Are You Anaemic?

[Lucky's Mom]

Have any of you been diagnosed with Fibroids?

I just found out.... that has been my problem...

 

[Aggie]

Have any of you been diagnosed with Fibroids?

I just found out.... that has been my problem...

I haven't and I am sorry to hear this LM. I hope you find a way to make them shrink and disappear without surgery if that's possibleerplexed.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

To combat the clogging that iron pills cause- Eat bran, like raisin bran or all bran cereal. It helps amass bulk that alleviates constipation

Slow-Fe doesn't cause the constipation.

 

[yodie]

Thanks for sharing. I think I'm gonna start adding liver back into my diet if my supplements don't work.

Liver: nature’s most potent superfood

April 11, 2008 in Food & Nutrition | 17 comments

Conventional dietary wisdom holds that the micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) we need from foods are most highly concentrated in fruits and vegetables. While it’s true that fresh fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and minerals, their micronutrient content pales in comparison to what is found in meats and organ meats - especially liver.
The chart below lists the micronutrient content of apples, carrots, red meat and beef liver. Note that every nutrient in red meat except for vitamin C surpasses those in apples and carrots, and every nutrient—including vitamin C—in beef liver occurs in exceedingly higher levels in beef liver compared to apple and carrots. In general, organ meats are between 10 and 100 times higher in nutrients than corresponding muscle meats.
In fact, you might be surprised to learn that in some traditional cultures, only the organ meats were consumed. The lean muscle meats, which are what we mostly eat in the U.S. today, were discarded or perhaps given to the dogs.
A popular objection to eating liver is the belief that the liver is a storage organ for toxins in the body. While it is true that one of the liver’s role is to neutralize toxins (such as drugs, chemical agents and poisons), it does not store these toxins. Toxins the body cannot eliminate are likely to accumulate in the body’s fatty tissues and nervous systems. On the other hand, the liver is a is a storage organ for many important nutrients (vitamins A, D, E, K, B12 and folic acid, and minerals such as copper and iron). These nutrients provide the body with some of the tools it needs to get rid of toxins.
Remember that it is essential to eat meat and organ meats from animals that have been raised on fresh pasture without hormones, antibiotics or commercial feed. Pasture-raised animal products are much higher in nutrients than animal products that come from commercial feedlots. For example, meat from pasture-raised animals has 2-4 times more omega-3 fatty acids than meat from commercially-raised animals. And pasture-raised eggs have been shown to contain up to 19 times more omega-3 fatty acids than supermarket eggs! In addition to these nutritional advantages, pasture-raised animal products benefit farmers, local communities and the environment.
For more information on the incredible nutritional benefits of liver and some suggestions for how to prepare it, click here.


http://thehealthyskeptic.org/natures-most-potent-superfood/

 

[DragonPearl]

I had no idea so many blacks had anemia. I wonder why is that.

I was diagnosed with anemia about 1 month ago, and I suspect I have had it since 2003, when I had severe insomnia for about 1 year, which coupled with all my years of monthly heavy menstrual bleeding must have used up the iron supply in my body. So now I am supplementing with iron tablets and Floradix.

No wonder my hair was stalled at APL...

 

[Miamori]

I am anemic. Diagnosed right before college.

 

[jerseyjill]

Have any of you been diagnosed with Fibroids?

I just found out.... that has been my problem...

Thats my issue. I was so severely aneamic that last month the doctor called and told me to go to ER, I needed a blood transfusion. I dont play those games. I took a week off of work and sucked down 650 mg of iron daily ( max is suppose to be 325) and I drank a tonic " Beef, Iron and Wine". It still is low (from 5 to 8.7) but I'll be ok. I'll do it the slow and natural way, no transfusions from me. I came up in the eighties , if you know what I mean.

BTW -- I am about to embark on birth control pills to see if I can reduce my heavy flow so I wont need the surgery. If anybody has a success story on naturally shrinking them, please share. TIA

 

[MsEllie]

I was first diagnosed when I was in high school I used to run track and passed out - took me to emergency because they had a hard time getting me to come around... I used to wear my coat in the Summer time - my mom would hide it from me because it would be 90-100 degrees and here I am with a coat. That was why - I was freezing.

As I got older its never gone away I take ferrous sulphate 2xday prescribed by the doctor- I have fibroids - things things can travel - I found out last year one moved over and attached itself to my appendix and guess what ladies they thought I was having appendicitis - so I got rushed into emergency surgery and they removed my appendix and at the consultation after the surgery the doctor informed my appendix was fine but a fibroid had attached to it and they removed both. I am going to the doctor at first every 3 months checking the other fibroids for shrinkage - they were talking of doing a hysterectomy because of this. Thank God I'm older - have 2 children - don't want more... I've started peri menopausal symptoms so now because of that I no longer get cold that much I have the hot flashes mostly and a cold flash every now and then. Last check still anaemic but there is shrinkage in the fibroids so I don't go back until October for another checkup on that the doctor says everything is going good..

