Anemia is a deal-breaker if you’re trying to improve your health. Anemia literally starves your body of oxygen. Oxygen is obviously very important for survival. It’s also very important in healing.
Your brain and nervous system need two things to survive: fuel and activation. Fuel comes in the form of oxygen and glucose. We’ll talk about glucose in a separate “deal-breaker” blog.
When you deprive your body of oxygen, you deprive your red blood cells (RBCs) of oxygen. The basic function of the RBCs is to maintain, regenerate, and heal the body by carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells of your body. Without adequate oxygen, the body simply cannot operate properly!
Symptoms of Anemia
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowed skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness or unstable walking
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
It is vital that clinicians address anemia in patients. Anemia can be due to a variety of reasons and factors, including B12 anemia or pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune disease. Some forms of anemia don’t seem to respond to iron supplements because the red blood cells break down. So when this happens, supplementing won’t increase iron levels and can, in fact, make the problem much worse. Too much iron in the body is much more toxic than mercury, lead, or other heavy metals.
If you are anemic, or experiencing symptoms consistent with anemia, make sure you are getting the right support. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rob Lindsey by calling 952-949-0676. Learn more about functional medicine.
