Natural or conventional, objective of every kind of treatment of sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS) is to reverse the condition and allow new healthy red blood cell growth. It equally affects men and women and is more prevalent in American Africans than the other ethnic groups.
In the sickle cell disease, the shape of the red blood cells get distorted. It affects oxygen supply as the red blood cells which are supposed to carry oxygen to the body do not function efficiently due to the distorted shape. Since the shape of the cell is sickle shaped ( shape like letter C) the condition is called sickle cell disease (SCD). Normal healthy red blood cells are round and flexible.
The red blood cells under sickle cell disease are deoxygenated, which simply means they lack oxygen.
Sickle cell disease is generally a hereditary condition, and it is very painful. Although bone marrow transplant has been found a successful cure for the condition in the children, home remedies have been helpful in both pain management and treatment of sickle cell anemia.
What Causes Sickle Cell Disease?
The sickle cell disease is caused by a change in the genes that makes Hemoglobin. Since genes are affected, the condition is generally inherited. It gets passed on from parents to children.
Some people with sickle cells may not get the disease, but since the carry the genes it will affect their children. Such people are called to possess sickle cell traits.
People with sickle cell disease will have periods of normal life and periods of sickness.
The periods of pain can be several times a year to once in several years. These bouts of pain are called sickle cell crisis (Vaso-Occlusive-Crisis). It needs pain management as the pains are severe.
Due to sickle cell anemia many other health conditions may crop up ranging from pneumonia to organ damages and from complications during pregnancy to breathing troubles and chest pains. Other conditions such as jaundice and gallstones and blood in urine can surface. Erections in men can be very painful.
There are many types of sickle cell diseases but the most common is sickle cell anemia.
Your healthy red blood cells have a life of around 120 days. In sickle cell disease the lifespan of the cells is reduced to 10-20 days. The bone marrow can't produce that many blood cells quickly, that is why you get anemia and this kind of anemia is called sickle cell anemia.
Early treatment of sickle cell anemia not only makes you healthy again, but it also saves you from a lot of pain and discomfort. From blood transfusion to oxygen therapy and medications are used with varying degrees of success as treatment s of sickle cell diseases.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Sickle Cell Anemia
1. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an excellent source of Vitamin B and contains more calcium, iron and potassium than any other food product. It also is rich in copper, magnesium and phosphorus. Due to its high iron contents it is very good for all kinds of anemia.
- Add one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a glass of milk.
- Mix it well and drink it.
It will improve production of red blood cells and reverse sickle cell disease.
2. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron that helps build red blood cells. It also is an alkaline food that regulates body pH. It not only rejuvenates the existing blood cells but also produces new healthy red blood cells which a sickle cell anemia patient desperately needs.
Eat spinach in any form you like, but make sure you eat enough spinach daily if you have low hemoglobin levels or sickle cell anemia.
3. Beet Roots
Beets are excellent sources of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C and folate. Beet Roots are in real sense a superfood. It helps in building red blood cells.
Eat beetroot by boiling it otherwise it is difficult to digest. You may not get full benefits.
4. Moderate Exercise
Since people with sickle cell anemia gave less red blood cells, their body cells do not get enough oxygen. Exercise helps to transport oxygen by improving blood circulation.
However, the lack of oxygen in the blood cells will make you tired soon and you may get chest and muscle pains. So you should ensure that you don't overdo it.
Take rest between your exercise.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Any physical activity will make you dehydrated soon. Therefore you must drink a lot of water before and after exercise if you have sickle cell anemia.
In addition to above, ensure that you don't expose yourself to extreme weather conditions. Wear appropriate clothing to save extreme climate exposure.