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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The formation of sand or kidney stones (urolithiasis) has a relatively common occurrence - 1 in 10 people encounters this problem at least once in their lifetime. For some patients this is rather accidental, but others are prone to frequent crises. The danger of a second crisis - once it has happened - is around 15% in the first year and 50% over the next five.

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Kidney crises cause one of the most severe pains that the human body can experience, and a crisis can happen even in cases where there are no stones yet formed, but only sand. Half a million people every year need urgent help due to kidney crises.

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Unfortunately, removing the stones is not easy, and some therapies, such as extracorporeal lithotripsy, can lead to kidney damage. [<a href="https://www.seminarsinnephrology.org/article/S0270-9295(08)00028-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

What-types-of-kidney-stones-are-there

What types of kidney stones are there

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Kidney stones are also called concrements and are different types based on their chemical composition, but generally fall into two groups: organic and inorganic. There are also mixed kidney stones.

Organic-stones:

Organic stones:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cystine stones - rare, whitish-yellow in color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Uric acid stones - they are formed from uric acid and have a whitish-yellow to dark brown color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cholesterine stones&nbsp; - black color, crumbly;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xanthine stones - have a brownish color.</li>
</ul>

Organic-stones:_0_1

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/f9a336d6-f9aa-494f-b18f-cdda5257ea94_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="what types of kidney stones there are" title="what types of kidney stones there are">
<figcaption>These are not concrements in the kidneys, but some of them have a similar appearance.</figcaption>
</figure>

Inorganic-stones:

Inorganic stones:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calcium oxalate stones- the most common type, dark brown or black;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calcium phosphate stones- brittle, whitish or gray color;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Magnesium phosphate stones - they are formed in chronic bacterial infections in the urinary system, have a dirty gray or brownish color.</li>
</ul>

Useful-tips-for-prevention

Useful tips for prevention

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Since kidney stones have a different chemical composition, and therefore a different reason for their formation in each patient, it is necessary that the approach to treatment and prevention be individual.

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However, there are some general principles that are good to be observed by those prone to urolithiasis, regardless of the specific reasons:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take such a quantity of fluids, which leads to the excretion of at least 2 liters of urine per day.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not take more than 2-3 grams of salt daily, since a large amount of salt leads to calcium retention in the urine, and this is a risk factor for stone formation. Unfortunately, almost all food products contain a certain amount of salt.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce the intake of proteins of animal origin, since this lowers the pH of urine and creates a prerequisite for an increase in calcium in the urine.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not limit calcium intake unless it is found to be excessive. Decreased calcium intake leads to increased absorption of oxalates in the intestine, which may increase the risk of calciumoxalate stones.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It is not advisable to exceed the dose of 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per day if taken in the form of a supplement, since&nbsp; it can turn into oxalate in the body.</li>
</ul>

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Which-herbs-and-plants-may-help-those-suffering-from-urolithiasis

Which herbs and plants may help those suffering from urolithiasis

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Some medicinal plants have shown a positive effect in human clinical trials. Data taken from the scientific review published in 2009 "Herbal Medicines in the Management of Urolithiasis: Alternative or Complementary?" [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medicines_in_the_management_of_urolithiasis_alternative_or_complementary_19444769" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Citrus-fruits

Citrus fruits

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Citrus fruits and juices are a good natural source of citrate - a substance we know inhibits the formation of calcium kidney stones, since it forms soluble compounds with calcium and thus does not allow it to bind in insoluble calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.

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A particularly large effect has the intake of lemon juice or homemade lemonade [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Long_term_lemonade_based_dietary_manipulation_in_patients_with_hypocitraturic_nephrolithiasis_17382731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>], followed by grapefruit, orange and even apple juice.

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Herbs-with-diuretic-effect-help-propel-the-stones

Herbs with diuretic effect help propel the stones

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One of the main recommendations to patients suffering from kidney stones is to take plenty of fluids, to help dispose of them with the help of increased urine volume, in a completely mechanical way (if the stone is too large, it is removed surgically or by other means).

