Anemia is defined as “a pathologic deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells.” It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain. These symptoms are often complicated by coexisting disease(s).There are many compromises that are necessary when one has symptomatic anemia. This can affect the tolerability of therapy. Anemia is also associated with a poorer prognosis and increased mortality.Anemia CausesAnemia is caused by a deficiency of Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a pigment made up of protein and iron. Hemoglobin’s main job is to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deposit into the red blood cells, which in turn carries the oxygen throughout the body. Without Protein and Iron you have a loss of Hemoglobin, which means you have a lost of oxygen for the red blood cells.Anemia SymptomsAnemia symptoms go undetected in many people, as symptoms can be vague. Most commonly, a feeling of weakness or fatigue is reported. Shortness of breath is reported in more severe cases. Very severe anemia prompts a compensatory response where cardiac output is markedly increased, leading to palpitations and sweatiness; this process can lead to heart failure in elderly people. Pallor (pale skin and mucosal linings) is only notable in cases of severe anemia, and is therefore not a reliable sign.Types of AnemiaThere are several different types of anemia. Most are very rare but others are both known and common among various populations. The most common types of anemia are: aplastic, iron deficiency, sickle cell and trauma related or blood loss anemia. As anemia is a disorder of the blood, the diagnosis remains the same in all types. Diagnosis of anemia is done by collecting a blood sample from the patient which is then sent to a laboratory where testing of blood cells, blood cell counts and a visual inspection of the cells is completed. However, as each type of anemia has it’s own cause, the signs, symptoms and treatments of various types will differ.Anemia TreatmentA common treatment for anemia - a deficiency in red blood cells (rbcs) caused by their insufficient production, excessive destruction, or excessive loss - is administration of recombinant erythropoietin (Epo), a hormone that stimulates the production of rbc precursors by the bone marrow.Hydroxyurea is a new treatment for sickle cell anemia that reduces the frequency of pain epidsodes, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusions in adults. Studies are currently underway to determine the proper dosage of hydroxyeurea for children. Researchers also are investigating similar drugs for children to reduce the number of complications and improve survival, as well as new approaches to gene therapy.

This article will help you to find simple home pet remedies. These home pet remedies can be used either for dogs or cats, unless otherwise stated.

Anemia: To help get rid of anemia in your pet increase the amount of iron, and vitamin B intake. A recommended serving of liver in the amounts of an ounce for cats, two ounces for small dogs, three ounces for medium dogs, and four ounces for larger dogs.

Arthritis: First things first, if your pet is overweight, then you will need to get him/her on a weight loss plan. Loosing weight will take the pressure off of those painful joints. Several 20 minute walks a day can be very helpful as well. Avoid having your pet sleep outside when it is cold. The cold air is not helping as it inflames the joints, and triggers the arthritis. Finally a moist heating pad around the joints can be applied for about 20 minutes twice a day.

Bad Breath: If your pet has bad breath it is sign of plaque. Simply brushing your pets’ teeth will help reduce the bad breath odor, and help to eliminate the plaque. Raw carrots have been known to help with the cause of bad breaths in pets as well. To prevent bad breath try giving them a rope to play with, don’t feed can foods, and as bad as it is try not to give them table scraps.

Diarrhea: One of the easiest home pet remedies for diarrhea is to make sure that your pet is well hydrated. Adding Gatorade to their water will also help the diarrhea. The Gatorade will help them to stay hydrated, and retain some electrolytes. It is best to stop regular routine feedings, when you are aware of this problem. If the diarrhea doe not stop with this basic home remedy please seek professional advice from your veterinarian.

Fever: Warning - If your pet has had a fever more than 24 hours please consult your veterinarian. A fever that cannot be broken is a sign that something is severely wrong with your pet. If you have just discovered that your beloved pet has a fever, then use a cool compress on their belly. If that is not possible, a cool bath will also help. Normal temperatures for dogs and cats run usually from 1000.5 to 102.5 anything over that is considered a fever.

Fleas: One of the best home pet remedies for fleas is to mix in some Brewer’s Yeast. In addition to the yeast adding about 3 cloves of garlic cut up will keep the fleas away from your pet.

