Haematemesis

What you need to know:

There is no alternative therapy for any of the causes of this condition but, once the underlying reasons have been dealt with, follow the nutritional advice for anaemia detailed below:

The most useful Supplements:

  • Folic acid

400mg to 800mg per day
  • Iron

15mg to 45mg per day
  • Vitamin B12

1,000mcg per day
  • Vitamin C

1,000mg per day

Also 1gm to 3gm of Dessicated liver per day.

The most useful Herbs:

Certain herbs can stimulate red blood cell production, whilst others can improve digestion and therefore absorption of iron. 

  • Echinacea

500mg 3 times per day
  • Dong Quai

500mg 3 times per day
  • Gentian

500mg 3 times per day

Homoeopathy

Try the following homoeopathic remedies.

  • Calcarea phosphorica
  • China
  • Ferrum metallicum

    • Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

    The most valuable single food for many types of Anaemia is calves’ liver, but due to intensive farming methods and the widespread use of antibiotics and growth hormones, there’s a significant advantage in choosing organic when possible.

    Foods and herbs rich in iron include:

    • Liver - (but not if you are pregnant)
    • Chives
    • Fresh dates
    • Lovage
    • Unsalted cashew nuts
    • Fennel

    • Watercress
    • Chives
    • Stinging nettle
    • Offal
    • Dandelion leaves
    • Black pudding
    • Parsley
    • Yeast extract
    • Mollasses
    • Dried Beans

    You can also increase your absorption of iron by eating foods rich in Vitamin C at the same time - all the Citrus Fruits, tomatoes, salads.

    Some foods, however, inhibit the absorption of iron. They include:

  • uncooked bran
  • tea, coffee
  • cola drinks
  • chocolate
  • antacid medicines.

    • There are two types of iron available from food. Haem iron, from animal sources, is much more easily absorbed than non-haem iron, found in plants, which requires far larger intake to receive the same benefit.

    Cooking in traditional cast Iron pots also provides a useful source of iron and for vegetarians and vegans a traditional Indian vegetable balti cooked in the proper cast Iron balti dish will give significant amounts of easily absorbed iron.
     

    Other useful advice:

    Anaemia related to deficiency of vitamin B12 is more likely to be caused by problems of the absorption of this nutrient than a lack of it in the diet, although this should always be considered a possibility in vegetarians and vegans.

    folic acid has a major part to play in Anaemia, too, and should always be taken with vitamin B12 as these two nutrients work best together. This is relevant as deficiency of folic acid is widespread and since it can’t be stored by the body, regular consumption is vital. Many people fail to get enough in their diet, but there are also factors which interfere with its absorption - excessive alcohol consumption, the contraceptive pill and some anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy as well as chronic bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease and other conditions leading to chronic diarrhoea.

    If you have been prescribed iron (ferrous sulphate) tablets from your doctor and you are experiencing side effects such as constipation, nausea or bloating, you could try a more gentle form of iron instead. Ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, haem iron and iron amino acid chelates are alternative forms that are well absorbed and less likely to cause these side effects.

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    The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.