With all this going on I found this board this year... my hair would always grow under a weave or braids - soon as I took em down it would break off because I didn't know how to care for it. I would say the medical problem is not the cause of my breakage or it hasn't caused hair growth problems. My hair is doing great now that I've found this board been down and out since January 31st. I refuse to put it back in a weave or braids until I know exactly how to care for it. Then I will use them as protective styles .. sorry for the long post - IMO its important that you seek medical care if you suspect you have this condition...

 

[~~HoneyComb~~]

I just found out today that I am anemic--my hemoglobin was tested at 8.

The last blood test I had was two years ago, but early this year I noticed I was getting extremely tired, (I've always felt cold), my muscles would ache, if I stood up too fast I'd get dizzy, I had tingling from time to time in my hands and feet--just didn't feel myself and I was always irritable.

Since I changed my diet to add more protein recently, because by nature I'm just not big into meats, never have been even as a child--(chicken livers, organic turkey and chicken) I noticed I was feeling a lot better, the past couple of weeks I've been feeling great, so imagine my surprise when I was told I was anemic. I'm thinking that during the months I was feeling really washed up, I probably had a hemo. count of below 8 and didn't even know it. For months I thought I had fibromyalgia.

It's good to know what I'm dealing with and I can start doing things to get this under control. I have an appt in a month an hope I can get my count up by then.

Great thread

I just had my hemoglobin tested. Normal levels are between 12-18. I tested at 11.7.

Going back to see my doc.
Has anyone's doctor prescribed or suggested anything other than iron supplements? Iron constipates me.

I started taking blood builders.

I'm looking into blood builders too, the Dr. gave me an iron prescription, but I don't want to deal with constipation.

more info ladies.

I am also EXTREMELY aneamic - and ignored it for years.
Not anymore.

http://www.umm.edu/blood/aneiron.htm

Thanks for this.

Iron supplements constipate me. I hate that because I'm generally constipated and iron makes it worse.

I started taking Blood Builders by Cold Fusion. These don't constipate me, but now I need to see if these will raise my hemoglobin levels. I'll test again in another month or two and see what my levels are.

My doctor suggested eating beef liver. Now, I normally don't even eat beef and haven't for the last 16 years. But, because I was sooo low, I ate beef liver and I felt completely different. My body warmed up and I had tons of energy. My body craved it! I just don't like the idea of eating an organ on a weekly basis.

I've been eating chicken liver for almost a month now a few times a week, and I can tell a difference in the way I feel--it's wonderful. Haven't tried beef yet, as a kid I remember it being kinda tough, and not wanting to eat it because of the texture--chicken livers are softer and makes me feel like it might be easier to digest.

Do you eat beef liver and spinach on a weekly basis?
I'm so tempted to buy some beef liver, but it's so hard to digest.

I have been also eating spinach daily for the past few weeks and along with the liver I think those two things might be helping me, the supplements should make me feel like new, i hope.

Slow-Fe doesn't cause the constipation.

This is good to know, will have to look into this--can't be constipated

 

[TemiLnd]

I am, was diagnosed 2 years ago. I get very cold - hands, feet and nose. Im always eating ice. I do take iron supps which has helped.

 

[Jewell]

I am anemic as well. Fortunately for the past 6-7 months my hemoglobin has been consistently between 9.5 and 10.5. That's a blessing because I have had many transfusions over my lifetime and anemia is no joke. I have the hardest problem with poor energy. I can't really function well without at least 10 hours of sleep at night and at least a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Even with all that sleep I am still tired. During my pregnancy with my daughter I was anemic with hemoglobin between 7 and 8. Had a few transfusions. After my C-section I lost a lot of blood and ended up in the hospital for 4 weeks afterwards.

Vitamins and iron supplements don't seem to make much difference, but I heard about a new fruit supplement/drink called carao (fruit grown in Costa Rica) that makes a huge difference in anemia, including genetic blood disorders like Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia. Its expensive, ($28.00 for (1) 36 to 1 liter bottle, and you have to take 3 tablespoons a day) but the results are impressive. That one bottle will only suit an adult taking the recommended dosage for 18 days!

 

[smitmarv]

Yes I use to only feel anemic once a month during my period. But I had a major complication with a pregnancy and we lost the baby and I lost a ton of blood. I had to get 5 liters of blood and was almost bed ridden for about 3 months after that. I'm much better now but I still need to take Iron.

 

[Mattie26]

very anaemic sorry to say. I've had two transfusions and three pregnacies, and my system is so jacked up still. I take my pills everyday because I really don't want to have another transfusion. LIKe EVER.

