Reticulocyte Count Tips

Iron is a vital mineral for the well-being of the body. It forms a major component of haemoglobin present in red blood cells, which is responsible for transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is most common among menstruating and pregnant women. Almost 30% of menstruating women become iron-deficient from the monthly blood loss, and more than 42% of the pregnant population suffers from major iron deficiency.

What is dietary iron?

There are two types of dietary iron:

Heme iron- This form of iron is easily absorbed by the body and is only found in animal protein like red meat.
Non-heme iron- Although this type of iron can be sourced from both animal and plant foods, it is not absorbed as easily by the body.
What happens due to Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency causes anaemia where the red blood cells become deficient in haemoglobin and cannot carry sufficient volumes of oxygen.

Its main symptoms are-

Generalized tiredness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Paleness of skin
Deteriorating immune system
Impaired brain function
What are the Sources of Iron?

Including these rich sources of iron can help you battle iron deficiency-

Red meat- In moderate amounts, red meat is one of the richest sources of iron and has other health benefits contrary to popular belief.
Liver- Meat liver is another rich source of iron and 80 grams of liver in the diet can alone fulfill half the daily iron requirements of the body.
Shellfish- Including seafood with shells such as clams, mussels, and oysters also form an excellent way to include heme iron in the diet.
Beans- Kidney beans are moderately rich in their iron content.
Seeds- Including edible seeds like pumpkin, squash, and sesame seeds are a good way to include iron in the diet.
Dark green vegetables- Green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich dietary iron of the non-heme variety.
Vitamin C is an important factor to ensure the proper absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, one must ensure to include rich sources of Vitamin C in the diet to overcome and prevent iron deficiency. Include foods that are rich in Vitamin C like oranges and other citrus fruits, bell peppers to maximize the iron absorptionin the body.
Iron deficiency is among the most common nutrient deficiencies and affects more than 25% of people in the world. Because of rich deposits of heme iron in animal-based food products, it is more common among vegetarians and vegans.

Iron - Know More About It!

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic and progressive condition in which the liver gets damaged and healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, ultimately causing dysfunction of the liver. Liver damage obstructs the circulation to the liver and also hinders the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, toxins as well as the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Liver cirrhosis is caused due to hepatitis C, fatty liver, alcohol abuse, viral infections, inherited diseases, and as a toxic reaction to drugs and environmental waste products. The modern management of this condition involves diet modification, reduction in salt intake, total abstinence from alcohol, and avoiding all the causative factors of this condition.

Cirrhosis of liver causes multiple symptoms in the body including fluid collection in the abdomen, bleeding varices in the stomach, chronic heart failure, damage to the central nervous system, and various metabolic disorders in the body. Advanced cirrhosis of the liver is ultimately fatal.

Ayurvedic Treatment

It is therefore of prime importance to commence treatment at the earliest possible. It is of utmost importance to treat the known cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a definite action on the hepatic cells and can effectively treat inflammation within the liver. Ayurvedic medicines can also treat the infection as well as metabolic dysfunction of the liver, and protect it from the toxic effects of drugs and environmental wastes. Ayurvedic medicines can, therefore, be effectively used to treat all the known causes of liver cirrhosis.
Liver damage causes healthy cells to be replaced with scar tissue. This is preceded by a process of inflammation, swelling and gradual death of the liver cells. Early institution of Ayurvedic treatment can help dramatically reduce inflammation and swelling and thereby preserve the liver cells and prevent unnecessary damage. Even in the early phase of scar deposition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help remove scar tissue, minimize permanent liver damage, and help regenerate damaged or near-dead cells Ayurvedic herbal medicines, therefore, form a comprehensive treatment therapy for liver cirrhosis.
The other symptoms resulting from liver cirrhosis such as ascites, esophageal varices, congestive cardiac failure and metabolic disorders start improving automatically when the obstruction in the liver is treated and removed. However, Ayurvedic medicines can treat these symptoms independently too, if these are observed to be severe in the affected individual and require urgent medical care. Improved functioning of the liver also helps to improve the overall metabolism and nutrition of the body and metabolize toxic substances within the body. Prompt and aggressive Ayurvedic treatment, therefore, helps comprehensively treat liver cirrhosis and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from this disease.
Cirrhosis can also adversely affect the central nervous system and cause psychotic symptoms and permanent nerve damage. Prompt treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines also helps to preserve the brain function and treat the associated symptoms. If required, brain damage can be treated separately with herbal medicines which strengthen the nervous system and help rejuvenate nerve cells. Medicines which act on the nervous system also help improve confidence and self-control and are therefore equally useful in helping the affected individual abstain completely from alcohol, which is a known and predominant cause of cirrhosis.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with cirrhosis require regular and aggressive Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from six to eighteen months, in order to obtain significant benefit and a possible complete cure from the condition. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of cirrhosis.