Smelly Kitty Litter: To keep your kitty litter smelling nice, and fresh, use about 2 parts baby powder to one part baking soda in your kitty litter.

Hope you have enjoyed this article about home pet remedies. Please note that these home pet remedies are not professional veterinarian advice. If serious problems persist with your pet please seek the care of a trusted veterinarian.

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn’t getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia — like fatigue — occur because organs aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Blood is actually a liquid made up of several different cell types. One of the most important and most numerous cell types is the red blood cell. The purpose of the red blood cell is to deliver oxygen to the body. Anemia describes the condition in which the number of red blood cells in your blood is low. For this reason, doctors sometimes describe someone with anemia as having a low blood count. A person who has anemia is called anemic.

Anemia Symptoms:

Because a low red blood cell count decreases oxygen delivery to every tissue in the body, anemia causes many signs and symptoms. It makes almost any other underlying medical condition worse. For example, if you have an underlying heart problem and become anemic, you are more likely to have problems associated with your heart disease than you would have if you were not anemic.

Here are the following symptoms of Anemia:

· Easy fatigue and loss of energy.

· Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.

· Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise.

· Difficulty concentrating.

Causes of Anemia:

Anemia can be caused by the body not making enough red blood cells. It is also caused by their loss or destruction. Several factors can cause anemia:

· Too little iron, vitamin B12 or folate. A shortage of folate can cause megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are large and pale (see Fact Sheet 121)

· Damage to bone marrow or kidneys

· Blood loss from internal bleeding or a woman’s menstrual cycle

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

IDA is the most common type of anemia. IDA happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin. People with this type of anemia are sometimes said to have “iron-poor blood” or “tired blood.”

Vitamin deficiency anemia (or megaloblastic anemia)

Low levels of vitamin B12 or folate are the most common causes of this type of anemia.Vitamin B12 anemia is the result of an impaired ability of the digestive tract to absorb the B12 that is a normal part of the diet. B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, as well as the maintenance of the nervous system, and is found in food of animal origin such as meat, fish and dairy products.

Treatments:

Blood transfusion used to be the only treatment for severe anemia. However, transfusions can cause infection and suppress the immune system. They appear to cause faster progression of HIV disease and to increase the risk of death for HIV patients.

Fortification with ascorbic acid, which increases bioavailability in both presence and absence of inhibiting substances, but which is subject to deterioration from moisture or heat. Ascorbic acid fortification is usually limited to sealed dried foods, but individuals can easily take ascorbic acid with basic iron supplement for the same benefits

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a part of the b vitamin family which helps to keep the body in good shape. Foods such as meat, eggs, fish and live have adequate levels of vitamin B12. Even though a small amount of B12 is required by the body it should be taken daily. Without the help of the intrinsic factor in the stomach vitamin B12 can’t be taken in by the body. Even though it is possible to get too much of B12 in your daily consumption it won’t cause any problems in your body since only half of it is absorbed by the body. Vitamin B12 can also be reused by the human body.
How Does Vitamin B12 Help the Body
There are four areas where vitamin B12 benefit’s the human body:
1. Vitamin B12 is essential to helping the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.
2. Vitamin B12 can help prevent heart disease by helping to keep red blood cells healthy.
3. Vitamin B12 helps the white blood cells which as a result helps prevent disease through a healthy immune system.
4. Vitamin B12 is required to form a protective shield around nerve cells which is especially important in the brain. If there is an absence of B12 and this protective shield isn’t maintained then brain malfunction can occur.
Anemia can result if a person doesn’t have sufficient levels of vitamin B12 in their system. A lack of B12 causes a reduction in red blood cells which leads to anemia. Kids who are not fed properly will develop anemia. In addition, if a persons body doesn’t have a sufficient intrinsic factor to help B12 be absorbed by the body then anemia can result.
If a person is a vegetarian then they should take B12 supplements. To help babies grow in the womb, pregnant women should also take extra B12 supplements. The intrinsic factor in the body is decreased in people over fifty years of age so they may have problems absorbing large amounts of B12. For this reason people over fifty should consider B12 supplements so that they can reduce their chances of developing anemia and other health problems.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a widely overlooked vitamin, but it is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It is important for both physical and mental health. It is beneficial if you suffer from water retention and necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. Pyridoxine also aids the body’s balancing of sodium and potassium, and it is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and thus required for the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin B6 is required by the nervous system and is required for normal brain function and the synthesis of RNA and DNA which contain the genetic code for reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth. Pyridoxine activates many enzymes and aids in the absorption of vitamin B12, immune system function, and antibody production.

