Sickle Cell Anemia is a form of anemia,
it is a serious incurable condition where the hemoglobin does not form
properly which causes the red blood cells to be deformed. Normal red blood
cells are small round flat disks with a dent in the center. Sickle cells
are crescent shaped. These deformed cells can get stuck in small blood
vessels which causes a deficiency of oxygen. Sickle cell disease may cause
the following: blood clots, fever, joint pain, long term anemia, lack of
energy, spleen enlargement, and weakness. Flare-ups can occur due to
infection or surgery and proper nutrition can help prevent this from
occurring. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that mainly affects people of
African or West Indian heritage.
Nutrient
/ Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful
notes |
Folic
acid |
10 |
It very important
for creating red blood cells and often people who suffer anemia are
deficient in folic acid. The amount of folic acid believed needed for
health has increased and it may even be more important than iron for
people with anemia. |
Multi-vitamin and
Mineral
supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin B
complex especially B6 & B12, folic acid, vitamin E,
vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B complex, calcium, copper, and zinc.
These help maintain the health of a person with sickle cell anemia.
This should help with the lack of energy. |
vitamin
B12 |
10 |
also known as cyanocobalamin, It aids folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells,
and helps in the utilization of iron. |
Pantothenic
acid |
10 |
is vitamin B5 which is needed
for proper red blood cell production. |
Pyridoxine |
9 |
is also known as vitamin B6,
It is required for cell reproduction and it also helps with the
absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. |
Echinacea |
8 |
herb that helps the body's
immune system to fight off infection |
Vitamin C |
8 |
C vitamins are essential in increasing
the body's immunity and they help to prevent
inflammation. Vitamin C also is needed for iron absorption in the body. |
Vitamin A |
7 |
vitamin A is an important
antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and
aids in tissue repair. It also works well
with vitamin C in a vitamin and mineral supplement. |
Copper |
8 |
this mineral is required for
good red blood cell production in the body. |
Zinc |
7 |
enhances healing and works
with copper. (See multi-vitamin supplement) |
Bioflavonoids |
7 |
has anti-viral properties and helps to increase the body's energy |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|