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Anemia in Indian women

               Anemia is one of the major silent killer in developing and underdeveloped countries. More than 50% (55%-59%) to be precise) women are anemic only in India. It means that statistically every one of the two Indian women is anemic. Scientifically if we try to classify, ideal value of haemoglobin for women is more than 12mg/dl. But many women have their Hb (haemoglobin) values between 10-11.9 mg/dl and they,not doctors, may think of it is normal ( chalta hai,sabka hai na fir theek hai…) but clinically it is actually considered as Mild Anemia. Hb levels between 7-9.9 mg/dl are classified as Moderate Anemia and below 6.9mg/dl is classified as severe Anemia.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Anemia

              Ayurvedic texts have mentioned Anemia as Pandu Roga. Pandu means pallor. i.e. faint discoloration of skin,eyes and nails. Further description of Pandu Roga is not only limited to the pallor but also includes various generalised body symptoms which can be seen clinically as the disease advances. Dryness of skin,increased feeling of tiredness. These are called as Purvarupa. (ie preliminary symptoms which may not present an entire illness but act as early symptoms.) Some other symptoms are seen later on as disease progresses. Fatigue,dizziness(giddiness), palpitations,myalgia(body ache), cramps,hair fall are the more symptoms. Severe cases may also present increased pallor,increased irritability, frequent headache, getting tired even during daily routine, breathlessness,loss of consciousness.

Why women at Risk?

There are several reasons which make women more prone to Anemia.

• Menstruation - During each cycle a female loses approximately 30-40 ml of blood which makes average 350-500 ml of blood loss per year. This just an average per woman where frequent menstruation or heavy menstrual bleeding is not considered. Also Anemia can cause menstrual irregularities like delayed menstrual cycles,  lesser blood flow.
• Pregnancy - pregnancy caused hypervolemia (increased blood volume ) which may cause lower haemoglobin values in absence of additional iron supply. During Each pregnancy mother needs daily supply of 30-60 mg elemental iron and 400 microgram folic acid. Anemia can cause preterm deliveries,low Birth weight baby, increased Risk of sepsis during labour. Due to lack of education, improper knowledge of medical care facility,lower socio-economic status, careless attitude due to frequent pregnancies are the major contributors in Anemia in pregnant women.
• Delivery - almost 500-800 ml blood is lost during each normal delivery. Post partum haemorrhage,back to back deliveries can also Risk woman’s life.
• Unhygienic conditions - unhygienic conditions of living, unhygienic habits of preparing,storing and eating food are the major cause of hookworm infestation. These worms are parasites which use human body as their hosts and feed themselves by sucking human blood which is one of the common cause of Anemia.
• Also malaria infection, caused by Anopheles species of mosquitoes which grow in drainage water, is also a major cause of Anemia.
• Malnutrition - even Today, girls and women have inferior status as compared to boys and men in many rural and urban households. Also traditional upbringing makes them feel of lesser importance hence eating stale food,eating late only after everyone else have finished their meal, eating leftovers which may be less than required is very common among Indian women. Also natural dietary sources like meat ,fruits,lentils are quite expensive which may not be affordable to every household and women are even less likely to get an adequate share.

Treatment -

• Dietary - Dietary sources are very useful in order to maintain proper iron and haemoglobin levels also to treat mild form of Anemia. These diet rich foods are spinach, beetroot,raisins,lentils,cashews, white beans, kidney beans , tomatoes, means like chicken,lamb, livers, fishes.
• Medicines - according to Ayurveda treating  Pandu Roga only  with iron supplements is not enough but it is also necessary to treat Raktagni and Raktadhatu first. Raktakshaya ----> Vataprakopa (vitiation)----> dhatukshaya (suppression of cellular metabolism). This is a vicious pathology which needs to be broken in order to get long terms, definitive results.  To achieve this we need to start with snehapana like Dadimadi, Drakshadi Ghrutam which is then followed by mild or Moderate purgatives for detoxification. After which oral medicines are used. These medicines are often combined with folic acid , vitamin B12 in order to optimize iron absorption. These are mainly used to treat mild to Moderate Anemia
• Injectables and blood transfusion is used as emergency modes in order to treat severe cases.

Note - views expressed in this articles are medical facts stated for reader's knowledge. Kindly consult an ayurvedic Consultant. Self medication can be dangerous to Health.