Get enough Iron for good health

We all know that our body requires sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals for normal functioning of vital organ and to maintain an overall healthy and fit body. And one of the most important essential minerals that human bodies require is iron.

Why is iron crucial for our health?

Iron is the most important constituent of red blood cells as it plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, gene regulation, cell growt

h and differentiation, oxygen binding and transport, muscle oxygen use and storage, enzyme reactions, neurotransmitter synthesis and protein synthesis.

But most crucially, adequate quantity of iron is necessary to make hemoglobin which is an important constituent in the red blood cells, responsible for transport of oxygen. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, giving energy and skin a healthy color. Lack in hemoglobin can lessen the oxygen binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule, resulting in anemia. Our body contains between 3.5 and 4.5 g of iron, most of which is present in hemoglobin while the rest is stored in the liver, spleen and bone-marrow.

Iron deficiency? It could lead to health complications…

is one of the most common nutritional disorders caused due to low iron intake or insufficient absorption of iron in the body. The main cause is that iron quantities in our body get depleted which hinders the synthesis of hemoglobin. And as hemoglobin is responsible for smooth supply of oxygen in the body, iron deficiency can result in decreased oxygen supply to organs and tissues.

Generally people who suffer from iron deficiency anemia show some common symptoms such as tiredness, lack of stamina, lessened appetite, dullness & pallor, recurring headaches, problems with sleep, increased risk of infections due to lessened immunity and even problems with brain functions.

Ensure adequate iron absorption, avoid iron deficiency

To prevent iron deficiency anemia, iron absorption in the body is vital. Lets see what measures can be taken to ensure sufficient iron absorption.

• Include iron rich foods, high in vitamin C, in the regular diet
• Reduce considerably or even omit sugar consumption
• Avoid using any antacids as they interfere with iron absorption
• Coffee and black tea should also be avoided as they contain polyphenols and tannin which interfere with iron absorption
• Skipping meals and irregular dietary habits should be discouraged

·   Iron Rich foods

Iron rich foods can help avoid iron deficiency. A wide variety of foods are excellent sources of iron. In fact it has been established that red meat is the richest source of iron. According to research the iron from animal sources can be more easily absorbed by our body than the one from plant sources.  

Iron in meat

• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb
• Liver
• Other organ meats
• Chicken
• Duck
• Turkey

Iron rich fruits

• Apples
• Bananas
• Apricots
• Plums

Iron rich vegetables

• Yams
• Squash
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Tofu
• Legumes, such as lima beans and green peas;
• Dry beans and peas, such as pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and canned baked beans

In addition fortified breakfast cereals, whole wheat biscuits, semi-skimmed milk, whole grains etc. all provide enough iron in the diet and help in building the body’s resistance against this disease.

Recommended daily intake

Age	RNI for Iron mg/day
0 to 3 months	1.7 mg
4 to 6 months	4.3 mg
7 to 12 months	7.8 mg
1 to 3 yrs	6.9 mg
4 to 6 yrs	6.1 mg
7 to 10 yrs	8.7 mg
Men 11 - 18 yrs	11.3 mg
Men 19 + yrs	8.7 mg
Women 11 - 49 yrs	14.8 mg
Women 50 + yrs	8.7 mg

In women of child-bearing age, loss of iron from menstruation of blood adds considerably to iron need. Around 10% of women of child-bearing age will need more iron than is indicated. Extra iron is also required during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Jobelyn Blood Enhancer – aids blood enhancing and blood cells production to prevent anemia!

Health Forever nhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

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Low hemoglobin + low iron = reduced red blood cells - It’s possible you could be suffering from anemia!

Anemia affects millions around the world. In the US alone there are over 3 million people who suffer from this disease. Often characterized by low energy, tiredness and constant fatigue anemia can not only disrupt the normal functioning of a person but if ignored can also cause serious health complications. Let’s find out more about what is anemia, its various types, causes, symptoms as well as preventive measures to overcome this blood disorder.

So what exactly is anemia?

Anemia is a blood disorder which is caused due to a drastic reduction in the number of red blood cells or even a sharp drop in the hemoglobin levels. It is necessary to first understand the functions of both to gauge their importance in maintaining blood quality.

Red blood cells or RBC’s contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues. Lack in hemoglobin can lessen the oxygen binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule. Not having enough healthy red blood cells means that the oxygen supply to various parts of the body is hindered resulting in anemia.

Excessive blood loss, excessive cell destruction or deficiency in red blood cell production can all lead to anemia.

Are there different types of anemia?