For the growth and development of children, they need an essential nutrient; Iron. It helps in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Red blood cells contain iron in the hemoglobin. The hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood to the different parts of the body. Iron has an important role to play in the development of the brain and generating energy in a child's body. The lack of sufficient iron in the child's body can lead to anemia, which is a nutritional deficient illness and will require medical attention. When a child suffers from anemia, the lack of oxygen makes a child weak and sick.

There are certain symptoms of Iron deficiency in a child's body. These are:

Infections and a weak immune system can make a child suffer from frequent infections.
Lethargy and fatigue is another common symptom of an iron-deficient body. Due to deficiency of Iron, it is difficult for the body to transport oxygen to cells in the body and hence it unable to generate enough energy levels.
Breathlessness and increased sweating can be a sign that your child may be suffering from iron deficiency.
Pica Children suffering from iron deficiency may find a special taste for non-food substances like chalk, dirt and clay.
Lack of iron in the body hampers the physical growth of a child.
The deficiency of iron in children can be diagnosed through blood tests. Your doctor may recommend supplementing iron content orally or through multivitamin medicines. But the deficiency of Iron in a child's body should be taken care of with absolute urgency.

Proper steps should be taken to prevent the deficiency of Iron in children. Those notable precautions are mentioned below:

Balanced diet: A well-balanced diet is always recommended. For older children (within 9-12 years of age), red meat, chicken and fish would suffice as good sources of iron.
Oral iron supplements: Oral iron supplements would be required for children with low weight at birth and who have a deficiency of iron in their daily diet.
Vitamin C: Foods such as strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes help in providing sufficient iron content when included in daily diets, thus reducing the chances of anemia.

Liver Cirrhosis is a medical condition that results in severe scarring (often permanent and irreversible) of the liver. While there can be a myriad of factors giving rise to cirrhosis (such as repeated liver injury or unhealthy diet), the most common triggers include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Alcohol, NASH (non-alcoholics teatohepatitis ). In addition to interfering with the healthy functioning of the liver, cirrhosis also gives rise to many serious and life-threatening complications such as Blood vomiting, Jaundice, Ascites (a condition characterized by an increased build-up of fluids in the abdomen), Hepatic Encephalopathy, Edema, Splenomegaly. In some men, cirrhosis can even give rise to Breast enlargement and Testicular Atrophy.

Preventive measures to manage Cirrhosis and the associated complications
In the case of cirrhosis triggered by Hepatitis, medications are used to treat the viral infection thereby avoiding any further liver damage.

In people with cirrhosis resulting from alcohol abuse, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on how quickly a person can give up drinking (In some cases, the affected individual may have to undergo rehabilitation programmes to stop drinking). In addition to drinking, it is also beneficial to quit smoking as well.
For excess fluid retention on the body, in addition to the medications (such as diuretics and antibiotics), doctors often recommend a low-sodium or low-salt diet. The use of a TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) can also contribute to slow down the fluid build-up in the body.
Medications may also be used to treat a host of serious complications (triggered by cirrhosis) such as Hepatic encephalopathy, weakness, itching, bruising, infections to provide some relief.
However, in case of severe or complete liver damage and failure (advanced cirrhosis), a liver transplant may be recommended. A liver transplant, as indicative of the name, involves replacing the damaged or diseased liver of the recipient with a healthy liver from the donor.
Unfortunately, once the liver has been scarred, there is little that can be done to reverse the damage. However timely diagnosis and treatment in the form of liver transplant can ensure long-term survival in these life-threatening illness. Cirrhotics should be under the regular follow-up to prevent the development of complications and timely referral for transplant. A damaged, cirrhotic liver is a fertile ground for the development of hepatocellular cancer(HCC).

Routine imaging on follow-up is important to diagnose HCC at an early, curable stage. These patients require liver transplant at the earliest. Also, regular upper GI endoscopy and variceal banding should be done to prevent the development of life-threatening hematemesis ( Varieal bleeding ).

Severity of Cirrhosis can be estimated by two scoring tools easily available on smartphones. Child Turcotte pugh(CTP) s scoring system , Child s Stage and MELD scoring system . CTP score of >7 , Child B or MELD > 15 are candidates for liver transplant. Patient with decompensation(Hepatocellular cancer , Upper GI Bleed, Encephalotpathy, Refractory ascites, Hepato-renal syndrome, Hepatopulmonary syndrome) are candidates for liver transplant.

Some other healthy modifications to control cirrhosis include

Choose your foods with care. Avoids foods that are high in sodium or are salty. Processed, canned, smoked, Barbecued foods, baked beans, ham, salami, bacon, caffeinated beverages, are best left avoided.
Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, foods rich in proteins. Having a large meal may be difficult in the case of cirrhosis. Instead, have small meals at regular time intervals.
Some of the medicines such as Aspirin, NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve), Tylenol, can aggravate the liver damage. Thus, never have these medicines without consulting a physician.
It is also necessary to get vaccinated against some of the viral infections including Hepatitis (A and B), influenza, pneumonia.

The term cirrhosis refers to liver scarring due to various diseases and conditions such as chronic alcoholism and hepatitis. Each time the liver gets injured, it tries to repair itself, resulting in the formation of the scar tissue. With the progression of cirrhosis, a number of tissues generate making the task of liver difficult. Since the liver is an important organ of the body due to its functionalities such as detoxification and nutrient generation, reduced function of liver poses a serious threat to the body.

Symptoms of liver cirrhosis:
Unfortunately, cirrhosis doesn t portray any conspicuous symptoms that can be easily identified until the scarring has reached a level of threat. Some of the common signs and symptoms of this disease include fatigue, nausea, itchy skin, drowsiness, enlarged breasts, testicular atrophy, fluid in the abdomen, bleeding from the mouth, leg swelling, redness in palms etc.

Causes of liver cirrhosis:
There could be an array of reasons for the occurrence of liver cirrhosis. The major causes include an accumulation of fat in the liver, chronic alcoholism and chronic hepatitis. Some of the other reasons include cystic fibrosis, bile duct deformation, Wilson s disease, hemochromatosis, schistosomiasis, continuous consumption of medicines such as methotrexate, a disease involving glycogen storage and Aalagille syndrome.

Complications involved in liver cirrhosis:

High blood pressure: Cirrhosis results in slow blood movement through the passage of the liver resulting in increased pressure on the vein that is responsible for carrying blood from the intestine to the liver. This increases the blood pressure in the body.
Swelling of abdomen and legs: Portal hypertension can result in accumulation of fluid in the leg and the abdomen due to the liver s inability to producing an important protein known as the albumin.
Spleen enlargement: Portal hypertension is responsible for changing the shape of the spleen. Decreased count of WBC and the platelets indicate towards portal hypertension and cirrhosis.
Bleeding: Portal hypertension doesn t let the blood flow in its normal path. It directs the blood to flow through smaller veins. The veins, in turn, swell and burst to cause a massive amount of bleeding.
Apart from these some of the other complications involve jaundice, liver cancer, infections, bone diseases and liver failure.

Diagnosis:
Liver cirrhosis doesn t get detected easily. It is often diagnosed with a routine blood test. Some of the lab tests that can help to identify cirrhosis include blood work to check organ function of liver and kidney. Your doctor might suggest other tests such as MRI scan, CT scan or liver biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment for the underlying cause of liver cirrhosis is done to keep the disease under control. A doctor might treat you for weight loss, alcohol dependency, complications related to hepatitis, portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy. For advanced cases where the liver stops functioning, a doctor might suggest a patient go for a liver transplant.

