HEALTHINFO@EarthyMe

We are the best creation, and learning about the best always is interesting...and at times you end up saying "wow!" or "It is genius!" Do you believe as I do that the HUMAN BODY IS A WORK OF ART? It is a complex organization that has a very important job of keeping us alive in a very tight schedule, by the second! It composes of different systems to get it all done perfectly and on time. Among all the other systems, we will touch on the skeletal system and zoom in on the bone. Read along and agree with me that the bone and its bone marrow, is just one of those magnificent artworks in our body, as you also learn about this certain type of anemia, the Aplastic Anemia.

Inside most of your bone cavities is a red, spongy material called the bone marrow. It is the one responsible in the production of "stem cells" to which produces red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. These cells are continuously replaced and reproduced. The RBCs every 120 days, about 7 days for the platelets and a day or less for the WBCs.

RBCs or the erythrocytes is the cell in the blood that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the tissues. WBCs or leukocyte help protect the body from infection and disease. Platelets or thrombocyte functions to promote blood clotting to prevent blood loss from bleeding. These cells simply have to be present for man to stay alive. Therefore, the one responsible for the production of these cells should also be present and working to keep the body supplied with them, and that is the Bone Marrow.

In Aplastic Anemia, there is little or no production of the blood cells resulting from a aplastic or hypoplastic bone marrow, term used to the damaged bone marrow which means it is empty. or contains only very few blood cells. Varied causes that should be avoided in protecting your bone marrow are:

High-dose radiation and chemotherapy treatments. This procedure used to kill cancer cells also damage the stem cells and healthy cells.

Exposure to toxic chemicals. Benezene found in gasoline, pesticides and insecticides are found harmful.

Use of certain drugs. Some antibiotics and medications for rheumatoid arthritis can cause Aplastic anemia.

Autoimmune disorders. Lupus, wherein the immune system attacks healthy cells, may lead to Aplastic Anemia the moment it includes attacking the stem cells.

A viral infection. Viruses that attack the bone marrow may lead to Aplastic Anemia like the hepatitis, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B-19 and HIV.

Pregnancy. Your immune system may attack your bone marrow during pregnancy as well.

Unknown factors. At times when the doctors could not decipher the real cause, they term the illness an idiopathic aplastic anemia.

IF YOU HAVE APLASTIC ANEMIA...
Conserve your energy. With the depletion of RBC to which helps with your oxygen vs. carbon dioxide need, it is best that you avoid exerting too much energy. Reserve minimal movements and activities to important tasks. Fatigue and shortness of breath is commonly felt though with mild exertion.

Be more careful to possible injuries. Be mindful of your low platelet count or the inability for blood to clot thus cuts or fall should be avoided to prevent bleeding.

Be the defensive player. Since you are low on your weapon in fighting infections and diseases, go as far away from them as you can. Avoid being in too crowded areas with people who may pass infections to you. Practice frequent hand washing and covering your nose as often as you possible.

Load yourself with the much needed vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin K that helps with blood coagulation, Vitamin B for the formation of red blood cells, Vitamin D that boosts the immune system and helps maintain efficient blood clotting (this goes hand in hand with sunlight for the activation of the Vitamin in your skin), iron that help regulate cell growth and cell differentiation and is an essential in carrying oxygen through the body, Vitamin C in fighting infections...or in short A COMPLETELY WELL BALANCED MEAL EVERYDAY.

FINAL ADVICES...
Eat a variety of food that will give you all the different vitamins and minerals present in our natural sources.

Always check with your physician for whatever medication you are taking for probable drug interactions.

Impart knowledge to the whole family to help in living with the disease.

Raise your eyes to whom who have created this complex human body, to the true healer that sends forth that healing power to the specialists/physicians and medications you are taking.