Top 10 Effective Home Remedies For Anemia

What Is Anaemia?

Anaemia is referred to as a condition where haemoglobin or red blood cells (RBC) is less than normal. Anaemia also indicates lower blood oxygen level as red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the body’s tissues.

Types Of Anaemia And Their Reasons

Anaemia is caused by a number of reasons. Some of the most common types of Anaemia and their causes are given below.

1. Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder where the body makes an abnormal form of haemoglobin. This results in hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). There are two main types of thalassemia, alpha and beta. Minor, haemoglobin H disease and major are the types of alpha thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia major (hydrops fetalis) is the most severe form and causes stillbirth. Minor, intermedia and major are the main types of beta thalassemia. Beta thalassemia major (Cooley’s Anaemia) is the most severe form and causes severe Anaemia during the first year of life.

Reason

Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder which occurs when there are variant or missing genes that affect haemoglobin production of the body.

2. Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency Anaemia is the most common type of Anaemia. Approximately 50 % of the diagnosed Anaemia cases are due to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency Anaemia causes fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache and chest pain. It can also cause pica which is when a person craves for unusual substances with zero nutritional value like ice, starch or dirt.

Reason

Iron deficiency Anaemia occurs when the body has low levels of iron. Deficiency of iron is associated with poor diet or low iron intake, inflammatory bowel disease or heavy blood loss.

3. Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic Anaemia is a rare and serious condition where there is a deficiency of all types of blood cells (Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). It is caused by bone marrow failure and can develop at any age. Aplastic Anaemia causes severe complications and is fatal.

Reason

Bone marrow can be temporarily or permanently damaged by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, exposure to toxic chemicals, certain medications like antibiotics, autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections like HIV, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19.

4. Hemolytic Anaemia

Hemolytic Anaemia is a disease where red blood cells (RBC) are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their lifespan is over i.e., before 120 days.

Reason

Hemolytic Anaemia can be acquired or inherited. Factors of acquired hemolytic Anaemia are mechanical hemolytic Anaemia, autoimmune hemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. Factors of inherited hemolytic Anaemia are spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and pyruvate kinase deficiency.

5. Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell Anaemia is an inherited disorder where people inherit two haemoglobin S genes, one from each parent. This condition is called haemoglobin SS and results in sickle cell Anaemia where red blood cells form a crescent or sickle shape as opposed to the normal disk shape. The red blood cells are also rigid, sticky and misshapen. Sickle cell Anaemia causes attacks of sudden and severe pain as the sickle-shaped red blood cells can slow or block the flow of blood to body tissues and organs.

Reason

Sickle cell Anaemia is an inherited genetic disease. It is caused by a mutation in the gene which is responsible for the production of haemoglobin.

6. Fanconi Anaemia

Fanconi Anaemia is a rare, inherited disease which leads to bone marrow failure. All types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) are produced in the bone marrow. Bone marrow failure leads to the destruction of all these blood cells. Fanconi Anaemia (FA) can occur in all ethnic and racial groups and affects men and women equally.

Reason

Fanconi Anaemia (FA) is an inherited blood disorder caused by mutations in certain genes known as FA genes which provide instructions and helps the body repair certain types of DNA. People with Fanconi Anaemia cannot make these repairs.

7. Pernicious Anaemia

Pernicious Anaemia occurs when the intestines cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly which result in the decrease of red blood cells (RBC). It is more common in people of Celtic (English, Scottish or Irish) or Scandinavian origin. The symptoms of pernicious Anaemia are not seen in adults until the age of 30. The average age of diagnosis is about 60 years.

Reason

Vitamin B12 is vital for the production of red blood cells in the body. A glycoprotein called the intrinsic factor (gastric intrinsic factor) is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 by the body. People with pernicious Anaemia are deficient in this special protein and cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly.

8. Megaloblastic Anaemia

Megaloblastic Anaemia is a type of macrocytic Anaemia. It occurs as a result of inhibition of DNA synthesis during red blood cell production. Megaloblastic Anaemia has a slow start and fast development compared to other types of Anaemia.

Reason

The main cause of megaloblastic Anaemia is due to hypovitaminosis, specifically the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folates. This is responsible for the defect in the synthesis of red cell in the DNA. Deficiency of vitamin B12 alone does not produce the signs of megaloblastic Anaemia if there is sufficient folate.

How To Treat Anaemia Naturally?

Though several types of Anaemia cannot be avoided, iron deficiency Anaemia and other Anaemia caused by the deficiency of vitamins and folates can be prevented with the help of a healthy diet. Here are some natural remedies to cure Anaemia at home.

1. Spinach

What You Will Need?

• 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
• 3/4^th cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup water or as required

What To Do?

1. Add 3/4^th cup of chopped carrot to the blender along with a cup of water.
2. Blend it to a puree form.
3. Now add a cup of fresh spinach leaves to the puree.
4. Blend it to a smooth puree.
5. Pour the puree into a container using a sieve and extract the juice.

Useful tip: You can add other dark green leafy vegetables like fenugreek (methi) which are rich in iron to the juice.

How Often To Do?

Drink this juice every morning.

Why This Works?

Spinach is a popular green leafy vegetables and is a versatile vegetable but is often used in salads. It is a superfood which contains lots of nutrients. It is an excellent source of iron. Spinach also contains proteins, calcium, magnesium, potassium and folates.

2. Beetroot

What You Will Need?

• 1 large beetroot
• 1 inch of ginger
• 1 cup of water
• ½ tsp sugar
• 4 – 5 mint leaves

What To Do?

1. Take a large beetroot and cut into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped beetroot to a blender.
3. Now add ½ tsp. of sugar, ginger and mint leaves to it along with a cup of water.
4. Blend it to a smooth puree.
5. Pour the juice into a container using a sieve and extract the juice.

