Anemia Diagnosis

According to WebMD, anemia develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.  Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia — like fatigue — occur because organs aren’t getting what they need to function properly.

My doctor first noticed my hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were decreasing during my comprehensive blood test on 8/21/12.  I saw a Hemotologist and discovered I have slight anemia.  The 1st page of my stool test shows the iron deficiency, 2nd shows the out-of-range blood levels, 3rd page is blood in stool (internally bleeding), and the last shows the percentage off of the normal range with anemia.

UPDATE 7/1/13 – After taking a functional medicine test, it was determined that I should not take an iron supplement as it contributes to oxidative stress.

Anemia Natural Supplement Fix

Based on the 1st page on iron deficiency test, the Hemotologist recommended I take an iron supplement.  Although there are many available both prescription and over-the-counter, I ended up finding a supplement made out of crushed curry leaves called Rainbow Light Plant Source Iron.  It’s certified QAI organic and contains no fillers.  I saw energy level improvements within 2-3 days.  A side effect of taking it (which in my case is good) is that it binds the stool some more plus it makes it a dark brown color.

I have taken a 30-day supply and am now taking one every couple of days until it runs out.  In order to keep my iron levels up until my gut heals, I am taking foods with iron:

• Red meat
• Egg yolks (food intolerant)
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
• Iron-enriched cereals and grains (food intolerant)
• Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
• Turkey or chicken giblets
• Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans (get flare-ups)
• Liver
• Artichokes
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sun Dried Tomatoes
• Black Strap Molasses (great alternative to typical sugar)

Also, if you eat iron-rich foods along with foods that provide plenty of vitamin C, your body can better absorb the iron according to WebMD.