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beet as medicine in thalassemia

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Andy Battaglia:
Canadian Family,

In your example, only 2 pistons are firing. But, with proper maintenance, you can keep those 2 pistons working at an optimum. This is the same thing with thalassemia. It is very important to optimize what one does have, regardless of what else they are missing. Most thal majors do produce some hemoglobin but not enough to survive and many "majors" could actually be classified intermedia because even without transfusions, they can maintain a hemoglobin level of 6 or higher. Maximizing this potential is one goal by providing the body with the essential nutrients to build good red blood cells that will have a longer life. B vitamins, vitamins C and E, and magnesium are all important to the health of red blood cells. Also, we want to create an environment that will help the transfused red cells to last a bit longer. In addition, we want to build a stronger circulatory system that will not deteriorate as the patient ages. Nitric oxide plays a key role here, and is why L-carnitine is recommended (only available by prescription in Canada, thanks to the big brother mentality that persists within the health authority. Unfortunately for thals. L carnitine is widely used by body builders, leading to confused bureaucrats treating it the same way they treat steroids, even though there is no connection). Hemoxide, which was mentioned again recently is also of interest as a nitric oxide producer and may have value in combating blood pressure in general in addition to the helping to prevent the pulmonary hypertension prevalent in thal intermedia and also commonly found in majors and I suspect, minors also. (Dr John Wood seemed very intrigued by this latter possibility when I mentioned it in Singapore). These are some examples on how the circulatory system is improved by supplements, even though there may be no change in Hb levels. Helping the body to optimize what it can do, can make a big quality of life difference for thals and extend their lives. Even though some pistons aren't working, we should have a goal of maximizing the potential of those pistons that do, and providing the constant maintenance to keep the 2 good pistons in good working order.

When I see the success Sharmin has had by using supplements and the strong endorsement by Dr Vichinsky of supplements, and the good condition of Manal's son, in spite of low Hb, I can have no doubt about the value of supplements and what they can do to improve the health and quality of life of thals. While these methods and the good nutrition found in natural foods may have only a minimal effect on Hb levels, they do provide what is needed to counter the losses due to the stresses of thalassemia and also provide the nutrients necessary to optimize the health. Just as a non-thal can benefit from a healthy nutritious diet, so can thals and in my view, because the deck is stacked against thalassemics, they more than non-thals need to do everything possible to optimize their health.

nice friend:
@ Manal ,
Thank you sis for encouragment ... it means alot for me to keep trying my best to stay in fight ...

@ all buddies ,
Thanx for your informative replies , thats wat i want's (whenever i start's thread like this one ) to have a discussion and debate that raise the points pros and consof anything. ... i dnt want to believe on anything witout having a debate on that , bcoze if you are going to start anyting  debate assure's you that you are doing right ...

thank you all for your response ...
umair

Canadian_Family:
This forum is great.

Thank you Andy, Sharmin and Manal. I agree with your points, but its the debate like Umair has said, which is the key to the knowledge.

I feel so energized just by visiting this forum.

Manal:
You are welcome Canadian family, any news about your visit to the bone clinic????
manal

Dori:
OK, I still wonder what L-carnitine is in Dutch. Does someone have an idea?
Last time when I was in The Body Shop I found out how we call wheat grass. I forgot the Dutch name, because I didn't write it down  :biggrin. They use it in shampoo.
Tomorrow I will be able to buy the supplements that Andy suggest in the pk def. topic. :) I haven't been out of the house on my own for three weeks. Because I am still ill and the low hgb. We think I got Sinusitis (Dutch name is less scary). I got a headache all the time and it get more worse when i must stoop.. To get to the point: I am a bit sceptical like CF. I want to believe in supplements, but that food can help to keep your hgb up; I don't know.
I dont believe in anti-oxidants.

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