Anemia from An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health by Lorna Vanderhaeghe

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An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health

Anemia

There are several types of anemia whereby the number of red blood cells, or the amount of hemoglobin they carry, is low. A reduction of either limits the amount of oxygen available to the lungs and other areas of the body. A simple blood test can determine anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type. When red blood cells are lost due to excessive bleeding, a deficiency of iron occurs. Normally iron is recycled to make new red blood cells, but when excess bleeding has occurred (often due to uterine fibroids in women) there is not enough iron to rebuild red blood cells in the bone marrow. Iron supplements are used with success to correct iron-deficiency anemia.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are also used by the bone marrow to make red blood cells. A deficiency of one or both causes pernicious anemia. Vegetarians, and those with malabsorption syndromes caused by gut problems or autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s or autoimmune gastritis, must use Vitamin B12 and folic acid injections to correct this anemia.

Vitamin C deficiency causes small red blood cells; this condition also promotes anemia.

Pernicious anemia is associated with autoimmune disease. It develops at the last stage of autoimmune gastritis because the immune system has destroyed the gastric mucosa (gut lining). Autoimmune hemolytic anemia results when red blood cells are attacked and destroyed. The body is unable to use Vitamin B12 and as a result, digestion is compromised, as is the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. Ten to 15 percent of those with autoimmune gastritis have pernicious anemia.

Two percent of the Western population over 60 years of age is deficient in vitamin B12 and has pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia can easily be treated with vitamin B12.

Symptoms
Signs of anemia are fatigue, shortness of breath, depression, diarrhea, paleness, rapid heartbeat, chest pains, inability to exercise even moderately and abdominal discomfort. Stomach acid is extremely low, making digestion difficult or impossible. Iron deficiency can cause craving for dirt and ice. Cracks at the sides of the mouth and spoonlike fingernails are also signs of anemia. If vitamin B12 deficiency is left unaddressed, neurological problems can arise. Many elderly people have undiagnosed B12 and folic acid deficiencies, leading to anemia.

Causes
The cause of pernicious anemia is still unknown, but two factors are acknowledged. First, there is a genetic inheritance leaning towards northern Europeans and those with genetic markers for fair skin, blue eyes and blood group A. It is very rare in southern Europeans and “almost nonexistent” in Asians and Africans. Second, it coexists with other autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, primary Addison’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, myasthenia gravis, premature graying and primary ovarian failure. A lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12 is often the cause of pernicious anemia. (Intrinsic factor is secreted by the cells of the stomach; these cells are often damaged due to disease. Or intrinsic factor may not be released due to low levels of stomach acid and the pancreatic enzyme trypsin.)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by poor nutrition, a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, or any digestive disorder such as malabsorption syndrome, Crohn’s disease, leaky gut or gastric surgery.

PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTHY SKIN

Nutrients

Dosage

Action

Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women

As directed. For complete formula recommendations see Appendix A

For optimal nutrient status

Folic Acid 1000 mcg daily

Required for blood cell formation

Lipotropic factors Choline and inositol
100 mg Choline daily
100 mg inositol daily

Maximizes assimilation of B12

Vitamin B6 from Pyridoxal-5-phosphate
60 mg per day

Elevates hemoglobin

Vitamin B12

Injection 1 mg weekly for 6 weeks or until anemia is reversed, then once monthly. Those with pernicious anemia need B12 for life. Oral methylcobalamin, the active form of B12 in sublingual tablets 2000 mcg per day for one month or until anemia is reversed and 1000 mcg thereafter.

Essential for blood cell formation

Vitamin C

1000 mg three times daily

Maximizes assimilation of B12 and eliminates iron-deficiency anemia

Floradix Iron Tonic

1-4 capfuls daily

Does not constipate, enhances iron

Probiotic Essentials
BB536

1 capsule (equivalent to 5 billion/capsule), 2-3 times daily before meals

Improves intestinal flora required to manufacture nutrients

Digestive enzymes
(Zymactive)

1 - 2 capsules with meals

Maximizes digestion

HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING

Uterine fibroids are a common cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding in women. See Uterine Fibroids for treatment information.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, tobacco, birth control pills and topical steroids—they inhibit vitamin B12 absorption.
Take digestive enzymes before a meal, but do not drink fluids while eating—that will dilute digestive enzymes.
Eat calf liver.
Eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables.
Lack of iron inhibits thyroid hormone. Have your thyroid checked.

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