Thalassemia

Hemoglobin is considered as the essential protein molecule found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

Thalassemia is defined as an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. A person who is suffering from thalassemia will have too few red blood cells and too little hemoglobin, and the red blood cells may be too small. Around 10,000-15,000 infants are born with this condition.

The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to all the cells of the body. Oxygen is a sort of food that cells use to function. When there is a decreased amount of red blood cells, there is not enough oxygen delivered to all the other cells of the body, which may cause a person to feel tired, weak or short of breath. This is a condition called anemia. People who have thalassemia may have mild or severe anemia. If the condition of anemia gets severe it can damage the organs and lead to death.

What are the Causes of Thalassemia?

Thalassemia happens when genetic abnormalities are causing and there is a lack of production of hemoglobin in the body. Common causes of thalassemia are as under –

• Genetic inheritance
• Lack of hemoglobin in RBCs
• Rare medical circumstances
• Deletions of Chromosome 16p
• Lack of presence of the beta-globin chains.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Thalassemia?

The symptoms of thalassemia are almost similar in both alpha and beta-thalassemia. Common symptoms are given below –

• Swelling in the abdominal region
• Dark urine
• Light-headedness and dizziness
• Yellowish skin
• Dark urine
• Stunted growth
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite.

What is an Ayurvedic View of Thalassemia?

In Ayurveda, Thalassemia is termed as ‘Beejdushtijanya Vikara’. The main cause and consequent are Vishamaavastha of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala (disequilibrium of humor, body constituents, and proper excretion of waste products) which can lead to Tridosha Prakopa. Pitta Pradhana Tridosha (pitta dominant body humor) affects the functions of Raktavaha Srotasa (microchannels of blood and its indices) and ultimately the process of formation of Rakta Dhatu is affected and produces Raktavikriti (abnormality of blood indices). Persistent production of Vikrita Rakta Dhatu leads to various symptoms in the form of Tridoshajanya Pandu. As the disease Thalassemia is also compatible with life it can be considered as Asadhya in nature.

What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Thalassemia?

In Ayurveda, numerous herbs are there which are proven to cure the thalassemia naturally. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre had made a specialized kit known as ‘’Thalassemia care kit’’, made up of purely natural herbs that are free from side effects. The kit has a total of 5 products named as – Detox premium powder, Giloy capsules, Curcumin capsules, Trikatu syrup, Ashwagandha avaleha.

ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:

1. Detox Premium Powder

Detox premium powder is an herbal formulation of natural herbs and bhasmas that mainly detoxifies the body by removing the toxins from the body naturally. The powder is made up of Gandhak rasayan, Shankh bhasma, Jahar mohra, Parwal pishti, Shwet parpati, etc that helps in the proper metabolism of all the functions.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

2. Giloy Capsule

Giloy is considered as one of the effective ayurvedic remedies for thalassemia that has many medicinal properties. The capsules are made up of the extract of herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). It has Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic effects that ease the symptoms of thalassemia naturally.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

3. Curcumin Capsule

Curcumin contains many bioactive compounds with a powerful medicinal property. It has anti-inflammatory and a very strong anti-oxidant property. Curcumin capsule helps in getting rid of oxidative stress and excess iron. The capsules raised the level of protein and in turn reduced the iron load.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

4. Trikatu Syrup

Trikatu syrup is an herbal preparation of three ingredients Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Long pepper (Piper longum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale). The ingredients work in synergy to stimulate the digestive fire, or agni, allowing for more efficient digestion in the stomach while promoting proper bile flow, healthy detoxification, and fat metabolism.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.

5. Ashwagandha Avaleha

Ashwagandha avaleha is the composition of natural ingredients that has many medicinal properties. It is made up of Mochras (Bombax malabaricum), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Kesar (Crocus sativus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shuddha Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans), etc. The ingredients provide natural strength and stamina to the patients and also improve the circulation of blood.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with milk.

What is the Panchakarma Treatment for Thalassemia?

In Ayurveda, there is no such Panchakarma therapies that are recommended for thalassemia. The ayurvedic medicines have enough properties and power to provide strength, stamina to the patient and can also ease the symptoms.

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Beside medicines, the patient who has thalassemia should have some changes in diet and lifestyle. We suggested some of the measurements that must be followed by every patient of thalassemia to get rid off their signs and symptoms.

• Cereals like rice, wheat bran, maize, oats, and soy can decrease absorption of iron, thus increase the intake of above mentioned products regularly.
• People suffering from thalassemia can have plenty of foods that are rich in calcium. Calcium helps in keeping bones strong and healthy. Seeds, almonds, dates, and sardines are all sources of foods rich in iron and calcium.
• Exercising regularly can help thalassemia patient’s deal with the condition quite effectively. Do the exercise for about 30-40 minutes daily.
• The patients shouldn’t cook their food in iron utensils. Additionally, certain foods like orange juice can trigger iron absorption in the body. Other foods products like tea, dairy products, and coffee can decrease iron in the body.
• Thalassemia patients should limit the intake of pork, liver, oysters, beans, beef, peanut butter, and tofu from their diet. The patient should also avoid consumption of prunes and prune juice, watermelon, dates, broccoli, raisins, and peas.
• Yoga asana are a gentle form of exercise that improves flexibility, stamina and improves the circulatory system. Asana like Yastikasana, Ardha matsyendrasana, Parvatasana, Gomukhasana, Trikonasana, Marjariasana, are very beneficial to ease the symptoms of thalassemia.