Sure there are. In fact, there are over 100 different types of anemia. They have been further classified into groups – anemia which is inherited, anemia which results form iron deficiency, anemia caused due to inadequate production of red blood cells, anemia resulting form blood loss or even anemia resulting from blood cell destruction.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common and known types of anemia:

Sickle Cell Anemia – This one is an inherited disease. People having sickle cell anemia generally inherit two copies of sickle cell genes - one from each parent. These two copies of sickle cell gene trigger the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin. The human body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells, often in the shape of a sickle (crescent shaped). The sickle shape reduces the flexibility of the red blood cells making it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. Sickle shaped cells block blood vessels making smooth blood flow difficult to all parts of the body. Tissue damage is a serious effect of sickle cell disease as blood tissues do not receive normal flow of blood and in turn oxygen causing damage.

Iron deficiency Anemia – One of the most common types of anemia, Iron-deficiency anemia is caused due to low iron intake or insufficient absorption of iron in the body. Iron-deficiency causes the red blood cells to appear abnormal and unusually small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). Adequate quantity of iron is necessary to make hemoglobin which is an important constituent in the red blood cells, responsible for transport of oxygen. Lack in hemoglobin can lessen the oxygen binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule, resulting in anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia usually develops over time if the body doesn’t have enough iron to build healthy red blood cells.

Pernicious anemia - Pernicious anemia is caused due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient required to produce healthy red blood cells and its lack can often result in this blood disorder. Pernicious anemia, also called Biermer's anemia, if not treated in its early stages can cause severe health conditions including damage to vital organs such as heart, brain and nervous system. Pernicious anemia also can cause other complications, such as memory loss and digestive tract problems.

Aplastic Anemia - Aplastic anemia is a rare but life threatening type of anemia caused when the body's bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells for circulation. Aplastic anemia has many causes and can also occur for no known reason (idiopathic Aplastic anemia) or from a previous illness or disorder. People suffering from Aplastic anemia not only have low red blood cell count but they also lack in white blood cells and platelets, as bone marrow stem cells are damaged.

Blood loss anemia – Blood loss anemia or chronic bleeding often goes undetected for a long period of time and hence can prove to be more dangerous as there is loss of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Excessive blood loss is generally due to loss of blood, surgery or accidents. Stomach ulcers, Hemorrhoids, inflammation of the stomach or gastritis, cancer or childbirth may all lead to this type of anemia.

Hemolytic or red blood cell destruction anemia - Red blood cell destruction anemia or Hemolytic anemia causes the red blood cells to die early, (generally they live for 110-120 days) which are removed through the spleen. To compensate for this loss, the bone marrow produces more red blood cells than normal, and if the bone marrow cannot keep up with the red blood cell production, it may lead to hemolysis. Hemolytic anemia can also be caused due to immune reactions, infections as well as some medications and toxins.

Microcytic anemia - Microcytic anemia is detected when the red blood cells are smaller than normal and is generally caused due to iron deficiencies. Another major cause is Thalassemia (inherited disorders of hemoglobin).  

Normocytic anemia - Normocytic anemia , is detected when the red blood cells size are normal in size but low in number, This type of anemia is often related to some chronic diseases or even kidney diseases.

Macrocytic anemia - Macrocytic anemia is a type where in the red blood cells are larger than normal. Alcoholism and pernicious anemia are some of the main causes.

What causes anemia?

Being anemic means that the body produces lesser healthy red blood cells, loses too many of them or destroys them faster than they can be replaced. But what can cause such conditions? Let’s take a look at some of the known and most common causes of anemia.

Insufficient absorption or inadequate intake of iron - Shortage of iron is one of the common causes of anemia. Our bone marrow requires iron to make hemoglobin which in turn is necessary for healthy red blood cell stimulation.

• Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency – Vitamins are crucial nutrients required for healthy red blood cell production. Deficiency can cause anemia as well as other health complications.
• Red blood cell destruction - Red blood cells destruction due to certain autoimmune disorders as well as antibiotics can cause anemia. Auto immune diseases produce anti-bodies that can destroy healthy red blood cells.
• Defective hemoglobin - low hemoglobin levels as well as defective hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to take on abnormal shapes causing anemia as well as thalassemia.
• Life threatening diseases - Leukemia as well as myelodysplasia affect blood production in the bone marrow and can cause anemia. In addition, Rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease as well as kidney failure also interfere with red blood cell production causing anemia.

What are the symptoms?

Oh there are many symptoms that can signal anemia, you just need to be alert to signs that our body sends out. But generally a mild case is difficult to detect. In cases of severe anemia, initially the body may adapt and compensate for the change, displaying fewer symptoms until the anemia becomes more severe.

Some common symptoms include

• fatigue
• weakness
• lack of physical energy
• shortness of breath
• lightheadedness
• palpitations
• paleness

In cases of severe anemia, the symptoms may include

• rapid heart rate
• low blood pressure
• change in stool color
• pale or cold skin
• jaundice
• heart murmurs
• enlargement of the spleen etc.

How can I protect myself against anemia?