 

[Lovestyr]

Nope I am not. I get a sufficent amount of vitamins including iron from all the food groups..lol

 

[Jaffa]

I am anemic too - was diagnosed a couple of years ago whilst in hospital. I had been extremely tired for months, lacking enery...
It can be hard to keep your iron levels up but I found beetroot and carrot juice with a bit of ginger to be a real help (even though I hate beetroot it is an excellent source of iron) spinach and liver are great too. You just need to keep on top of it. Recently I fell off the wagon and have had to take the iron tablets again but have reduced the dosage.

 

[hairdrama:{]

I am. Mine it's not so severe thought.

 

[keepithealthy]

I am. Does anyone else experience a lot for sleepiness despite a full night's sleep?

yes I understand especially during my period. I hate it because I have dark circles under my eyes that have come from the anemia. I am always cold and I have a heater under the desk at my job. I wonder why so many black women are anemic do you think it hereditary?

 

[Long-n-Strong_Naturally]

My anemia got really bad two years ago (nearly hospitalized). I now take/make the following for my anemic tendencies:

Floradix (a liquid non-constipating iron supplement)

and I make Green Smoothies in my Blendtec (kale;collard greens;romaine lettuce;parsley;parsnips;spinach;flax seed oil;ultimate meal;ripe bananas;apples;water or ice)....and I'm good to go!

CG

 

[babyhurr4]

I was anemic and my iron use to be dangerously low, according to my doctor. Now, at my last check up, he informed me that my blood count is fine and that I'm no anemic. I've been taking iron pills, eat pretty healthy and take other supplements. Just in case no one has mentioned it, it is better to take iron pills with orange juice so that the body can better aborb the iron. I take fiber tablets and 2 spoons of pure wheat germ a day to help me deal with any constipation issues. So far, it has worked great.

 

[Sunrise]

Yep, always been.

With various blood test done for various reasons, I have been told that I am anaemic but, no advice/treatment was given until 5 years ago.

It got worst over the last few years (disturbed sleep pattern/hair loss/tiredness/cold all the time/extremely heavy period) before I discovered a iron supplement I could take without side effects.

Symptoms improved but, still wasn't feeling 100% until I started taking High Strength Vitamin B Complex 2-3 weeks ago.

All the above problems have disappeared and now feeling 100%.

 

[Mis007]

Yes I am but have to be careful of the meds I can take, as this can
have an adverse affect on my thyroid meds.

 

[AvaSpeaks]

I am anemic as well. My fibroids made my anemia 10x worse

 

[wild curls raquelle]

I have it but it's no where near as bad as some of you. I'm actually motivated to increase my iron intake so I don't get to the severe point.

 

[CurlyMoo]

I had no idea so many blacks had anemia. I wonder why is that.

I was diagnosed with anemia about 1 month ago, and I suspect I have had it since 2003, when I had severe insomnia for about 1 year, which coupled with all my years of monthly heavy menstrual bleeding must have used up the iron supply in my body. So now I am supplementing with iron tablets and Floradix.

No wonder my hair was stalled at APL...

Yes many Black Americans are anemic. And we will pass it on to our children and they will pass it on to their children. It's genetic. Due to our ancestors coming here 400 years ago and forced to eat rubbish like chitterlings and all kinds of unhealthy non-foods, slaves were sorely lacking in nutritious diets. We also lost our natural diets. Just think about it, hundreds of turning crap into a delicacy. There are foods specifically made for our bodies that benefit us. Did you also know that many Black Americans are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk is not apart of our natural diet. We are prolly suppose to drink goats milk.

We are predisposed to having low iron. But that doesn't mean you can't change your diet to develop healthy iron levels. It just means we have to live a very healthy lifestyle and get back to what our natural diet is. And to do that we have to find where we truely came from and what diet our ancestors were eating before they were forced on the boat. I'm guessing if we look toward the middle east and Africa we will have a good idea as to what our body will thrive on.

Native Americans had a special diet that benefited them. Once the White man distroyed their natural foods like the buffalo and veggies that were native to this land, it destroyed their diet and their lively hood because everything they built was based on buffalo meat and skin. Native Americans suffer many health issues because years ago they were forced on reservations where it was outlawed to hunt and grow their own foods. And because they couldn't be who they really are they turned to alcohol which was brought in to help further destroy the Native Americans. As a result alcoholism is or was a big issue with them, including poverty. Native American also have a low life expentancy.

Asians also have a specific diet that benefits them and you see how much hair they have. Great skin, eternally youthful. They still have a strong sense of culture and live on they ancestors diets. The same with Europeans.

In most cultures they have a purpose for every food group and special foods that help give a more nutritious meal. We do not have that. We just pile food on the plate and eat with no concept of how to balance meats and veggies. I stopped going to barbeques because I know I will constipated for a week due to the fact that there will only be chicken and beef to eat, with the only veggie being cole slaw.

 

[kasey]

We are predisposed to having low iron.

