Nature & Definition of the Disease
Anaemia may be defined as a condition in which there is a decrease in the quantity of haemoglobin, in the number of red blood cells, in the volume of packed cells, or in any combination of these. It usually results from consumption of refined foods and is among the most common diseases affecting human beings.
Nearly half of the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the tissues. Approximately, one trillion (100 million) new blood cells are formed daily in the bone marrow. The raw material required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins and vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12. Of these, iron and proteins are essential in building up the red colouring matter, called haemoglobin.
Red cells live approximately 120 days and are being destroyed and replaced daily. Each person should have 100 per cent of haemoglobin or about 15 grams to 100 cc of blood, and a blood count of five million red cells per millimeter. A drop in the haemoglobin content results in anaemia.
Symptoms
The patient usually complains of weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness. Other symptoms include a haggard look, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory, shortness of breath on slight exertion, headache, slow healing of wounds, palpitation of heart and mental depression.
The skin and mucous membranes look pale, the nails appear brittle and there may be sores at the corners of the mouth.
Causes & Intestinal Parasites
Low formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow, either due to defects in the bone marrow itself or to an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins and protein, is one of the main causes of anaemia. Other important causes may be heavy loss of blood due to injury, bleeding piles and excessive menstruation in women. Besides, a lack of digestive acid or hydrochloric acid needed for digestion of iron and proteins or emotional strain, anxiety and worry which interferes with the manufacture of hydrochloric acid in the body could also lead to anaemia.
Intestinal parasites or worms are yet another cause of anaemia. Hookworms, pinworms, roundworms and tapeworms feed on the supply of blood as well as the vitamins. Symptoms of intestinal worms are itching at the rectum, restlessness during night with bad dreams, diarrhoea, foul breath, dark circles under the eyes and a constant desire for food. Garlic, fresh papaya and grated raw carrot can help vanquish some types of intestinal parasites.
Dietary Treatment: Organic Iron vs. Inorganic Hazard
Diet is of the utmost importance in the treatment of anaemia. Refined foods like white bread, polished rice, sugar and desserts rob the body of the much-needed iron. Iron should always be taken in its natural organic form in food as the use of inorganic iron can prove hazardous. It may cause destruction of protective vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, serious liver damage, miscarriage during pregnancy and delayed or premature births.
The diet should be predominantly alkaline. The emphasis should be on raw fruits and vegetables which are rich in iron. Bananas are particularly beneficial as they also contain, besides easily assimilable iron, folic acid and B12, both of which are extremely useful in the treatment of anaemia.
Iron-Rich Foods & Nutritional Sources
The diet should emphasize natural, whole, unrefined foods rich in organic iron, copper, and complete proteins:
Vitamin B-12, Complete B-Complex & Vitamin C Absorption
Vitamin B-12 is a must for preventing or curing anaemia. While this vitamin is found in animal organ meats, a heavy meat diet has severe disadvantages, primarily causing intestinal putrefaction and exposing the body to animal disease.
Equally good, safe sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products (milk, eggs, cheese) and peanuts. Wheat germ and soyabean also contain B12. Vegetarians should include an adequate amount of milk, milk products, and eggs in their diet. Eating lacto-ovo products provides complete proteins containing vitamin B-12 and serves as reliable insurance against anaemia.
For prevention and treatment, it is essential to take the entire B complex range. Additionally, a liberal intake of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is necessary to facilitate the absorption of iron. At least two helpings of citrus fruits and other ascorbic acid rich foods should be taken daily.
Red Beet Juice Therapy (Dr. Fritz Keitel Protocol)
Mention must be made of beets which are extremely important in curing anaemia. Beet juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1, B2, niacin, B6, C and vitamin P. With its high iron content, beet juice regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells, and supplies the body with fresh oxygen.
According to Dr. Fritz Keitel of Germany: "The juice of red beet strengthens the body's powers of resistance and has proved to be an excellent remedy for anaemia, especially for children and teenagers, where other blood forming remedies have failed."
Step-by-Step Regimen: 3-Phase Curative Protocol
The anaemic patient should embark upon a systematic 3-phase dietary restoration protocol: