What does Traditional Chinese Medicine say about low Iron levels?

Low iron levels correspond directly with deficiencies of blood and Qi.

In TCM, blood is considered to be governed by the heart, stored in the liver, and produced by the spleen. Blood is thought of as a denser form of Qi and is therefore inseparable from Qi. Specifically, low iron levels are associated with liver Qi, which normally arises after a liver blood deficiency is identified.

Blood is what gives nourishment to the organs of the body. Blood is also responsible for the ongoing production of Qi in the body. However, it is Qi specifically that gives movement to blood. Without Qi, stagnation can occur in essential organs like the liver. This can cause many of the above-noted symptoms, such as a weakened immune system, fatigue, or dizziness.

Blood that is not appropriately restored or moved around causes blood stasis. The digestive system’s inability to properly absorb nutrients is the main contributing factor to anaemia. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can boost the digestive tract’s ability to absorb iron.

Natural iron supplements for anaemia can assist to eliminate blood stasis, fortify the heart and spleen, and provide nourishment for the production of blood cells.

What causes a Blood Deficiency?

A blood deficiency can occur for a variety of reasons. The following list details the most common causes of blood deficiency.

1. Physical Overwork: Strenuous exercise in the form of cardiovascular or endurance activities has been commonly linked to blood deficiencies. The occurrences of this causation of blood deficiency are intensified in menstruating women. In such cases, menstruating females may even notice their periods disappear completely. While this is the most common occurrence of blood deficiency, it is not normal. From a western perspective, this occurs because the nervous system becomes too taxed for the body to spend blood on menstruation.
2. Acute Blood Loss: There are many situations where an individual may experience acute blood loss. The most common occurrences are experienced during childbirth, blood donation, or serious injury.
3. Ongoing Blood Loss: While it can occur for a variety of reasons, this cause is most common in menstruating women who have regular heavy periods lasting over a week.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies: Normally occurring from lifestyle choices or natural susceptibilities, nutrient deficiencies are one of the most common causes of blood deficiencies and low iron levels. Common groups who experience nutrient deficiencies include those suffering from malnutrition, eating disorders, poor diet, intentional fasting, or dietary restrictions that exclude foods with iron.
5. Drug–induced Nutrient Depletions: Certain medications can prohibit the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients from food. Some of the most common nutrient depleting medications include hormonal birth control, proton-pump-inhibitors, statins, anti-hypertensives, and antidepressants.

Best Chinese Herbs for Natural Iron Supplements

Combining acupuncture, herbs, and diet as part of a TCM anaemia treatment plan can help boost the body’s blood production and transportation system while also relieving symptoms including fatigue, headaches, dizziness that can arise due to iron deficiency.

There are several reasons that individuals with iron or blood deficiencies should consider an herbal iron supplement. The following list described the best natural iron supplements and the benefits of taking them.

• Si Wu Tang : Si Wu Tang which is also commonly known as Four Substances Decoction.  Si Wu-Tang is a natural supplement that is composed of four different herbs : Dong Quai (Dang Gui, Angelica Sinensis), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong). Two principal herbs of the formula: Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) This combination of ingredients is believed be an effective iron deficiency natural treatment. This makes it highly useful in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders from blood-related issues to menstruation and fertility. Learn more about Si Wu Tang here.

Buy Si wu tang here.

• Ji xue teng: When asked which iron supplement is best, many Chinese Medicine experts will offer ji xue teng as the answer. It has widely been associated with successfully treating cases of anemia, blood deficiencies, and blood stasis syndromes as it helps to activate the flow of Qi in the body.
• Dong Quai: This widely used herbal supplement is known to have blood-toning properties and is said to “invigorate” the blood. This can help tremendously in individuals who experience blood and Qi stagnation. Buy here.
• Red dates: Commonly referred to as the jujube fruit, red dates are low in calories and high in essential nutrients, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The nutrients and minerals in red dates promote liver protein synthesis, the balance of albumin to globulin, increased hemoglobin, and more.
• He shou wu: This unique herbal supplement has been shown to strengthen cell membranes and promote the growth and development of red blood cells. It has been used to help with a long list of conditions and is known to be especially effective in supplementing the health of menstruating and pregnant women.
• Other recommended supplements: Some other common herbal supplements used to help with blood deficiencies include Gui Pi Tang. Commonly used to address blood related issues and disorders as well as menstruation. These supplements can help tremendously in overall blood maintenance, especially in relation to menstrual cycles, anemia, or fertility issues.

Learn more about blood build herbs here.

Iron-Rich Food Recommendations

Supplements serve as fantastic options for many individuals suffering from an iron or blood deficiency. However, those without certain dietary restrictions may be able to get sufficient amounts of iron through a change in diet.

Iron-Rich Superfoods:

• Red Meat: Most estimates place red meat at having around 2.7 mg of iron in only a 3.5-ounce serving. Red meat is an ideal source of essential minerals like iron as it’s easily accessible. It is also a great source of heme iron, which can be especially important for individuals who are prone to anemia.
• Animal Intestines: All organ meats, including animal intestines are high in essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin B12, and Zinc. Some estimates show animal intestines having the highest concentration of heme iron, which is the most easily absorbed source of iron in the body.

Blood Building Foods

• • Dark, leafy greens such as spinach: dark greens are a good source of plant-based iron.
  • Beans and lentils: Legumes, such as beans and lentils, not only contain iron but are a good source of protein.
  • Eggs: Not only are eggs a good source of iron, but they also contain all essential amino acids as well as essential B complex vitamins.
  • Beef liver: Liver is an excellent source of iron and also contains many essential micronutrients such as Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C.

Eating these blood booster foods alone will not be sufficient enough to improve blood deficiency and its related symptoms. For the body to absorb iron, it requires Vitamin C. When increasing the intake of the above foods, it is important to also include foods that are rich in Vitamin C, such as:

• Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, and limes are great sources of Vitamin C.
• Berries: Add fruits such as strawberries and blueberries for a Vitamin C boost.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Using Brussels sprouts and broccoli as a side dish is an easy way to add Vitamin C to your meals.

Can drinking excessive tea lower your iron levels?

There are often many benefits associated with drinking tea, some of which include boosting the immune system and fighting off inflammation. Drinking too much tea, however, can sometimes cause more harm than good. Excessive tea consumption has been linked to problems with iron absorption in the body, which can cause iron deficiency anemia.

To really determine whether or not an individual’s tea consumption has caused interference with their iron absorption, medical advice should be sought out.

Recommended Natural Iron Supplements

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.