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What is Sickle Cell Anaemia?

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.

Common Causes of Sickle Cell Anaemia

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.

Sickle Cell Anaemia is caused by:

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia

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.

The major Sickle Cell Anaemia symptoms include:

Auto-immune Symptoms

Painful Episodes (Pain Crises)

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.

Low Red Blood Cell Count or Anemia

Anemia causes fatigue or extreme tiredness because sickle cells die before the body can replace them.

Swelling & Inflammation

Swelling in the hands and feet with accompanying pain is a common sign in babies with sickle cell anemia.

Frequent Infections

Individuals with sickle cell anemia usually have a weak immune system which makes them more vulnerable to infections.

Jaundice (Yellowing of the Eyes and Skin)

The breakdown of sickle cells produces bilirubin, which turns the skin and eyes yellow.

Delayed Growth

Kids with sickle cell anemia may grow slower compared to others and reach puberty later.

Vision Problems

Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes may become plugged with sickle cells and damage the retina and vision.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Persistent Fatigue or Weakness
• Frequent Infections
• Painful Swelling in Hands and Feet
• Sudden, Severe pain in your bones or joints (Pain Crises)
• Jaundice (Yellow Eyes or Skin)
• Vision Problems
• Unexplained Fever

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Sickle Cell Anaemia

���ϳԹ��� 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.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

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.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Sickle Cell Anaemia

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.

Some effective Ayurvedic medicines for Sickle Cell Anemia are:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sickle Cell Anaemia

What causes a sickle cell crisis?

Temperature changes, dehydration, and high elevation can trigger pain crises in sickle cell anemia.

How can Ayurveda prevent 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.

Is sickle cell anemia contagious?

No, sickle cell anemia isn't contagious. It is a genetic condition that parents pass to their children through genes.

Could Ayurveda treat sickle cell anemia?

Ayurveda can help manage the symptoms of sickle cell anemia and support overall health with natural treatments and lifestyle modifications.

What is the life expectancy for someone with sickle cell anemia?

Advances in medical science have considerably extended the life expectancy of sickle cell anemia patients. Many people now live into their 50s and beyond.

How is Sickle Cell Anaemia diagnosis done?

Sickle cell anemia is identified through blood tests for hemoglobin S, the abnormal type of hemoglobin which makes red blood cells sickle.

What is the difference between thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia?

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.

Can a change in lifestyle help people suffering from sickle cell anemia?

Yes, lifestyle changes like proper hydration, avoiding extreme temperatures and reducing stress can lower the incidence of pain crises and complications.

How frequently must somebody suffering from sickle cell anemia see an Ayurvedic doctor?

Regular check-ups every 3 to 12 months are recommended with an Ayurvedic expert depending on severity and complications.

Can Ayurvedic treatments be used alongside conventional medicine?

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.

What are common misconceptions regarding sickle cell anemia?

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.

Are there any dietary recommendations specific for sickle cell anemia in Ayurveda?

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.