Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Anemia is defined as a diminished number of red
blood cells, or an inability of the red blood cells to function
properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body, and a person
who has anemia will often feel easily fatigued, sluggish, and can become emotionally depressed.
Anemia
can occur for a variety of reasons. Red blood cells require certain
nutrients to form properly, including vitamin B12, folic acid, and
iron. If a person becomes deficient in these nutrients, anemia can
result. Anemia can occur after blood loss, or during long-term disease.
There are certain genetic illnesses that lead to anemia, such as
thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.

Anemia
can be tested with a basic blood test called a Complete Blood Count
(CBC). This test can be run at the same time as thyroid tests or
other blood testing to determine causes of your symptoms. With these results, your doctor can
determine whether anemia is a causative factor in your symptoms, and
treat you with nutrient supplementation if necessary.
We
can give you high-dose vitamins and minerals in a capsule form to
replenish your nutrient status. For instant results, intravenous (IV)
nutrient therapy can be offered as well. IV therapy
provides your cells with an immediate supply of the energy-boosting
vitamins and minerals you need to enhance your immune system and
improve overall health. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 can
give you an energy boost as well, and help to stabilize your mood. Our
Myer’s IV (Vitamin & Mineral IV) provides you with all of the B
vitamins you need for energy, and vitamin C for stress reduction and
immune health, plus calcium and magnesium for your mind, heart,
muscles, and bones.
These injection therapies are performed by a physician. The B12 injection
only takes 5-10 seconds, and the nutrient IV typically takes 20-30
minutes. B12 injections and IV nutrient therapy can be performed weekly
for 3-5 weeks to boost your energy and improve your mood, and then once
per month, or every few months, based on the severity of your symptoms.
The more often these treatments are done, the faster you are likely to
improve.
I have found that patients who are using homeopathic medicine as a primary part of their treatment will often feel better more rapidly with concurrent vitamin injections or IVs. These nutrients help to give the body and mind a natural boost that seems to help the person respond even better to homeopathic treatment.
--
Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona.
Her expertise is treating depression and anxiety with natural medicine.
She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight
loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley
Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe
(480.456.0402). Visit her website for more information.