Anemia is typically characterized by low iron levels in the blood. It is commonly known that anemia can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and dizziness. The more uncommonly known facts are that often anemia stems from using certain pharmaceutical medications, improper digestion, irritation in the stomach lining, abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract, and nutritional deficiencies.
A well-known treatment for anemia is iron supplementation; however, there are additional ways to address and treat the underlying cause of the issue.
The most common causes of anemia are nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid, but at the root of the issue are many reasons why these deficiencies occur, and each should be considered for a tailored treatment plan.
Nutritional deficiencies can be part of one’s genetic make-up, especially when it comes to anemia, but it can also be a disruption in the absorption process. Medications called NSAIDs, which are common anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aleve, can cause an irritation in the stomach lining when taken long-term which affects absorption of certain nutrients.
Stomach and intestinal inflammation from acid reflux, low digestive enzyme production, irritable bowel disease, and general irritation can also cause nutrient deficiencies.
The most effective way to remedy digestive irritation and inflammation is through diet and supplements. By reducing the intake of irritating and acidic foods such as excessive coffee and alcohol, citrus, tomatoes, red meat, and gluten, and increasing simple, easy to digest foods such as free range organic poultry, fish, and green vegetables, you allow the GI system to take a break and to heal.
Introducing supplements that calm an irritated digestive system and improve digestion can repair digestive tissue that is not breaking down food and absorbing nutrients correctly. Recommended supplements include probiotics, digestive enzymes, slippery elm bark, aloe vera juice, and licorice.
Anemia can also be caused by overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the digestive system. Common problematic bacteria such as H. Pylori can proliferate and cause secondary issues such as anemia. H. Pylori can go undiagnosed as it often causes minimal symptoms at onset.
Treating H. Pylori can involve pharmaceutical medication; however, it can also be controlled with probiotics, digestive enzymes, garlic capsules, and the herb called goldenseal.
In the absence of any known disease, improper digestion, or bacterial overgrowth, anemia can simply be caused by a nutritional deficiency. Focusing on foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid such as green leafy vegetables, beets, legumes, whole eggs, and nuts, can increase nutritional intake of these vitamins. Vitamin B12 may additionally be supplemented with nutritional yeast added to food. To enhance absorption of nutrients from these foods, eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, and kombucha drinks at the same time. Supplementing with Vitamin C can specifically enhance iron absorption as can foods rich in Vitamin C like strawberries, peppers, and broccoli.
It is not advised to treat an undiagnosed condition, or to treat it prophylactically; however, it is good to understand the various causes of a health issue and means of alleviating that condition naturally. There are many ways to address the body naturally, and to heal the root of the issue.
Dr. Sinsheimer is Optimal Health Center’s naturopathic doctor and can be reached at (760) 568.2598.
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