Vitamin B is not one vitamin, but is a complex of 8 vitamins, which not only are essential for good health but also facilitates smooth functioning of our body. Further, each component of vitamin B aids in specific body function from managing our metabolism to hair health to prevention against migraine.

Vitamin B is a complex of following vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), B12. It is widely present in food sources and a person who eats a well-balanced diet will have the requisite amount of B complex in the body.



Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is required for the body to make new cells and so has a significant role in the immune system. It is also known as the anti-stress vitamin as it helps in improving immunity and is required for the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Vitamin B2, chemically known as riboflavin, is essential for red blood cell production and transporting oxygen throughout the body. It also has antioxidant properties and is known to reduce free radicals and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is essential for cholesterol regulation. It promotes the formation of good cholesterol and so is essential for preventing the onset of heart disease. It is also known for its anti-acne effects.
Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also is required for the production of hormones including testosterone and cortisol (stress hormones). It is also beneficial for the skin by reducing anti aging effects including reducing brown spots.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, has a major role to play in sleep and mood regulation. It produces various neurotransmitters like serotonin, melatonin, and norepinephrine which are essential for emotional well-being. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin B7 or biotin is known as the beauty vitamin, as it has major hair, skin and nail benefits. It is also essential for glucose level maintenance. It assumes great importance in pregnancy as it is important for normal growth of the baby.
Vitamin B9 or folate or folic acid is again very essential in pregnancy as deficiency can lead to neurological defects in the developing baby. It also plays a major role in carrying oxygen to the cells through the RBCs.
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is essential to ensure that other vitamins are functioning properly. B12 deficiency leads to anaemia, as it enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. It is mostly present in non-vegetarian foods and supplements are commonly administered in anaemic people.

Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. Haemoglobin is the main part of red blood cells and it binds oxygen. If you have few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Anemia can last temporarily or for a long-term, and it can range from mild to severe. If you suspect you have anemia, see your doctor immediately because it can be a warning sign of a serious illness. A person who has anemia is called anemic.

Sign and symptoms of anemia: Because a low blood cell count decreases oxygen delivery to every tissue in the body, anemia can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. It can also worsen the state of any other underlying medical condition. If anemia is mild, it may not cause any symptoms. If anemia is chronic, the body may adapt and compensate for the change. In this case, there may not be any symptoms until anemia becomes more severe. Anemia signs and symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the condition. These may include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, breathlessness, dizziness, chest pain, cold hands and feet, and headache.

Causes of anemia: Anemia occurs when your body doesn t have enough red blood cells. This can happen if:

Your body doesn t make enough red blood cells: The bone marrow is essential for the creation of red blood cells. A number of diseases can affect the bone marrow, including leukemia, where too many abnormal white blood cells are produced. This disrupts the normal production of red blood cells.
Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced: Iron deficient anemia is the most common type of anemia which often falls into this category. It is caused by a shortage of iron, which most often results due to blood loss. Blood loss can be acute and rapid or chronic. Rapid blood loss can happen at the time of surgery, childbirth, trauma, or a ruptured blood vessel.
Your body destroys red blood cells: Red blood cells have a lifespan of 120 days in the bloodstream but they can be destroyed or removed beforehand. In one type of anemia, the body s immune system mistakenly identifies its own red blood cells as a foreign substance and attacks them. Excessive red blood cell breakdown can also occur due to infections, the use of certain drugs, snake or spider venom, severe hypertension, and in the case of clotting disorders.
Treatment of anemia: The treatment of anemia varies greatly. First, the underlying cause of anemia needs to be identified and corrected. Most of the times, iron supplements will be needed to correct iron deficiency. In severe anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary. Vitamin B12 injections are necessary in some cases who are suffering from a specific type of anemia.

