Anemia sufferers - Improve your absorption of iron

(NaturalNews) Even people, who are aware of their bodies and make healthy choices with food and beverages, may find themselves in an iron-deficient anemic state. At times, simply knowing which foods are high in iron may not be enough to prevent becoming anemic. Understanding which habits support, and which may inhibit, the body's absorption of iron is necessary to balance an iron-deficient anemic condition.

When trying to overcome anemia, it's best to avoid eating foods with high levels of oxalic acid - rhubarb, tomatoes, spinach, and chocolate - because oxalic acid can interfere with the absorption of iron from non-plant sources. However, spinach can be boiled for a minute in order to reduce the oxalic acid levels.

Foods and beverages with tannins (biomolecules that bind to proteins) also need to be avoided or taken in moderation because they interfere with iron absorption. Red wine, grapes, coffee, black tea, and green tea are a few foods that contain tannins. The website "Home Birth With Love" states, "Coffee, soda, black tea, dairy foods, bran, antacids, calcium and magnesium supplements, and certain medications actually inhibit iron absorption." Antacids are not recommended because iron is absorbed in the duodenum in an acidic environment. It's best to avoid pasteurized dairy foods because pasteurized dairy may cause undetected bleeding to occur in the GI tract. When anemic, it goes without saying that bleeding should be avoided. Calcium phosphates in supplements, phosphates found in milk, and the phytates in legumes and grains also block iron absorption. Keep in mind, refining grains lowers the phytates' ability to block iron but, unfortunately, decreases the iron within the legume or grain itself.

According to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers report, "Zinc and manganese may interfere with iron absorption because of the similar physicochemical properties and shared absorptive pathways." This is something to keep in mind if you take a multivitamin and are having iron absorption issues. About the topic of foods that are high in the mineral manganese, Alexander Schauss, the CEO and Senior Director of Natural and Medicinal Products Research at AIBMR Life Sciences in Washington, writes, "Unrefined whole grains and cereal products are the richest dietary sources of manganese." However, Schauss notes that it's too much manganese rather than manganese itself that inhibits iron absorption. Each person could note how his or her intake of manganese affects his or her complete blood count numbers and how they feel in general.

When taking iron supplements or eating foods that are high in iron, have at least 500 mg of vitamin C or foods that are high in vitamin C in order to help with absorption. Yoga can also help an anemic condition through the breathing and the poses performed. Breathing deeply has been shown to improve the red blood cell count, increase blood circulation, and improve digestion. The poses themselves work particular organs and stimulate them to function better as well. Yoga can also increase energy through unblocking qi (chi), which is a result welcomed by tired, weak anemic sufferers.

When anemic, the road back to health isn't necessarily only focusing on foods high in iron. It makes sense to stop blocking the absorption of iron and to start supporting the absorption of iron to balance an iron-deficient anemic condition.

Spirulina helps treat anemia

(NaturalNews) Many people don't know this, but spirulina is an outstanding dietary aid to help prevent (or reverse) anemia. What follows is a compilation of expert quotations on precisely this topic, cited from some of the most authoritative books and authors in the world. Feel free to cite this information in your own book or website. Be sure to cite the original author and source.

An excellent summary study of Spirulina was done in 2002. The authors summarized the many potential benefits of Spirulina: "Spirulina has been experimentally proven, in vivo and in vitro that it is effective to treat certain allergies, anemia, cancer, hepatotoxicity [toxicity of the liver], viral and cardiovascular diseases, hyperglycemia [high blood sugar], hyperlipidemia [high cholesterol and triglycerides], immunodeficiency, and inflammatory processes, among others.
- Spirulina: Nature's superfood by Kelly J Moorhead

Unlike other algaes, the cell wall of spirulina has high concentrations of mucopolysaccharides, which are easily digested and form glycoprotein complexes that are important in the formation of protein and the building of cell membranes. Primitive foods such as spirulina contain the highest food energy, the highest nutrient value, and use up the least amount of the planet's resources. Spirulina is also a powerful alkalinizing and healing food. It is an excellent support for the healing of hypoglycemia, diabetes, chronic fatigue, anemia, ulcers, and for boosting the immune system.
- Conscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.

Spirulina and other micro-algae are excellent remedies for most cases of anemia, and B12 is essential for building red blood. Most cases of anemia, however, are not merely a result of B12 deficiency alone; it may be that the massive amounts of chlorophyll, iron, protein, and other nutrients in micro-algae overcome anemia. In our personal experience, we have observed many people who have taken various micro-algae regularly for a decade or more, and when other sources of B12 are included in the diet, B12 deficiency does not arise.
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

A third of an ounce (10 g) of spirulina powder is enough to cover the daily need for vitamin B12 five times over, four times that for vitamin A, 83 percent of the daily requirement for iron, 30 percent of vitamin B2, and 25 percent of vitamin Bj. Spirulina is particularly recommended for fatigue, anemia, eyesight problems, menstrual problems, and skin disorders. In addition, it helps strengthen the immune system and facilitates the elimination of toxins that have collected inside the body. It comes in the form of a deep-green powder with a faint aroma, and also in tablets or capsules.
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

It is a rich source of amino acids, chlorophyll, B vitamins, GLA, carotenoids, and other nutrients. Spirulina has been shown to have immune-enhancing effects, it detoxifies heavy metals, and it protects against radiation sickness. A phytonutrient in spirulina known as phycocyanin has been shown to stimulate the production of blood cells.
- Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.

Hycocyanin, a phytonutrient found in spirulina, has been shown in animal studies to stimulate the bone marrow to produce blood cells more effectively. Spirulina is considered a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Avoid the use of iron sulfate (ferrous sulfate), which is poorly absorbed and can cause digestive upset.
- Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.

Depression: Wild blue-green excels for lifting bad moods; spirulina, chlorella, and cereal grass are also useful. Anemia: All cereal grasses and green micro-algae discussed in this section are good blood tonics, but spirulina and chlorella are best for building up blood deficiency caused by weak digestive absorption and poor spleen-pancreas function, because these micro-algae are less cooling and cleansing than wild blue-green and wheat or barley grass.
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

Spirulina is available in powder, capsules, and tablets, and is sometimes found as liquid extracts or flakes. For purposes of prevention, most people benefit from a "standard" 10-gram dosage: one heaping teaspoon of powder or 5 grams of tablets, twice a day. Double this amount (20 grams/day) is normally an effective upper dosage range for imbalances such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, cataracts, and anemia. More than this, however, is not toxic. Athletes and others with large energy requirements sometimes take 20 grams two or three times a day.
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

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