Well, just follow some basic health tips, eat your veggies and fruits, don’t be lazy and exercise daily, don’t smoke or drink alcohol, keep your caffeine intake to a minimum and most importantly keep cool.

• Iron & folate rich diet - Eat plenty of fresh vegetables such as lentils, beans, leafy vegetables and fruits such as bananas and citrus juices. . They are a good sources of iron and folate essential for healthy red blood cell production.
• Regular exercise - Daily exercise keeps the blood flow and circulation smooth helping red blood cell production.
• Moderate lifestyle - Smoking, alcohol and drugs can play havoc with your body. They can have a negative effect on blood cell production. It is also advisable to keep your caffeine intake to a minimum.
• Stay away from stress – Keeping calm is great for the overall health. Stress can not only affect blood circulation and production it can also lead to severe health conditions.

It is important to be alert to the signals that our body sends. If you are constantly suffering form fatigue or feeling tired for no reason maybe its time to go consult your doctor. A check up won’t hurt. If the results are normal, hey that’s great news but if there are any other indications of oncoming anemia then you can catch it at its earliest and take precautions accordingly.

Jobelyn Blood Enhancer – aids blood enhancing and blood cells production to prevent anemia!

Health Forever Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

Learn more: www.health-forever.com

Call Toll Free: 1-888-328-5279

Improve blood quality, lower blood pressure with antioxidants!

Blood is our life fluid providing nourishment by carrying oxygen and vital vitamins, minerals, proteins to all parts of the body. Blood is primarily made up of blood cells and plasma. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin that carries oxygen from our lungs to various parts of the body. White blood cells are our defenders against infections and disease. In addition, plasma a very important constituent of blood helps in blood clotting.

The quality of our blood is crucial for good health. Low hemoglobin or decrease in red blood cells can cause anemia resulting in fatigue, weakness or tiredness. Adequate intake of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid ensure that the bone marrow produces healthy blood cells. Healthy blood boosts the immune system against infections & diseases.

Antioxidants play an important role in the quality of our blood. Strong blood cells and vessels with adequate antioxidant capacity help maintain regular cholesterol levels essential for heart health helping keep heart diseases such as heart attacks etc at bay. In addition, studies have established that antioxidants are also beneficial in keeping our blood pressure in check.

Now let’s find out what antioxidants are and how they work

In simple terms antioxidants are natural substances or compounds that are found in different forms in vitamins, mineral proteins in a variety of food sources.

And how are they beneficial in improving our blood quality?

Antioxidants prevent oxidation, a process where oxygen is added to a compound. Our bodies use oxygen all the time; it is a vital for breathing. As a result of oxygen being added to other compounds our bodies keep producing free radical molecules. Free radicals, if left unchecked can cause serious damage to blood cells as well as to the DNA.

Oxidation is bad for heart health as oxygen is added to LDL cholesterol or what is commonly referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’ or low density lipoprotein. This results in the build up of fatty plaque on the artery walls blocking or reducing blood flow to the heart resulting in heart diseases.

Antioxidants act as recipients or in simple terms absorb the extra oxygen; reduce the level of free radicals helping prevent oxidation and subsequent damage.

Antioxidants and blood cells

Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress damage. It is therefore necessary to correctly determine the levels of antioxidants in our blood stream. Recent studies suggest that blood cells can be used as an effective means to measure antioxidant vitamin status. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are key antioxidants; it is difficult to accurately measure antioxidant vitamin levels through dietary intake. But clinical research has shown that blood plasma levels can reflect acute assimilation of these vitamins. Studies further point out that antioxidant vitamin blood contents reach a saturation level by intake of dietary supplements. .Antioxidant vitamin plasma levels are the key parameter most used to determine antioxidant status.

Measuring plasma antioxidant can also help in determining atherosclerosis (a condition where fatty material or plaque collects along the walls of arteries). Blood plasma levels of lipophilic antioxidants can indicate lipoprotein oxidation in the arterial wall and also the development of atherosclerosis.

Some studies also suggest that Resveratrol and other phenolic compounds from the bark of Yucca schidigera restrain free radical production in blood platelets and are beneficial in protecting against heart diseases.

Antioxidants blood pressure

Dietary antioxidants play a vital role in controlling blood pressure. Antioxidant supplements can be beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure, helping keep their blood pressure I check. It can further lower dependency on medications. In contrast, dietary saturated fatty acids elevate blood pressure.

Studies show that antioxidant supplements high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant also found in grapes and flavonoids such as green tea, have numerous health effects including lowering cholesterol levels as well as improving blood circulation. Researchers indicate that the ability of antioxidants in lowering blood pressure is mainly due to their effect on the endothelium, the innermost layer of arterial blood vessels that expands and contracts in response to blood flow. Antioxidants help in producing fewer substances (mainly free radicals) that constrict arteries and produce more substances that expand the arteries.

