Anemia affects more than 3 million Americans: rich-poor-male-female-young and old. It is a treatable disease in which a person feels tired all the time. There are not enough red blood cells in the body, and it is the hemoglobin in the red blood cells that carries the energy-giving oxygen throughout the body. The heart is working harder than necessary to get oxygen to all the organs, and by working harder the heart can develop a rapid heartbeat and/or it can become enlarged, which can lead to heart failure or stroke. Untreated pernicious anemia is harmful to the nerves and even mental function, because Vitamin B-12 is required for nerve and brain function.

There are nearly 100 kinds of anemia, some caused by serious diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It could be an effect of medication. Other types are caused by severe blood loss or deficiency in vitamins or iron. Genetic factors may play a role too. People over the age of 65 and those with HIV are at particular risk, as are patients undergoing surgery.

The symptoms of anemia are similar to other diseases, and they include: fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, coldness, confusion, dizziness or fainting, pale skin and a feeling of sadness or even depression. It is diagnosed with a blood test measuring the red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.

Medications are available that will stimulate red blood cell production, but a change in diet or the addition of supplements may be all it takes to get the blood in good shape again. (You should be aware that overloading the body with iron can be harmful, so it is wise to consult a nutritionist, if possible.) A healthy diet must include adequate iron, which is found in meat, dark green leafy vegetables, whole-grain breads, iron-fortified cereals, dried fruit, nuts and seeds. It must also have sufficient Vitamin B-12, which is in meat and dairy products. Folate and folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) are essential and can be found in citrus juices, fresh fruits and vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals.

Mayo Clinic Recipe Website has many recipes, including the following: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=C3E49458-ADC3-47D4-BC67C1926A041AC2

Portobello and Blue CheeseSalad
White Chicken Chili
Apples with Dip
Vegetarian Kebobs
Spinach Sole
Beef Soft Tacos
Chicken with Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries and Rhubarb;

RECIPES FOR ANEMIA

Sweet Potato-Cherry Squares with Orange Icing

Preheat oven to 350^o. Coat 9x13 pan with non-stick spray.

In large bowl, beat:

• 2 TB butter, softened OR 2 TB canola oil
• 1-1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 TB vanilla
• 1 tsp orange extract

In small bowl, combine:

• 3 c. whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt (opt)

Stir this into the egg mixture until just mixed. Stir in:

• 3 c. shredded sweet potatoes, firmly packed
• 1-1/2 c. dried cherries

Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on rack.

Icing

In medium bowl place:

• 2 c. confectioner’s sugar
• 3 TB orange juice
• grated rind of one orange OR 1 tsp orange extract

Mix until smooth, spread on cooled cake.

Oven Barbequed Chuck Roast

Preheat oven to 350^o. Trim visible fat from:

• 4 to 5 lb. chuck roast

Cook for 2 hours. Drain off the fat and juices.

In small bowl, mix together:

• 1-8 oz can tomato sauce
• ½ c. A1 steak sauce
• 2 TB vinegar
• ½ c. brown sugar

Pour mixture over the roast, continue to cook for 1 more hour or until tender. If there are leftovers, slice the meat and coat with leftover sauce. Refrigerate for delicious sandwiches.

Broccoli Supreme

Preheat oven to 350^o. Spray 2-qt casserole with non-stick spray.

Cook according to package:

• 1-10 oz box frozen broccoli

Drain. In medium bowl blend together:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 TB flour

Add:

• ½ c. sour cream
• ¼ c. grated carrot
• 1 TB grated (or VERY finely chopped) onion
• ¼ tsp salt (opt)
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Stir in the cooked broccoli. Pour this into prepared casserole dish.

In small bowl combine:

• ¾ c. stuffing mix
• 2 TB butter, melted

Cover top of broccoli mixture with this. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly, taking care that top doesn’t get too brown. Cover with foil if it is!

Blueberry-Banana Bread

Preheat oven to 350^o. Grease and flour an 8x4” loaf pan.

In small bowl sprinkle:

• ½ c. fresh or frozen blueberries with
• 2 TB flour

Set aside.

Sift together:

• 1-1/2 c. flour ( less the 2TB you added to the blueberries)
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 2-1/4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Stir in:

• ½ c. oatmeal

Blend together:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 c. butter, melted
• 1 c. ripe banana, mashed

Add this to dry ingredients, stirring by hand just until moistened. Carefully stir in the coated blueberries – just distribute them throughout the batter.

Pour into loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a rack. Wrap when completely cooled. Best if stored for 1 day before slicing.

Endnotes

http://www.anemia.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=EC65CB20-B944-4CF2-8237D5D3234C0883&dsection=9

IH Distribution LLC, who brought you this article, has a full line of professional skin care & nutritional products: all products (including anti-aging products) can be purchased with a 30 day money-back guarantee

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