According to a recent study published in the Journal of Population and Social Studies (Vol. 19, Number 1), over 95% of Indian women and female children suffer from anemia. The study, Prevalence of Iron-Deficiency Anaemia in India: Results from a Large Nationwide Survey, by Ramesh Chellan and Lopamudra Paul, also shows that the prevalence of this disorder is the most common among adolescent girls, at 97.8%, of whom,27.1% are severely anemic. The reality is that this disorder can affect people of all socioeconomic classes. If left untreated, prolonged and severe anemia could lead to serious health problems, including secondary organ damage or dysfunction. In fact, this ailment can affect the heart and lungs, ultimately leading to death. While our intention is not frighten anyone, it is important to learn how some simple steps can help prevent this disease. If the disease does affect you or a loved one, the best way to deal with it is to detect it early. One of the newest, and possibly, most effective treatments for this condition is using stem cells from the cord lining. This is why physicians recommend that parents make arrangements to store their children’s umbilical cord even before the child is born.
Easy Dietary Changes that can Help with Anemia
These are not long-lasting solutions like the cord lining blood treatments, although these home remedies have proved useful, especially when anemia is not severe. These recommendations can also be followed as a precautionary measure.
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, fenugreek, coriander and parsley, are great sources of iron and folic acid. They can be included in your soups, curries and salads.
- Dates are a great source of Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and iron, which makes them a great remedy for anemia. While you can eat them as a snack, they can also be used in desserts and cakes or added to chutneys.
- Apple-Beetroot juice is also recommended as part of one’s daily diet. Apples are a great source of iron, while beetroot is an excellent source of folic acid, fiber and potassium. Together, they would double your chances of fighting the ailment.
- Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamins A, C and K. Consider substituting your daily quota of tea/coffee for Tomato-Apple juice.
- Try to cook in iron pots, since they significantly help increase the amount of iron in your food.
- To get the maximum benefit from your iron pills and iron-rich food, take Vitamin C pills or drink orange juice, along with your meals to help absorb the iron content. Stem vegetables also help retain the iron content in your food.
When advance treatment is required, a good option is consider treatment with stem cells from cord lining. As soon as a child is born, his or her umbilical cord lining can be stored in special banks and used whenever the need arises for the treatment of various diseases of the blood and immune system.