I think you may be on to something CM. When a female gives birth she loses a huge amount of iron. Fertility was a slave woman's biggest asset as she was required to bear lots of children in order to populate the plantation and provide slaves that the plantation owner could sell. All this birthing caused extremely low iron stores in black women, which quite possibly could be passed on as a trait to their offspring. Even after the Civil War many black women continued to have large families. My mom is the youngest of ten children. Think of how much iron my grandmother lost over the years after all those births!!! My mother has given birth to five children and she routinely experiences fatigue.

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

Yes many Black Americans are anemic. And we will pass it on to our children and they will pass it on to their children. It's genetic. Due to our ancestors coming here 400 years ago and forced to eat rubbish like chitterlings and all kinds of unhealthy non-foods, slaves were sorely lacking in nutritious diets. We also lost our natural diets. Just think about it, hundreds of turning crap into a delicacy. There are foods specifically made for our bodies that benefit us. Did you also know that many Black Americans are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk is not apart of our natural diet. We are prolly suppose to drink goats milk.

We are predisposed to having low iron. But that doesn't mean you can't change your diet to develop healthy iron levels. It just means we have to live a very healthy lifestyle and get back to what our natural diet is. And to do that we have to find where we truely came from and what diet our ancestors were eating before they were forced on the boat. I'm guessing if we look toward the middle east and Africa we will have a good idea as to what our body will thrive on.

Native Americans had a special diet that benefited them. Once the White man distroyed their natural foods like the buffalo and veggies that were native to this land, it destroyed their diet and their lively hood because everything they built was based on buffalo meat and skin. Native Americans suffer many health issues because years ago they were forced on reservations where it was outlawed to hunt and grow their own foods. And because they couldn't be who they really are they turned to alcohol which was brought in to help further destroy the Native Americans. As a result alcoholism is or was a big issue with them, including poverty. Native American also have a low life expentancy.

Asians also have a specific diet that benefits them and you see how much hair they have. Great skin, eternally youthful. They still have a strong sense of culture and live on they ancestors diets. The same with Europeans.

In most cultures they have a purpose for every food group and special foods that help give a more nutritious meal. We do not have that. We just pile food on the plate and eat with no concept of how to balance meats and veggies. I stopped going to barbeques because I know I will constipated for a week due to the fact that there will only be chicken and beef to eat, with the only veggie being cole slaw.

this has made the most freakin sense i've heard in a while!!!

i'm also anemic. but when it comes to our ancestors diets, those with a multi-culture background, how do we pick?! i'm puerto rican and i (obviously) have a very strong african bacground, but i also have a european background. not so much of the native islander background though, most of them were killed off before the mixing of races happened and most puerto ricans actually have little to no blood from the natives.

so what do i eat?! i like rice and beans! but i'm sure that's not what i'm "supposed" to be eating lol

 

[jamaraa]

A tiny bit when I'm very run down, but I take liver pills (yes liver pills) which is iron in its degestable/non build up organic form and I'm just fine. It's an issue that involved heavy bleeding in my periods. AFAIK, it was/is NOT genetic in my case.

 

[jamaraa]

I think you may be on to something CM. When a female gives birth she loses a huge amount of iron. Fertility was a slave woman's biggest asset as she was required to bear lots of children in order to populate the plantation and provide slaves that the plantation owner could sell. All this birthing caused extremely low iron stores in black women, which quite possibly could be passed on as a trait to their offspring. Even after the Civil War many black women continued to have large families. My mom is the youngest of ten children. Think of how much iron my grandmother lost over the years after all those births!!! My mother has given birth to five children and she routinely experiences fatigue.

Wouldn't this affect Catholics even more? No seriously!

 

[MangaManiac]

According to my doctor I'm borderline so I have to take the suppliments. I take that in addition to my multi and eat tons of dark vegetables. I noticed that once I started doing this that my hair definitely took a turn for the better. I would say anemia most surely effects hair growth, but that's just from my experience.

 

[jamaraa]

CM lots of women are anemic due to their periods and child bearing. I simply do not believe that BW in particular have a specific genetic predisposition to anemia. (Of course on this site the evidence is skewed in your favor, for obvious reasons )I'm sure this is far more of a female thing than a Black thing specifically. How true would your slavery theory hold for Black African women...both immigrant to the West and still at home? If what you're saying is true, then the diet shifts that happen in immigrant families from any country would have dramatic differences between 1st gen (diet sticking close to home) and 2nd gen (diet more conventionally American) instances of anemia? IOW, the mothers have anemia far less than their daughters. Then there are women who have very large families...say Catholics in general, Latinos, Arabs, etc...BW, on average have families smaller than any of these groups. BW in the US didn't have substantially larger families on average than WW either in slavery or afterwards, from the evidence I know.

Your points sound great, but they assume far too much about too many things, IMHO.