Anemia

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Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of hemoglobin is generally different in males and females. For men, anemia is typically defined as hemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100ml and in women as hemoglobin of less than 12.0 gram/100ml. These definitions may vary slightly depending on the source and the laboratory reference used.

If you have anemia, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, you may feel tired and have other symptoms. With severe or long-lasting anemia, the lack of oxygen in the blood can damage the heart, brain, and other organs of the body. Very severe anemia may even cause death.

Sources:
MedlineNet: http://www.medicinenet.com/anemia/article.htm
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html

1. Anemia caused by blood loss
2. Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production
3. Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

Anemia Caused by Blood Loss - Red blood cells can be lost through bleeding, which can occur slowly over a long period of time, and can often go undetected. This kind of chronic bleeding commonly results from the following: 

• Gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and cancer
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or Motrin
• Menstruation and childbirth in women, especially if menstrual bleeding is excessive and if there are multiple pregnancies

Anemia Caused by Decreased or Faulty Red Blood Cell Production - The body may produce too few blood cells or the blood cells may not work properly. In either case, anemia can result. Red blood cells may be faulty or decreased due to abnormal red blood cells or the lack of minerals and vitamins needed for red blood cells to work properly. Conditions associated with these causes of anemia include the following: 

• Sickle cell anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin deficiency
• Bone marrow and stem cell problems
• Other health conditions

Anemia Caused by Destruction of Red Blood Cells - When red blood cells are fragile and cannot withstand the routine stress of the circulatory system, they may rupture prematurely, causing hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia can be present at birth or develop later. Sometimes there is no known cause (spontaneous). Known causes of hemolytic anemia may include any of the following: 

• Inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
• Stressors such as infections, drugs, snake or spider venom, or certain foods
• Toxins from advanced liver or kidney disease
• Inappropriate attack by the immune system (called hemolytic disease of the newborn when it occurs in the fetus of a pregnant woman)
• ascular grafts, prosthetic heart valves, tumors, severe burns, chemical exposure, severe hypertension, and clotting disorders
• In rare cases, an enlarged spleen can trap red blood cells and destroy them before their circulating time is up

Many medical conditions cause anemia. Common causes of anemia include the following:  

• External bleeding: Loss of blood through heavy menstrual bleeding, wounds, as well as stomach ulcers can cause anemia.
• Iron deficiency: The bone marrow needs iron to make red blood cells.
• Anemia of chronic disease: Any long-term medical condition can lead to anemia.
• Kidney disease: The kidneys help the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
• Pregnancy: Water weight gain during pregnancy dilutes the red blood cells.
• Poor nutrition: Vitamins and minerals are required to make red blood cells.
• Alcoholism: Poor nutrition and lack of vitamins and minerals are associated with alcoholism.

Uncommon causes of anemia include bleeding disorders, liver disease, thalassemia, infection, cancer, arthritis, enzyme deficiency, sickle cell disease, hypothyroidism, toxins, or hereditary conditions. 

Sources:
eMedicineHealth: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anemia/page2_em.htm#Anemia%20Causes
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics?page=3



What are the symptoms of Anemia?

The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause, and any underlying health problems. Anemia may be associated with other medical conditions such as hemorrhage, ulcers, menstrual problems or cancer -- and specific symptoms of those conditions may be noticed first. 

The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms. 

Symptoms common to many types of anemia include the following: 

• Easy fatigue and loss of energy
• Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
• Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Leg cramps

Sources: 
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms  
eHealthMD: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/anemia/ANM_symptoms.html

What treatments are available for Anemia?

The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.

Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food. Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped. This may require surgery.

Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.

Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.

Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.

 Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe or if misshapen hemoglobin Iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. needs to be replaced. In some cases, a bone marrow The soft tissue occupying the cavities of many bones, including the breastbone. Marrow is of two types: red and yellow. Red marrow is found in spongy bones, yellow is found in the cavities of the long bones. transplant may be effective. Adult patients may be treated with the cancer drug hydroxyurea (brand names Droxia, Hydrea).

 Sometimes rare aplastic anemias and autoimmune hemolytic anemias will respond to steroids. Failure to respond to steroids may require removal of the spleen A dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation. A dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation. which can become enlarged with defective red blood cells. Aplastic anemias may require blood transfusions and medications to fight infections.

 Other treatment options may be appropriate based on the cause of the anemia. For instance, if the bone marrow has failed because of leukemia, intensive chemotherapy may be required. Bone marrow transplantation may be contemplated if a suitable donor exists. With proper treatment, many types of anemia can be eliminated, especially those caused by iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency.

Sources:

eHealthMD: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/anemia/ANM_treatment.html 
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-treatment 

HerbaCall Anemia Testimonials:

• Christi Jewell says, "I would just like to share this story about anemia. My daughter-in-law was horribly anemic her whole pregnancy (I think she was always anemic based on the cold she felt all the time, but who knows?)...However, 2 months later, I got her on an Ultimate Green Ephedra free program. She decided to not take the prescribed iron because an overload of iron is not good. Needless to say, within 1 month, she had lost 18 pounds and 2 clothing sizes, she was in her pre-pregnancy clothes, and at a routine monthly checkup, her doctor marveled at how her blood levels had increased since the last months visit. She said the jump was incredible and she was on the verge of not being considered anemic anymore."
   
• Renee Peeples tells HerbaCall, "Before Herbalife I was 20-25 lbs overweight and was always tired. I am hypoglycemic and have suffered with anemia for about10 years. My iron level would get so low that my doctor would have to put me on a prescription iron pill. The only thing this did for me is bring me up to borderline anemic. I started taking the Herbalife products in November, 2001. Back in April I went to the doctor and she said my iron levels were perfect. This is wonderful. I have great energy. I've lost 34lbs. I feel great! Thank you Herbalife. My hypoglycemia is under control also. The products I take are Formula 1, 2, 3, Cell-u-Loss, original green and beige, Aminogen, ThermoBond, yellow, herbal concentrate, women's choice, women's advantage with DHEA, Xtra-Cal, extreme C, RoseOx, Schizandra, Herbalifeline, Tang Kuei, herbal aloe concentrate."
   
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