Vitamin B6 play a role in cancer immunity and helps in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. It inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine, which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around heart muscle and in the veins and arteries. Pyridoxine acts as a mild diuretic thereby reducing the symptoms of PMS. Increased intake of this vitamin decreases the concentration of urinary oxalate reduces the risk for kidney damage from oxalate kidney stones. It is useful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis and asthma.

Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in anemia, convulsions, headaches, nausea, flaky skin, a sore tongue and vomiting. Other signs of deficiency can include acne, anorexia, arthritis, conjunctivitis, cracks or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyper-irritability, impaired wound healing, inflammation of the mouth and gums, learning difficulties, impaired memory or memory loss, hair loss, hearing problems, numbness, oily facial skin, stunted growth, and tingling sensations.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has also been strongly linked to a deficiency of vitamin B6. People with long-term low intake of this B vitamin are more likely to develop CTS. Often the symptoms of CTS are relieved or reduced with vitamin B6 supplementation. In some cases, supplementation eliminates the disorder and surgery is not needed.

All foods contain some vitamin B6, but the highest amounts can be found in the following foods: brewer’s yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ. Other sources include: avocado, bananas, beans, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, brown rice and whole grains, cabbage, cantaloupe, corn, dulse, plantains, potatoes, rice bran, soybeans, and tempeh.

In the American diet, substantial amounts of vitamin B6 are lost because of the processing of grains and other foods. The milling of white flour removes almost all of this vitamin and B6 is not one of the four nutrients added back when refined foods are “enriched.”

Unfortunately, the typical American also chooses an “unbalanced” diet of extremes — too much total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, protein, sugar and salt and not enough complex carbohydrates, fiber, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. On any given day, 46% of Americans do not consume even one fruit. One of the alarming findings of the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) is that four out of five people do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin B6.

If you choose to supplement your intake of this B vitamin, give your body the best. Choose only a reputable source. Lower priced supplements can mean lower quality, with higher levels of fillers and other undesired ingredients. Nutritionist recommend a daily dosage of 50 - 100 mg. of vitamin B6 for adults and children weighing 100 pounds or more. Dosage for a child weighing between 70 and 100 pounds is 35 -75 mg. A child over age six and weighing under 70 pounds should be given half the adult dose. Children under six should receive only a formula designed specifically for young children.

People taking antidepressants, estrogen therapy, and oral contraceptives may have an increased need for vitamin B6. Diuretics and cortisone drugs block the body’s absorption of pyridoxine. Megadoses of vitamin B6 are unnecessary. Prolonged use and high doses (over 1,000 mg. per day) can be toxic, and may result in nerve damage and loss of coordination.

Known as cobalamin, Vitamin B12 can help the body maintain good health. Vitamin B12 is very important in the bodies food to energy conversion process. It is required to help carbohydrates, fats and proteins convert into energy. Vitamin B12 is also essential in the prevention of heart disease and other illnesses by maintaining healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 will also help build up white blood cells which strengthens the immune system. In addition, an added benefit of vitamin B12 is related to the nerve cells, it helps make a protective covering for the nerve cells. The protective barrier of the nerve cells is a fatty layer that is most important in the brain.
Despite the benefits of vitamin B12 your body only needs small amounts of this vitamin. Foods such as liver, eggs and other animal products contain vitamin B12. Even though small amounts are required you should have a regular intake of vitamin B12. However, without the intrinsic factor in the stomach, vitamin B12 can’t be used easily by the human body. The intrinsic factor must be sufficient enough to absorb vitamin B12 otherwise the absorption will be hard. The proper amount of vitamin B12 can be obtained through the food we consume. The body will use the amount of B12 needed and then recycle the rest. However, vegetarians need to take B12 supplements since vegetables don’t contain proper amounts of vitamin B12.
Anemia is a common effect in those who have a deficiency of vitamin B12. This is because there isn’t enough B12 to help produce enough red blood cells. However, anemia can also result in the intestine doesn’t have a sufficient intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor can drop below sufficient in people over fifty which makes these people more susceptible to anemia as well as other diseases. In addition, children and women who are pregnant have an increased risk of developing anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed to help support a child’s growth and the growth of a baby inside a woman’s womb.

Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. ” It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain. These symptoms are often complicated by coexisting disease(s).There are many compromises that are necessary when one has symptomatic anemia. This can affect the tolerability of therapy. Anemia is also associated with a poorer prognosis and increased mortality. Anemia is a common blood disorder. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of the condition. If you suspect you have anemia, see your doctor. Anemia can be a sign of serious illnesses. Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. Although there are over 400 different forms of anemia, this health profile will only address the three most common: iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 anemia and folic acid deficiency. Anemias can also be caused by such conditions as external bleeding, chronic disease, pregnancy , alcoholism, bleeding disorders, infection and hereditary conditions

Causes of Anemia

Except for the acute form, anemia is a result of systemic toxemia and acidosis-a condition of poisons, toxins and accumulated waste products floating in the blood - and lymph-streams, and of enervation or lowered nerve-tone. There is either an accumulation of these injurious substances due to failure of eliminative organs to handle a normal amount of such products, or they are produced in such considerable quantities that even normal organs, eliminating a normal amount or more than a normal amount of eliminations can not remove them rapidly enough. They have the effect of poisoning the organs that make the blood cells, which produce a deficient amount of blood cells or altered blood cells.

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia goes undetected in many people, and symptoms can be vague. Most commonly, people with anemia report a feeling of weakness or fatigue, general malaise and sometimes a poor concentration. People with more severe anemia often report dyspnea (shortness of breath) on exertion. Very severe anemia prompts the body to compensate by increasing cardiac output , leading to palpitations and sweatiness, and to heart failure . Other useful signs are cheilosis and koilonychia .

Treatment of Anemia

Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia. In some cases, blood transfusions and the medication erythropoietin will correct anemia. For example, treatment for sickle cell anemia is different than treatment for a diet low in iron or folic acid. Talk to your HCP about the best treatment for the cause of your anemia. Other Treatment Injectable EPO (e.g., PROCRIT®, EPOGEN®) is an alternative to blood transfusion to treat critically ill patients with anemia. Exogenous EPO is identical to the natural hormone in its role of stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. EPO has been used safely in many clinical settings, including chronic renal failure, oncology, and surgery. In the ICU, use of EPO has been shown to reduce the amount of blood transfused by almost 50%, at the same time significantly increasing hemoglobin levels.

Anemia occurs when blood does not have enough red blood cells or when the blood does not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells. Anemia can be life-threatening.There are many types of anemia. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia — like the anemia that develops during pregnancy — are even considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problemsPernicious anemia is a rare condition in which the body does not absorb enough vitamin B12 from the digestive tract. It causes inadequate production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is hereditary. It is rarely caused by a diet lacking in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, eggs, shellfish, fortified cereals and milk.The main causes of iron deficiency are: poor absorption of iron by the body (Vitamin C aides in iron absorption), inadequate daily intake of iron, pregnancy, growth spurts or blood loss due to heavy period or internal bleeding.It is a common misconception that the amount of iron our bodies absorb is directly related to the amount of iron we eat. While we do get most of our iron through food, getting enough iron is not quite as simple as eating well. For one thing, the ability of our digestive systems to absorb iron from the food we eat varies; for instance, those who are iron deficient do not absorb iron as well as those who are not.CausesThere are other types of immune hemolytic anemias where the cause may result from an underlying disease or medication. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias. The onset of the disease may be quite rapid and very serious.Except for the acute form, anemia is a result of systemic toxemia and acidosis-a condition of poisons, toxins and accumulated waste products floating in the blood - and lymph-streams, and of enervation or lowered nerve-tone. There is either an accumulation of these injurious substances due to failure of eliminative organs to handle a normal amount of such products, or they are produced in such considerable quantities that even normal organs, eliminating a normal amount or more than a normal amount of eliminations can not remove them rapidly enough. SymptomsYou are affected by anemia if your blood does not have enough hemoglobin or enough red blood cells. Since the early symptoms of anemia, are mild, it is easy to mistake the anemia symptoms for symptoms of some serious disease. Anemia could have an adverse impact on the quality of your life. Major symptoms of anemia include: heart palpitation, fatigue, dizziness, loss of concentration, rapid heart breath and pale skin. Unhappiness and depression could also be a major symptom of anemia.SecaleThis remedy produces a progressives general anaemia. It is shown by the peculiar cachexia of anaemia, pale, bloodless, jaundiced color. By its effect on the blood corpuscles it produces a general anaemia, threatening not only the life of a part, but vitiating the whole life of the bodily economy. It is a sort of a mechanical anaemia.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Healthy bodies have adequate amounts of hemoglobin, the red blood cells that carry oxygen to cells. They also have an appropriate number of red blood cells. Anemia results when either there is too little hemoglobin circulating or there are too few red blood cells themselves. Due to the expansion of blood volume that takes place during a normal pregnancy, pregnant women are frequently found to be anemic. About 90% of the anemias occurring during pregnancy are due to iron-deficiency.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