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Therefore, herbs that have a diuretic effect would be beneficial, because they increase the amount of urine released.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), also known as woundwort;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) - as an infusion it is also known as carcade, and as the rosella or rosella fruit in Australia;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Elderberry&nbsp;(Sambucus nigra) - common names include elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cat's whiskers or Java tea (Orthosiphon grandiflorus) - in the form of an infusion it improves renal function and the discharge of excess uric acid;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gale of the wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf (Phyllantus niruri) - the aqueous extract of this herb lowers the level of calcium in the urine.</li>
</ul>

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Other-medicinal-plants-might-also-help-patients-wirh-kidney-stones

Other medicinal plants might also help patients wirh kidney stones

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In addition to the diuretic effect, substances in some herbs can also directly affect the concrement. Such examples are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paashaanbhed or Prashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) - the herb is traditionally used in India and Pakistan; some studies have shown that it can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones by several mechanisms - inhibition of crystal formation, diuretic effect, removal of magnesium from urine and antioxidant properties. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108006673" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tribulus terrestris- the herb can prevent the formation of kidney stones of the type of calcium oxalates. This is due to the ability of thesubstances quercetin and kempferol in the herb to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the formation of oxalates. [<a href="/p/za_kakvo_pomaghat_bilkata_babini_zbi_i_za_kakvo_nie_sporied_naukata" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">ref.4</a>] It is also known as goat's-head, bindii, bullhead, burra gokharu, bhakhdi, caltrop, small caltrops, cat's-head, devil's eyelashes, devil's-thorn, devil's-weed, puncture vine, and tackweed.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crataeva nurvala (Crataeva magna) - the bark of the plant is used, it has a number of effects on the urinary system and the formation of kidney stones. [<a href="https://www.phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-1-1-175_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]</li>
</ul>

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One of the main problems associated with conventional methods of treatment of urolithiasis is the recurrence of kidney stones, which worsens the quality of life of patients and causes them severe pain over and over again. The combination of these methods with appropriate herbal therapy, followed by a specialist, may prove to be the key to solving this problem.

Q&amp;A

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What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

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If you have a kidney stone but it does not move in the kidney or in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder), you will not feel anything. But if the stone clogs the ureter, it leads to its spasm, as well as to the retention of urine in the kidney. This in turn causes very severe pain in the sides and back, under the ribs; pain when urinating; pain that intensifies and subsides or pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin. In addition to pain, other symptoms are: changes in the color and smell of urine (red, pink or brown shades), frequent need to urinate or urine in small amounts, nausea and vomiting. In case of any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.

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Can I pass a kidney stone using natural remedies only?

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It is possible for the kidney stone to leave the body without external intervention, if its size is not large. However, consultation with a doctor is very important - together you can decide what is the most appropriate therapy.

Q&amp;A_3_4

Which drugs may cause kidney stones?

Q&amp;A_3_5

Some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, some medicines used to treat AIDS, some diuretics (furosemide, acetazolamide, triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide), glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, some antacids, acyclovir (against viral infections), indinavir (protease inhibitor), probenecid (against gout), aspirin (and other salicylates), may increase the risk of developing various types of kidney stones.

The Acute and Long-Term Adverse Effects of Shock Wave Lithotripsy, 2008, Seminars in Nephrology

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medicines_in_the_management_of_urolithiasis_alternative_or_complementary_19444769" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herbal medicines in the management of urolithiasis: alternative or complementary?</a> , 2009, Planta Medica

Antiurolithic effect of Bergenia ligulata rhizome: an explanation of the underlying mechanisms, 2009, Journal of Ethnopharmacology

<a href="za_kakvo_pomaghat_bilkata_babini_zbi_i_za_kakvo_nie_sporied_naukata" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What the herb tribulus terrestris helps and for what - no, according to</a>science , 2021, Sanat.io

Herbal Drugs in Urolithiasis - A Review, 2007, Pharmacognosy Reviews

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Long_term_lemonade_based_dietary_manipulation_in_patients_with_hypocitraturic_nephrolithiasis_17382731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long-term lemonade based dietary manipulation in patients with hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis</a>, 2007, Journal of Urology

As we have stated earlier, 85% of those infected with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and infected with COVID-19 in China received not only conventional treatment, but also therapy with herbs from Chinese traditional medicine. In this article, we will look separately at each of the herbs that have been used and what the science of them has to tell us. It's a pandemic, and hope lurks everywhere. :)

9 herbs China uses in the fight coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Herbal and Natural Medicine - Your Pocket Encyclopedia About Herbs

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Healing Properties of Juniper - The Secret of Gin 

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In this article you will find useful information about the healing properties of the broadleaf plantain according to the Iranian traditional medicine and modern science.

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

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Treatment and prevention of diseases with bee products is called apitherapy. It is a branch of alternative medicine that relies on the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and mainly bee venom, also called apitoxin.

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Bone density in osteoporosis: which herbs may improve it

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We will consider 5 of the most famous herbs, which are considered useful in people suffering from diabetes and those who are at risk of the disease. Do they really help, or is it just a myth that science debunks?