Medical researchers are actively urging intake of natural antioxidants which includes two fold benefits; reduce side effects of blood pressure medications as well as control high costs of blood pressure treatments.

Antioxidant foods

In order to fight against oxidative damage, our body requires the correct amount of antioxidants. And the best way to ensure that we get the required amount is to include antioxidant rich foods in our daily dietary intake.

• Foods such as apples, onions, soybeans, blueberries, cranberries, green tea, black tea, red wine and dark chocolate contain high amount of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Berries such as blue berries, raspberries, blackberries are excellent sources of polyphenols antioxidants and derive their red and purple colors from a sub class of polyphenols known as Anthocyanins. Another sub-class of polyphenols is the colorless flavanols found in cocoa and some other plant-derived foods.
• Tangerine tomatoes help boost disease fighting antioxidants in blood. They contain lycopene, a disease-fighting antioxidant and derive their rich color from the antioxidant. Lycopene belongs to a family of antioxidants called the carotenoids, which give certain fruits and vegetables their distinctive colors. Carotenoids have many health benefits, and help in reducing risk of heart diseases as well as macular degeneration. Some studies also suggest that tangerine tomatoes increase beta carotene levels in blood.
• Grape seed extract has excellent health benefits and contains high levels of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that naturally help in increasing the width of blood vessels; reduce blood pressure helping blood flow naturally to all parts of the body.
• Pomegranates are excellent sources of antioxidants that actively prevent oxidative stress. Studies have found that pomegranates contain beneficial phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds and tannins, including punicalagins as well as ACE inhibitors which help prevent vasoconstriction, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy endothelial function. Reducing heart disease risk.

Some simple health tips for high quality blood!

High quality blood is essential to maintain good health. Antioxidants may be the key to ensure that our blood remains free from oxidative stress. But some simple, healthy living can go a long way in keeping our blood healthy and of high quality.

• No smoking – don’t just avoid smoking; quit completely. Research has long maintained that blood antioxidant capacity of smokers is greatly reduced than that of non smokers. In addition, smokers are also at 70% more risk of having a heart attack due to increased oxidized lipids.
• Make sure your daily diet has sufficient amount s of fresh fruits and vegetables. When mom says eat Broccoli do it. Broccoli is very high in antioxidants. Apples, berries, grapes, pomegranates are all great for your health.
• Exercise regularly – nothing like a good workout to get the blood pumping around in your body. Don’t overdo it but a regular regimen will work wonders.
• Keep calm – now this is crucial. Anger, stress, wild mood swings, hypertension are bad fro mental health. Meditate or practice deep breathing.
• Make sure you get regular medical checkups – Consult your doctor regularly about your health. No need to excessively worry about a small cold but consulting your doctor at timely intervals won’t hurt either.

Jobelyn – aids blood enhancing and blood cells production!

Health Forever Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

Learn More: www.health-forever.com

Call Toll Free: 1-888-328-5279

Blood - The vital life force!

The human body requires nourishment for healthy functioning. Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins all play an important role in providing this nourishment. And blood is the ultra effective medium that carries all these nourishing nutrients to all parts of the body. The adult human body contains approximately 5 liters of blood and makes up 7 to 8 percent of a person’s body weight.

Blood is the life fluid that delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the body's cells and transports waste products away from those same cells. Blood vessels are intricate networks of hollow tubes that transport blood throughout the entire body. Blood constitutes blood cells and plasma.

Blood cells consist of red blood cells (RBC’s) and white blood cells (WBC’s). Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Healthy hemoglobin levels are essential for maintaining strength. Low hemoglobin levels reduce the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity resulting in tiredness and loss of energy. White blood cells help fight against infectious diseases, strengthening the immune system’s natural resistance.

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood which consists of electrolytes, nutrients, vitamins, hormones and proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin that help fight infection. Plasma is a crucial element of blood as it facilitates clotting, helping stop the blood flow during an accident or injury and thus preventing loss of blood.

Blood carries carbon dioxide and other waste materials to the kidneys, digestive system and the lungs for disposal. Blood plays an important role in regulating body temperature by distributing and disposing heat generated in the body.

As blood is responsible for nourishing and cleansing the body, the quality of blood is critical to good health. Having sufficient amounts of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid ensure that the bone marrow produces healthy blood cells. Strong blood cells and vessels with adequate antioxidant capacity help maintain regular cholesterol levels essential for heart health helping keep heart diseases such as heart attacks etc at bay. Healthy blood plays a key role in boosting the immune system to fight against invading diseases and viruses.

Healthy blood circulation ensures nourishment to the body, keeping it fit and strong, boosts stamina and energy levels as well as protects against infections and diseases.

Jobelyn Blood Enhancer

Health Forever Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

Learn More: www.health-forever.com

Call Toll Free: 1-888-328-5279