Natural remedies to treat sickle cell anemia
You look for a natural way to treat sickle cell anemia? The disease gets its name from the fact that the red blood cells of a person with sickle cell disease are sickle-shaped (the farm tool with a curved edge) instead of their usual round disc shape. The round shape is the healthiest shape for red blood cells because they can move easily through the body. Whenever a person’s body does not have enough blood cells, the person is said to be anemic. When the cause of the disease is the sickle shape of the red blood cells, it is called sickle cell anemia.
Affected people often experience painful episodes also called “crisis”.
It occurs when sickle cells fail to move easily due to their shape and they “get stuck”, especially inside smaller blood vessels. This prevents blood from flowing properly through the body and can cause a lot of pain. So you are wondering how to cure sickle cell anemia naturally? This article is made for you.
The ‘secret’ cure for sickle cell anemia is in yams
Most Kenyans know what “vikuu” means, considered in Kenya as a breakfast specialty. However, few are aware that it is a natural remedy for treating sickle cell anemia.
Yams contain thiocyanate naturally, known to dramatically reduce sickling of red blood cells, they can therefore prevent sickle cell attacks. Thiocynate, sometimes called sulfocyanate, is a naturally occurring substance found in some plants called nitrilosides among which is the yam.
Reportedly, during times when yams were consumed as a staple food in African countries, sickle cell anemia was non-existent. These foods are still eaten in Africa, but in smaller amounts, and now sickle cell anemia exists here. Affected people are also advised to follow a diet rich in organic iron, cleaning the blood with natural chlorophyll and any nutrient that counteracts natural sickling, namely thiocyanate.
Treat sickle cell anemia naturally …
Foods Containing Thiocyanate
Folic acid is important for making red blood cells. Aside from taking supplements, it is important that you choose foods that are rich in this nutrient and other essential vitamins to include in your diet. African yams are considered the richest sources of thiocynate, but millet, buckwheat, oats, lima beans, green leafy vegetables, sprouts, Brussels sprouts, turnips, carrots, almonds, cashews, cauliflower, Strawberries, raspberries, bananas, lentils, broccoli, chickpeas, matoke plantain, and sorghum are other known sources of thiocyanate.
Recommended plants
There are a few herbal remedies that you can use to treat sickle cell anemia. Some plants are high in the iron phosphate that your body needs. Dandelion root, nettle leaf, leaf of red raspberries, thyme, fenugreek and white oak bark are some of the herbs containing large amounts of iron phosphate.
Fish oil against sickle cell anemia
Yes, grandma was right about fish oil which is a powerful healer. To reduce the frequency and severity of pain attacks, it is often advisable to take daily fish oil supplements providing 33 mg of EPA and 23 mg of DHA for every pound of body mass. (ask your doctor for advice).
Do not neglect zinc and folic acid
Folic acid and other essential vitamins are required by the bone marrow for the production of new red blood cells. Doctors recommend taking a folic acid supplement every day to help sickle cell anemia. Under the supervision of a doctor, a daily supplement of 100 mg of zinc, along with 2 mg of copper, to help prevent cell damage and speed healing of leg ulcers associated with sickle cell anemia.
To drink a lot
Drinking plenty of fluids and water to maintain good circulation is essential.
Pass a test
Ask your doctor to test your blood homocysteine levels to find out which folic acid supplements of 1 to 4 mg daily are suitable for you, or to find out if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency that would require treatment.
Raised legs
People affected by sickle cell anemia often experience skin ulceration and restlessness in the legs. They are caused by the flow of stagnant blood resulting from sickle cells. To treat leg ulcers, it is important to keep this part of your body raised. You should also change dressings carefully and often.
Rest
Bone infarction and aseptic necrosis are caused by poor blood circulation and they often occur in patients with sickle cell anemia. To treat these painful problems, it is important to get plenty of rest so that damage or deformity is avoided.
Avoid carrying heavy objects
Aseptic necrosis can permanently damage large joints such as the shoulders or hips. It can lead to pain and disability. To prevent this condition from worsening and for pain relief, you should avoid carrying heavy items at all costs.
Take alkaline baths and avoid extreme temperatures
Another great home remedy for sickle cell anemia is alkaline baths. They help in the alkalization of your body. Take an alkaline bath regularly adding sea salt to your bath water. It is important to keep your body at a normal temperature at all times when you have sickle cell anemia. This is the reason why you should avoid extreme temperatures. You can increase the risk of a seizure by exposing your body to extreme heat or cold.
Warnings
These recommendations are not exhaustive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. To continue reading (in English) see the sources used for writing this article below.