When anemia exists, carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood giving rise to the symptoms of anemia.

* dizziness
pale mucous membranes
always tired
* breathlessness
* palpitation and maybe a rapid pulse
* poor appetite

DIAGNOSIS

A complete blood count will separate the red cells and give a read-out for hemoglobin and hematocrit. The normal lab range for non-pregnant women is 12-16 g/dl and for the pregnant woman, 10-14 g/dl. The current standard definition for anemia is a hemoglobin below 11 g/dl. Pregnant women commonly have a decrease in their hemoglobin of about 10% due to the blood volume expansion.

CAUSES

Some causes of iron deficiency anemia:

* blood loss from profuse menstrual flow
* inadequate intake of iron, copper, folic acid, and B vitamins
* loss due to fetal intake
* hemorrhage
* insecticides
* drugs that destroy Vitamin E
* excess Vitamin K in pregnant women may cause anemia in fetus
* chronic use of laxatives
* malabsorbtion diseases - sprue, celiac
* cooking with large amounts of water
* eating large amounts of canned food

TREATMENTS

Prevention is important because many cases of iron deficiency anemia can be avoided through good nutrition and life style. For most types of anemia, supplementation of a ferrous product and/or folic acid will be given during the maternity period and postpartum as well as dietary guidance for ingestion of iron rich foods. In sever cases, blood transfusion may be necessary.

Treatment includes injections of Vitamin B12 and a very nutritious diet along with desiccated liver and supplementation with a B complex vitamin. Because folic acid can mask the effects of pernicious anemia, supplementation of this nutrient needs to be kept very small.

Copper is essential in the proper development of the central nervous system, correct bone growth, and hair pigmentation. Copper-deficient goats have difficulty conceiving kids and, if bred, abortions are not uncommon. Copper deficiency can be the result of low levels of the mineral in the soil and in forages raised on the soil; this is primary copper deficiency. Copper deficiency can cause a syndrome of anemia or pancytopenia and a neurodegeneration in humans or other mammals. Cases of human anemia caused by copper deficiency are rare. It is affected persons develop progressive spasticity, ataxia, and a neuropathy.
This may be accompanied by anemia as well. Copper deficiency in ruminants can be caused by copper-poor grazing lands or copper-poor feed. In humans, copper deficiency can occur through copper-deficient parenteral nutrition or as a result of gastric bypass surgery. Copper deficiency in ruminants can be caused by copper-poor grazing lands or copper-poor feed. In humans, copper deficiency can occur through copper-deficient parenteral nutrition or as a result of gastric bypass surgery. Copper deficiency results in several abnormalities of the immune system, such as reduced cellular immune response.
Reduced activity of white blood cells, chronic inflammation, and, possibly, reduced thymus hormone production, all of which contribute to an increased infection rate. The recommended daily intake of elemental copper for an adult is 0.9 mg daily and typical American diets may be deficient in copper. Zinc competes with copper for absorption by the gut. Chronic excessive zinc consumption, such as may occur in those who overuse denture adhesive compounds, can cause copper deficiency (and is hence used to treat excessive copper levels, as in Wilson’s disease).