5 useful herbs for prevention and treatment of diabetes

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Kidney stones: which herbs prevent them and how to combine foods

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 Kidney stones: which herbs prevent them and how to combine foods

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

If anemia was a woman, how would you have imagined it? Perhaps with a pale face? In fact, anemia has different faces. The causes of anemia can be various, therefore it is extremely important a medical doctor to diagnose them in order to appoint the right treatment. Treatment of one type of anemia can be dangerous for another.

Types-and-causes-of-anemia

Types and causes of anemia

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There are at least 9 different causes of anemia - some of them are rare, others are very common, and when we hear the word "anemia" we first think of them. In the following lines we will briefly look at each type and cause.

Blood-loss-anemia

Blood loss anemia

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Blood loss can occur in an accident, but also when an internal bleeding is present and anemia may be a symptom of a more serious problem. It is necessary to establish where the bleeding comes from and stop it, after that a therapy for iron deficiency anemia can be appointed if needed.

Bone-marrow-and-stem-cells-problem

Bone marrow and stem cells problem

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In aplastic anemia [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_concepts_in_the_pathophysiology_and_treatment_of_aplastic_anemia_16778145" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] the bone marrow stops producing new blood cells, which can affect erythrocytes only (red blood cells) or also other types of blood cells, e.g. white blood cells or platelets.

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Aplastic anemia can be congenital or acquired. If it is congenital patients are at greater risk of developing leukemia (blood cancer), and the acquired is caused by some external stimulus, for example a virus that alters certain immunefunctions (HIV, Epstein-Barr), or toxic substances, medications, radiation.

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Sickle-cell-anemia

Sickle cell anemia

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This is a genetic disease in which some of the erythrocytes have an irregular sickle shape. These cells live only 10-20 days, while normal erythrocytes live up to 120 days. This leads to a reduced number of normally functioning erythrocytes and, accordingly, to anemia. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Sickle_cell_disease_21131035" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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A curious fact about this disease is that it protects against malaria, since malaria plasmodium cannot enter sickle-shaped erythrocytes. Therefore, the mutation is widespread in countries where malaria is spread - healthy people die more often from the disease and those who carry the mutation remain alive.

Decreased-production-of-erythrocytes

Decreased production of erythrocytes

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There may be various reasons for the reduced amount of red blood cells.

Lead-poisoning-anemia

Lead poisoning anemia

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In this case, the treatment includes medications that bind to lead and remove it from the body. This also solves the problem of anemia, which in this case is a symptom of poisoning.

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Chronic-disease-may-cause-anemia

Chronic disease may cause anemia

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Chronic kidney disease or chemotherapy are also factors that can lead to anemia. They can be treated with an injection of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce more erythrocytes.

Hemolytic-anemia

Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic-anemia_0_0

With hemolytic anemia [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Hemolytic_anemia_15202694" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>], increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) is observed. The reasons for this can be various, including poisoning with toxic substances, tumors, kidney or blood vessel problems, an immune reaction directed against erythrocytes, defects in the erythrocytes themselves. This condition can also lead to other unexpected complications such as gallstones and syncope.

Anemia-due-to-folate-and-vitamin-B12deficiency

Anemia due to folate and vitamin B12deficiency 

Anemia-due-to-folate-and-vitamin-B12deficiency_0_0

The deficiency of these vitamins may be due to congenital mutations in some genes that disrupt their metabolism, or may be the result of an inadequate diet. It is especially important that the levels of these two vitamins are optimal during&nbsp;pregnancy. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Folate_and_vitamin_B_12_status_in_relation_to_anemia_macrocytosis_and_cognitive_impairment_in_older_Americans_in_the_age_of_folic_acid_fortification_17209196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

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Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is also called perniciosis anemia or megaloblastic anemia.

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Treatment consists of injecting B12 or taking the vitamin in the form of a supplement, but in this case very large doses are needed to alleviate the deficiency. Symptoms of anemia disappear after returning the levels of these vitamins to normal.

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Below we will focus on foods that are rich in folate and B12.

Iron-deficiency-anemia---the-most-prevalent-type-of-anemia

Iron deficiency anemia - the most prevalent type of anemia

Iron-deficiency-anemia---the-most-prevalent-type-of-anemia_0_0

In women of reproductive age, iron deficiency can be due to heavy&nbsp;menstruation, while in women who do not menstruate and in men it is important to find the source of bleeding, and for this purpose, a colonoscopy can be appointed (observing the inside of the colon with a small camera). Iron deficiency anemia affects children, too. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Iron_Anemia_and_Iron_Deficiency_Anemia_among_Young_Children_in_the_United_States_27249004" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Iron-deficiency-anemia---the-most-prevalent-type-of-anemia_0_1

It is very important that the treatment is appointed by a doctor and you do not take iron-containing supplements at your own discretion, as this poses many risks. After we have been prescribed a therapy it is good to take the iron supplement with a meal in order to reduce the side effects.

