Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells within your body. Red blood cells are ordinarily round and flexible, so they can easily circulate through your blood vessels to transport oxygen to parts of your body. But in sickle cell anemia, these cells become stiff and shaped like a crescent or a sickle, making it difficult to move. This may cause them to get stuck and prevent flow of blood, causing pain and damage to organs.
People with sickle cell anemia inherit genes from both parents which cause the body to make irregular hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying protein in the red blood cells. This abnormal hemoglobin causes the cells to change shape, especially when the body is low on oxygen, stressed, or fighting an infection.
The symptoms of sickle cell anemia could be mild to severe and generally start from early childhood. Common sickle cell anemia symptoms include episodes of pain (pain crises), fatigue due to anemia (shortage of red blood cells), frequent infections, and problems with growth in children. Additional complications include stroke, organ damage, and vision problems.
There is no known cure for sickle cell anemia but Ayurvedic therapies can help manage the symptoms and complications of the condition. The treatment of the condition usually involves a holistic approach using Ayurveda to prevent complications, blood transfusions, and other intervention.
Sickle cell anemia is particularly widespread in African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian Indians. If you come from one of these backgrounds, it is important to get tested for the trait and seek professional Ayurvedic care if you are diagnosed with the disease.
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder passed down through families that affects the type of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells which transports oxygen through the entire body. The disease causes multiple health problems, mainly because of the irregular shape of the blood cells.
Genetic Inheritance (GI): Sickle cell anemia is an inherited genetic problem, meaning it's handed down from parents to kids through genes. Every parent must pass down one copy of the defective gene for a child to be born with this particular condition.
Mutation in HBB Gene: Mutations in the HBB gene that tells the body how to make a part of the hemoglobin protein called beta-globin is the specific cause of sickle cell anemia. This mutation leads to production of abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S that distorts the shape of red blood cells.
Ethnicity: Even though anyone can inherit the trait, it's most common in people of Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African descent. Statistics show that these ethnic groups are more likely to carry the genes causing sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell anemia leads to a range of symptoms that can considerably impair quality of life. These symptoms arise as the abnormal, sickle-shaped cells hinder blood circulation and prevent oxygen delivery to the body's tissues, causing pain along with other serious problems.
Sudden pain in the body is among the most common and distressing Sickle Cell Anaemia symptoms. These pain crises are caused by blocked blood flow because of sickle-shaped cells.
Anemia causes fatigue or extreme tiredness because sickle cells die before the body can replace them.
Swelling in the hands and feet with accompanying pain is a common sign in babies with sickle cell anemia.
Individuals with sickle cell anemia usually have a weak immune system which makes them more vulnerable to infections.
The breakdown of sickle cells produces bilirubin, which turns the skin and eyes yellow.
Kids with sickle cell anemia may grow slower compared to others and reach puberty later.
Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes may become plugged with sickle cells and damage the retina and vision.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Sickle Cell Anaemia treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically created blends that rebalance the body and promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: These calming activities support mental health and complete wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Procedures like Panchakarma and various massages detox the body and help with emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Guidance: Expert recommendations on how to change your eating and lifestyle for better health.
Ayurveda offers natural cures for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with sickle cell anemia. These treatments help to restore balance to the body and improve blood circulation with naturally healing herbs.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): This Ayurvedic herb is known to boost energy, reduce tiredness and strengthen immune function in individuals with severe symptoms of sickle cell anemia.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): An immunomodulatory plant extract, Guduchi can help improve the immune system, reduce inflammation and support general health - especially important for sickle cell patients who are prone to infections.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric and its active component curcumin are believed to reduce inflammation and pain, addressing common pain crises in sickle cell patients.
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus): This herb promotes blood circulation and boosts energy levels to combat fatigue and weakness caused by anemia in sickle cell disease.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Punarnava is known to support kidney function and decrease fluid retention in patients whose kidneys are affected by the disease.
Aloe vera: Not just for topical use, aloe vera can be taken internally to prevent sickling of cells and prevent pain crises from becoming severe.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus): This Ayurvedic herb is believed to increase red blood cell counts, which can help with anemia and also enhance the overall health of individuals with sickle cell disease.
Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan): A food and medicine, pigeon pea prevents the red blood cells from sickling, offering a natural treatment of anemia.
Garlic: A known cardiovascular agent, garlic contains an antioxidant that may help prevent the development of dense, sickled cells.
YogaRaj Guggulu: Contains ingredients like Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Trikatu that detoxify and rebalance the blood and relieve joint and muscle pain.
Laxadi Guggulu: Includes herbs like Lakshya and Asthisamhari that can strengthen bones and joints, reducing the risk of pain crises and supporting structural health.
Temperature changes, dehydration, and high elevation can trigger pain crises in sickle cell anemia.
Ayurveda can help control the triggers by stress reduction, proper hydration and a balanced diet to balance the energies and improves blood quality.
No, sickle cell anemia isn't contagious. It is a genetic condition that parents pass to their children through genes.
Ayurveda can help manage the symptoms of sickle cell anemia and support overall health with natural treatments and lifestyle modifications.
Advances in medical science have considerably extended the life expectancy of sickle cell anemia patients. Many people now live into their 50s and beyond.
Sickle cell anemia is identified through blood tests for hemoglobin S, the abnormal type of hemoglobin which makes red blood cells sickle.
Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are both genetic blood diseases, although thalassemia impacts the amount of hemoglobin created and sickle cell affects the shape of red blood cells.
Yes, lifestyle changes like proper hydration, avoiding extreme temperatures and reducing stress can lower the incidence of pain crises and complications.
Regular check-ups every 3 to 12 months are recommended with an Ayurvedic expert depending on severity and complications.
Yes, a lot of people use Ayurvedic remedies alongside traditional medications to control their symptoms. However, it is advisable to check with your doctor first to coordinate treatments.
Many people believe that sickle cell anemia only affects African Americans. In reality, It's more widespread among African Americans but can affect all ethnicities.
Yes, Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet rich in iron and antioxidants, hydrating foods and foods that have a cooling effect to counter the increased Pitta (fire element) in the body.
