world’s population or an estimated 1.6 billion people, suffer from anemia without even knowing it. Though it is not often fatal, it can negatively affect the quality of your life, making you worry that something more serious is amiss. Those who are most likely to be diagnosed with anemia commonly include people with picky eating habits, or those not eating a balanced diet.
Often times, pregnant women and the elderly are the most frequently diagnosed, with women in general having higher rates of diagnosis than men. Children are especially at risk, since most kids go through a phase of picky eating that does not appreciate fruits and vegetables. While there are more serious causes of anemia, such as genetic defects, the majority of cases can easily be treated with proper nutritional supplementation and consumption of a complete diet. If you suffer from anemia, it is an easy task to remedy the situation most of the times. Wondering how you can do this with natural methods? Read on to find out more.
10 Best Home Remedies for Anemia
1. Spinach
When it comes to treating anemia via the dietary route, green leafy vegetables such a spinach are some of the best remedies you can find. Spinach is very rich in iron, as well as vitamin B12 and folic acid which are all essential in the synthesis of red blood cells. Even though most cases of anemia are as a result of iron deficiency, insufficient folic acid or vitamin B12 consumption are also probable causes.
2. Pomegranates
Pomegranate are a surprisingly rich source of iron and other minerals which are important for the blood building process. In addition, it is abundant in vitamin C which studies have shown help to improve the body’s uptake and utilization of iron. The net result is enhanced red blood cell synthesis. You can either use pomegranate juice or the fleshy seeds themselves, whichever you prefer.
3. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are another great option for treating anemia, thanks to their high iron content. One quarter cup size serving of sesame seeds can provide as much as 30% of your daily iron requirement. Yes, we know you are unlikely to eat sesame seeds as is which is why you can use them in a manner similar to chia seeds by soaking them in water overnight or enhancing their flavor with honey and spices you might prefer. Sesame seeds can also be made into sweet puddings for a delicious and health treat.
4. Consume Fermented Foods
When it comes to treating anemia, many people overlook the importance of gut health, when the anemia may have originated in this location in the first place. Think of it this way, if your gut does not facilitate proper nutrient absorption, then you are likely to develop a deficiency. Of course, iron can be one of these important nutrients that you fail to properly absorb, while vitamin B12 and folic acid are order probable causes.
You may find consumption of supplements that contain iron or these two vitamins still do not remedy the situation, and this is simply because the gut is not able to assimilate these nutrients. In such cases, a condition known as leaky gut syndrome may be the cause. Studies have found that people who consume more fermented foods have higher levels of the beneficial probiotic bacteria in their gut, and have less problems absorbing food consumed. Foods such as kimchi and pickles are excellent options to start with especially if you have tried supplementing or consuming foods rich in the necessary nutrients and yet nothing has changed.
5. Consume Foods Rich In Beta-Carotene
Unknown to many people, foods that are rich in beta-carotene especially those of the squash family, such as butternut squash, are excellent for nourishing your spleen. Why the spleen? It is because red blood cells are recycled here. Many people do not know that red blood cells are actually recycled in the spleen, with a defective spleen possibly interfering with natural red blood cell synthesis. Foods such as those of the squash family are excellent for spleen maintenance can help ensure that red blood cells are produced in a timely manner.
6. Consume More Liver
When compared on a gram per gram basis, liver is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. This is the reason why animals consume the liver of their prey before eating the rest of the carcass. Liver is an extremely rich source of iron along with many other B vitamins and minerals. While cow liver is best, it is an acquired taste and many people are unlikely to enjoy it. If this is you, try chicken liver which is still likely to give you some of the benefit but without the strong taste. Liver is one of the best ways to treat anemia and has been regarded as such for decades, even with our primal ancestors consuming this by instinct.
7. Citrus Fruits
While most fruits will suffice, citrus fruits are preferred thanks to their vitamin C content and many associated bio compounds which help to increase absorption of dietary iron. This is especially important if you consume normal amount of iron and you’re still predisposed to developing anemia, possibly as a result of a genetic mutation in absorption of this mineral. Many prescription medications to treat anemia now include vitamin C as a standard in them. Oranges and tangerines are excellent citrus fruits to consume right now, as they are delicious options as well. Natural juices can also work, but just be sure to skip the added sugar.
8. Natural Yogurt
Yogurt can help to treat anemia by two mechanisms, namely the supply of probiotic bacteria which promote good health, and also thanks to their ability to suppress candida overgrowth. Candida are opportunistic fungi which can impair absorption of many nutrients and result in anemia. Candida are a natural part of your gut microbiome, but need to be kept in check as they can quickly become pathogenic and cause illness. Natural yogurt is highly preferred, as packaged varieties are usually sweetened with sugar and will cause other problems of their own.
9. Eat Dark Chocolate
While you may not understand at first glance why dark chocolate can help treat anemia, it is due to its ability to suppress the hormone cortisol. The stress hormone cortisol can have a negative impact on your nutrient absorption, and as a result leave you more likely to develop anemia along with other nutritional deficiencies. Dark chocolate is used by athletes for it cortisol suppressing ability as well as nutrient absorption boosting capabilities.
10. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a nutritional powerhouse even if you do not understand how they fit in the blood building and anemia treatment. Sunflower seeds, however, are among the best sources of dietary copper, an important mineral involved in blood synthesis. Treatment of anemia does not involve use of iron only, as there are many trace minerals that are essential to the blood building process. An even better option than sunflower seeds for its copper levels? You guessed it, bovine liver. Now you can see why liver is considered the single best anemia fighting blood building food on the planet.
Conclusion
The vast majority of times anemia can be treated with appropriate dietary intervention. By just consuming foods rich in minerals and vitamins that promote red blood cell synthesis, you should be able to reverse the condition and enjoy improved health and vitality.