Iron-deficiency-anemia---the-most-prevalent-type-of-anemia_0_2

Iron supplements may interact adversely with other supplements or medications, for example calcium interferes with iron absorption, so it is best to take the supplements that contain it at different times of the day.

Iron-deficiency-anemia---the-most-prevalent-type-of-anemia_0_3

Also, the body digests iron best when taken in a slightly acidic environment, so you can take it with half a glass of orange juice or with vitamin C.

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers

Foods and combinations that are useful for anaemia sufferers

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_0

As it became clear, the causes of anemia are different, and therefore the food we take needs&nbsp;to be tailored to the specific cause for anemia in each individual.

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Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_2

If you have iron deficiency anemia, it is necessary to increase the level of iron in the blood. Good sources of iron are:

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Red meat - lamb, chicken (there is less iron in it)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liver, kidneys, veal tongue</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Egg yolk</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fish - canned or fresh tuna, mackerel, fresh perch, fresh or canned salmon</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Legumes - all kinds of beans, chickpeas, soybeans, peas</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green leafy vegetables - spinach, kale, collard, mangold, dandelion leaves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Whole grains</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nuts - pumpkin seed, cashew, pistachio, sunflower seed; almonds are rich in iron, but also in calcium, which inhibits iron absorption and therefore is not a good source.</li>
</ul>

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Iron of animal origin is called heme iron, since it is in the composition of the heme in hemoglobin, and iron of plant origin is non-heme iron (plants do not have hemoglobin).

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To increase iron absorption, it is necessary to observe the following rules:

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Meat should be combined with plant sources of iron, especially with vegetables rich in vitamin C or juice of such fruits (orange, lemonade).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some dark leafy vegetables are rich in iron, but also oxalates which prevent non-heme iron from being absorbed. Therefore, they are not a self-sufficient source of iron - it remains largely inaccessible to our organism. It is good to combine them with vitamin C-containing foods - oranges, red peppers, strawberries. Collard and mangold are vegetables that are rich in both vitamin C and iron.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It is necessary to avoid foods rich in calcium in combination with those rich in iron, since calcium can bind to iron and prevents it from being absorbed in the intestines. Therefore, our favorite spinach with rice and yogurt is not a good source of iron, as well as nettle with cheese.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Besides foods rich in calcium and oxalates, there are other foods and drinks that block the absorption of iron: coffee, black or green tea, eggs.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods rich in beta carotene improve iron absorption, such as apricots, red peppers, beetroot.</li>
</ul>

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In case of anemia caused by folate deficiency and vitamin B12 (perniciosis anemia) it is important to get their levels back to normal. In addition to supplements, this process can be supported by food:

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_9

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Good sources of vitamin B12 are meat, liver, kidneys, fish, oysters, mussels, milk, cheese, eggs.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Good sources of folate (vitamin B9) are fresh citrus fruits, legumes, green leafy vegetables, mangold, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dairy products, whole grains, liver. Vegetables should be eaten raw or very slightly cooked to keep the folate in them.</li>
</ul>

Foods-and-combinations-that-are-useful-for-anaemia-sufferers_1_10

Many factors can lead to anemia, but fortunately this condition in most cases is easily treatable when correctly diagnosed, and our personal contribution through proper nutrition is no less significant for conducting treatment and reaching positive results and good health.

Q&amp;A_2_0

What vitamins to take for anemia?

Q&amp;A_2_1

When anemia is due to a deficiency of vitamins, it is a deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. These are the vitamins that are taken in proven anemia caused by their deficiency.

Q&amp;A_2_2

What is senile anemia?

Q&amp;A_2_3

Anemia is a common disease in the elderly. Patients with iron deficiency anemia should be examined for the presence of gastrointestinal disease, including malignancy, as a possible underlying disease. Secondary anemia can result from chronic infectious disease, chronic inflammatory disease such as collagen disease, chronic renal failure, and endocrine disease. It is also important to distinguish anemia from myelodysplastic syndrome, which occurs with increasing frequency along with aging.

Q&amp;A_2_4

There is also so-called senile anemia, caused by age-related physiological degeneration of bone marrow function, renal function and other organ functions. When anemia is found in an adult, it is important to determine if it is due to physiological changes or if there is another underlying disease whose treatment can also have a positive effect on anemia.

Q&amp;A_2_5

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Diseases conditions and symptoms