No More Iron-Deficiency With Ayurveda

Youngsters watching the newest sequel of Iron Man might have been overly convinced by now about the tremendous impact that iron does to one’s body and even turn the individual into a superhero. But this could not be farther from the truth! Iron does the body a world of good, but in its own special way. After calcium, iron is the second most important mineral in the body.

Iron is essential for the transportation of oxygen in the blood to all parts of the body. It is highly beneficial for a positive immune activity and also helps in the proper functioning of the liver. Iron provides protection against the free radicals and facilitates in the formation of hemoglobin and certain essential enzymes. Many metabolic reactions and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation too are carried out with the help of iron.

Although adequate amount of iron in the body might not convert you into a superhero, but the deficiency of the same may see you ending up with a host of problems; problems like anemia, growth and development retardation and epithelial changes. Iron deficiency could be caused by various factors like inadequate daily intake of iron, pregnancy, blood loss due to heavy period or internal bleeding. All could lead to an ailment called iron deficiency. When the iron intake does not meet the daily need for dietary iron it results in depletion of the storage form of iron even as the blood hemoglobin level remains normal. Once the storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs, it results into anemia.

Symptoms of anemia may range from:-

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Dizziness

• Palpitations

• Short breath

• Sourness of the gums

• Severe headaches

Once these symptoms are discovered, it becomes important to consult a doctor immediately. The patient is then required to undergo few blood tests for red blood cell measures and hemoglobin; size of red blood cells, serum iron level, and iron binding capacity in the blood.

Apart from taking the prescribed medicines, other precautions and steps can be taken at home to make sure that the disease doesn’t worsen and can be controlled in time. Consuming iron-rich and multivitamin rich foods along with a minimal exposure to lead and other toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium and mercury would be a great beginning against iron deficiency. Also excess consumption of alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

Ayurveda too provides an alternate remedy for iron-deficiency and anemia. Consumption of beets, fenugreek, lettuce, spinach, soya beans, sesame seeds and honey for an iron-filled diet is one of the top recommendations of Ayurveda. Another one of Ayurveda’s most potent remedies for iron-deficiency is AnemiCare. It is an age-old remedy for the treatment of anemia and fatigue. By creating calmness of mind, it helps the body’s natural autonomic nervous system to be restored with alkaline and acidic balance. Along with natural Iron, it also contains Emblica Officinalis, which is a rich natural source of vitamin C and Calcium; both beneficial for proper assimilation of Iron in the blood.

Through Ayurveda one can ensure a healthier lifestyle and an ailment-free life, naturally.