Prevention of anemia: Many types of anemia can t be prevented. But iron deficient anemia and vitamin deficient anemia can be avoided by having a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition caused by various liver diseases. In this condition, there is a gradual decrease in the ability of a liver to function properly. The healthy tissues of the liver are replaced by the scar tissues that partly block the blood flow through the liver. When the liver stops functioning properly and reaches its final stage of failure, most of its healthy cells start to shrink and the liver undergoes into fibrosis. It is not easy to recover from this stage, but Ayurvedic treatment can help regenerate healthy liver cells. The liver is responsible for a number of important functions including detoxifying the body from all the toxins and fighting with infections. However, when there is an abundance of toxins in the body, it hinders the proper functioning of the liver.
If the toxins are too much, Hepatocyte cells (collectively forms the parenchymal tissue of the liver) swell, tear off, and get congested with fatty deposits while clearing out the toxins. If the toxins are still there, the liver cells give up entirely and die and ultimately get covered with a fibrous scar. This stage of liver damage is known as Cirrhosis of the Liver.

Liver Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of reasons such as:
Hepatitis.
Regular excessive alcohol consumption.
Cryptogenic Cirrhosis.
Excessive consumption of drugs or medications for other medical problems.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
Fatty liver diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes.

Liver Cirrhosis and Ayurveda -

The modern treatment of Liver Cirrhosis is limited to symptom relief and complication handling. It is difficult to revive the liver cells, but in Ayurveda, there are herbs and remedies that may treat Liver Cirrhosis effectively and naturally. In Ayurveda, the liver is referred to as Yakrit. Mostly, liver disorders are the result of serious Pitta dosha problems. Extreme production of bile juice or a blockage in the bile flow typically points to high Pitta dosha. This imbalanced Pitta dosha affects the enzyme which is responsible for metabolism, absorption, and digestion.

In Ayurveda, Liver Cirrhosis is called Kumbha Kamala. This stage results because of the untreated or neglected stage of hepatitis or jaundice, which becomes chronic and
leads to the roughness of the Liver.

Ayurvedic treatment of Liver Cirrhosis depends upon the cause, severity of the liver damage, and related health problems. The very first objective of the treatment is to stop further scarring of liver cells and tissues which will gradually lead to improved liver function. The treatment varies from person to person but the objective remains to revive one s Liver and help it to function normally and properly.

Take away -
Ayurveda uses herbs, remedies, changes in diet, and detoxification of the body for the treatment of Liver Cirrhosis. However, one should consult an Ayurveda liver specialist before deciding upon any medication.

The liver is the place where all the toxins sit. Drugs, preservatives, alcohol, body toxins, chemicals are all metabolized in the liver. The basic function of the liver is to clear all the toxins from the body. When the liver receives too many toxins and it is unable to take so much burden, then the liver will give up. Gradually, the liver cells will be replaced with scar tissue. The liver tissues die completely. This condition or this stage is called cirrhosis of the liver.

What are the major causes of cirrhosis of the liver:
There can be many different causes for cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the major causes of this liver disease include:

People who consume a lot of alcohol for more than 10 to 12 years will have to face this problem. In the initial stage, it is going to be a fatty liver, but at the later stage, the liver will be filled with fat and that disrupts the functioning of the liver. In the final stage, the liver function stops.
Hepatitis is one of the major reasons for cirrhosis of the liver. It is Hepatitis A that causes this health issue, others can also cause this problem.
Too many drugs for treating other health conditions.
Diabetes, obesity or other non-alcoholic fatty liver problems.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver:

Jaundice
Weight gain or weight loss
Redness of palms.
Enlarged spleen
Clubbing of fingers
Fatigue or weakness
Patches on the skin
Menstrual cycle problems in women
Treatment for Cirrhosis of the Liver:
If cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed at an early stage, then doctors will be able to treat it by finding the actual cause behind it. For example, if it is due to alcohol abuse, then giving up alcohol along with prescribed medication can help. If it is due to an overdose of some drugs, then it is important to find out the drugs and find an alternative for those medicines if they are to be taken.

Most of the time, modern medicine can only help by treating patients based on the symptoms. It provides relief from those symptoms and helps to avoid complications. But Unani medicine can help you treat this problem naturally without having to face any kind of complications.

Treating Talayyuf-e- Kabid (Cirrhosis of the Liver) with Unani medicine:
Unani medicine is a medicine made of natural herbs which will strengthen the liver tissues and will also help in restoring the size of the liver. You will find a number of medicines that can protect and heal the liver and also restore it to its normal shape and size.