Red blood cells (R.B.C) can carry oxygen because they contain Iron. Four Iron atoms are incorporated into every haemoglobin molecule within a R.B.C. Each Iron atom has the unique capacity of attaching to a molecule of oxygen in the lungs and releasing that oxygen at the tissues. Without adequate amounts of available Iron from the diet, the body cannot make normal R.B.C and the ones that are formed are pale and small.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS for formation of Red Blood.Cells. Iron (small R.B.C), vitamin B12 (including cobalt), Folic acid, a deficiency of these two shows as anaemia, however R.B.C are large (macrocytic) rather than small (microcytic) in Iron deficiency anaemia.

Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6.

Copper deficient anaemia is usually found in infants fed cows milk formula instead of breast milk.

Vitamin C is necessary for optimum absorption of Iron.

Vitamin B6 is needed for formation of haemoglobin, therefore a deficiency leads to anaemia.

Vitamin E is necessary for the protection of R.B.C once they are formed. This antioxidant protects R.B.C membrane from destruction by free radicals. Inadequate dietary intake leads to Haemolytic anaemia.

Vitamin A is also found to be deficient in the anaemic patient. It is not known if it causes anaemia or follows it.

A lack of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, CHOLINE result in malabsorption of Iron. These nutrients are required for production of HCl (hydrochloric acid), which dissolves Iron before it is absorbed.

Iron absorption can be affected by diarrhoea, chronic use of laxatives, malabsorption disease e.g. SPRUE & CELIAC DISEASE

Alfalfa                        Highest vitamin and mineral content of all herbs,

                                    very  high chlorophyll factor.  Blood strengtheners

Nettle                         Stimulates the digestive system, contains high levels of

                                    mineral salts and vitamins, especially high in iron,

                                    chlorophyll and vitamin C

Dandelion                  An excellent liver tonic, neutralises acid in the blood,

                                     traditionally used for anaemia     

Gentian                      Traditionally used to improve digestion, which may be

                                     necessary if iron is not being assimilated correctly

Rosehip                      A high nutritive herb, high in vitamin C which is

                                     essential for assimilation of Iron 

Agrimony                   Traditionally used to strengthen the digestive system,

                                     contains Iron, vitamins B & K

Yellow Dock              High in Iron, maintains bile stability which is necessary

                                     for Iron assimilation

Beetroot                      High in Iron, stimulates spleen and liver 

EXERCISE and DEEP BREATHING TO INCREASE OXYGENATION

Deep Tissue Massage to increase circulation of blood 

On Rising
Lemon & Honey drink - warm or fresh Orange Juice or fresh Grapefruit & honey - warm

Breakfast
Oats & honey & cream or butter or yoghurt and fruit - prune, banana, peach, raisins etc or yoghurt & freshly ground nuts, eg almond, hazelnuts walnuts etc or piece of fruit

Mid Morning
steamed Potatoes with butter & herb salt or mango or other fruit or Raisins, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed

Lunch
Pate & salad dippers eg celery, carrot or any other vegetable chopped into sticks or avocado dip with dippers or pumpkin & garlic creamed soup or green salad & cheese

Mid Afternoon
Tonic drink - milk, egg yolk, banana, agar, honey or fruit or nuts

Dinner
Veal in garlic, side salad chicken in garlic, side salad Lambs fry & steamed vegetable & side salad fish in lemon & garlic and side salad

Note in salads use sprouts, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, tomato, beetroot, parsley, dandelion greens, fennel, Include in the diet daily: citrus juice fresh, tonic drink, bee pollen, fresh coconut