How Often To Do?

Drink this once a week. Using beetroot too much can have side effects.

Why This Works?

If you were wondering how to cure Anaemia at home look no further. Beetroot is very rich in iron and can cure Anaemia in a short amount of time. A cup of beetroot slices has 1.1% of iron which is about 6% of recommended daily iron intake. It is also rich in folate and makes up to 37% of the daily folate intake. It increases the number of red blood cells in the body.

3. Dried Figs

What You Will Need?

• 4 dried figs
• ½ tsp. of honey
• 1 glass of milk

What To Do?

1. Chop 4 dried figs into smaller pieces and add them to a blender.
2. Blend the dried figs into a paste using 1 to 2 tsp. of milk.
3. Add the blended mixture to a glass of milk.
4. Finish it by adding ½ tsp. of honey and stir well.

How Often To Do?

You can drink this every day for best results.

Why This Works?

Dried figs are excellent sources of iron. A single dried fig can make up to 2% of the daily recommended iron and four dried figs can make up to a quarter of the daily recommended intake of iron.

4. Soybeans

What You Will Need?

• 2 tbsp. of soybeans
• 3 cups of water

What To Do?

1. Soak 2 tbsp. of soybeans in 3 cups of water.
2. 2. Leave it overnight.
3. 3. In the morning rub the beans to remove the skin.

How Often To Do?

Soaked soybeans are a delicious addition to the diet and can be eaten anytime.

Why This Works?

Soybeans are an amazing source of iron. A cup of soybeans contains 9.5 mg of iron which is about 50% of the recommended iron intake. It is a source of non-heme iron and is regulated by the body better than heme iron (animal source).

5. Pumpkin Seeds

What You Will Need?

• 1 cup of pumpkin seeds
• 2 tsp. of olive oil
• Salt and pepper

What To Do?

1. Spread a cup of pumpkin seeds on an oven tray.
2. Coat them with olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Bake them in the oven until they are golden brown.

How Often To Do?

A handful of pumpkin seeds make excellent snacks. They can be consumed anytime.

Why This Works?

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron, vitamin K, zinc and manganese. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains 4.2 mg of iron which is 23% of the daily recommended intake of iron. Pumpkin seeds easy to carry and super tasty which makes them the perfect Anaemia treatment at home.

6. Broccoli

What You Will Need?

• 1 ¼ cup broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper

What To Do?

1. The oven needs to be preheated at 200 ^oC.
2. Coat the broccoli florets well with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 18 minutes.

How Often To Do?

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable and extremely nutritious. It is a good source of iron and an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is very helpful as it helps the body absorb the iron content. One cup of cooked broccoli makes up to 6% of the recommended daily intake of iron. It also provides more than 100% of the recommended intake of vitamin C and K.

7. Moringa (Drumsticks)

What You Will Need?

• 1 cup of water
• 1 ½ tsp moringa powder
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. honey

What To Do?

1. Boil a cup of water in a saucepan.
2. Add 1 ½ tsp. of moringa powder to it and stir well.
3. Cover the saucepan for 10 minutes.
4. Pour the tea into a mug and add 1 tsp. of lemon juice and honey to it.
5. Stir again and enjoy.

Useful tips: Adding lemon juice will make the tea more nutritious as lemons are rich in vitamin C.

How Often To Do?

You can drink this delicious tea every morning.

Why This Works?

Drumsticks are used in a lot of natural remedies because of its health benefits. Moringa or drumsticks are very rich in iron, vitamin A and C, calcium and magnesium.

8. Tomatoes

What You Will Need?

• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 tsp. of sugar
• ½ cup of water

What To Do?

1. Take two large tomatoes and cut them into 4 pieces.
2. Put the tomato pieces in the blender.
3. Add 2 tsp. of sugar and ½ cup of water to it.
4. Blend it and pour the juice into a glass and enjoy.

How Often To Do?

You can drink this tomato juice twice a week.

Why This Works?

Tomatoes are very rich in vitamin C which enhances the absorption of iron in the body. Consuming foods which contain vitamin C can cure Anaemia.

9. Tamarind

What You Will Need?

• A small pulp of tamarind (about the size of a lemon)
• 3 cups of water
• ½ tsp. of sugar

What To Do?

1. Heat 2 cups of water in a saucepan and turn off the flame.
2. Add a small pulp of tamarind to the hot water and leave it for 10 minutes.
3. Squeeze the tamarind to extract juice and add 1 cup of water to dilute the tamarind juice.
4. Add ½ tsp of sugar to the juice and stir well.

How Often To Do?

You can drink this twice a week.

Why This Works?

Tamarind is a well-known spice in South Asia. It is a great source of iron, copper, potassium, calcium, selenium, zinc and magnesium. 100 grams of tamarind make up to 38% of the recommended daily intake of iron. It is also rich in vital vitamins including vitamin C.

10. Olives

What You Will Need?

• 1 cup of cut olives
• 3 tsp. of mixed dry fruits
• 2 tsp. of honey

What To Do?

1. Add a cup of cut olives to a mixing bowl.
2. Add 2 tsp. of honey to it and make sure you coat all the olive pieces.
3. Now add 3 tsp. of mixed dry fruits and give a light mix.

Useful tip: You can also add other vitamin C-rich fruits to it and make it more nutritious.

How Often To Do?

Though this fruit salad is healthy and delicious, it may make you gain weight. You can eat this once a week or fortnight.

Why This Works?

Olives are a good source of iron, containing 3.3 mg of iron which is 18% of the recommended daily intake of iron. They are also a great source of fiber, vitamin A and E.

Also read:

20 Proven Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin, Hair and Health

15 Incredible Benefits of Pomegranate for Health, Skin and Hair