“I’m short of breath,” is a common cry from those battling sickle cell disease(SCD). Imagine your car’s fuel tank has a leak. The gasoline (petrol) that once lasted you a whole month now barely stretches to cover 3-4 days, forcing you to frequent the filling station for refills. It’s a constant drain on your finances and time, always ensuring there’s enough fuel in your tank. The struggle becomes overwhelming because the demand is constant, and you never seem to have enough fuel. Sometimes, you can’t even afford the petrol, leaving you stranded with an empty tank.
This scenario mirrors the daily life of individuals living with sickle cell disease. They constantly battle the scarcity of blood, specifically, red blood cells, in their bodies. The root of this problem lies in the rapid demise of the characteristic sickled cells within a warrior’s body which are already depleted of their hemoglobin (Hb).
Hemoglobin is the protein found in the normal circled-shaped red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
Because individuals with sickle cell anemia do not have enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells, their bodies do not get an adequate oxygen supply. They can become easily fatigued and experience shortness of breath. Often their skin and fingernails are pale. This also results in episodes of pain, swellings on hands and legs, delayed growth and puberty, frequent infections and problems with vision.
Living with SCD means consistently grappling with this fundamental issue of low levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit(HCT)/ Pack Cell Volume(PCV), which is simply known as anemia. Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a complication of SCD. However, there are ways to manage and even improve hemoglobin levels to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Take charge of your health through knowledge. Read on to explore the ABCDRS —some essential strategies— for maintaining high hemoglobin levels in sickle cell disease.
Avoid: **Lifestyle Choices** : A healthy lifestyle can make a significant difference.
Avoid smoking and alcohol intake, as these substances can further reduce oxygen levels in the blood.
Avoid stress and extreme weather. Coping with a chronic condition can be emotionally and physically challenging. Seek support from family, friends or support groups to help you manage stress and anxiety, which can indirectly affect hemoglobin levels. Extreme cold and hot weather can cause crises which may reduce hemoglobin levels.
Avoid mosquito or insect bites. Further prevent any form of blood depletion like malaria and infections . Sleep under mosquito nets when in mosquito endemic areas to avoid malaria. Use mosquito repellents or wear protective clothing when exposed to mosquitoes or other harmful insects. Take malaria prophylaxis, proguanil (paludrine) 1 tablet daily is fine. This can prevent malaria that can cause anemia within short intervals and also reduce crises. Taking precautions to avoid triggers and treating symptoms of malaria, infection and pain promptly can help prevent hemoglobin levels from dropping too low.
Avoid poorly ventilated spaces. These spaces limit the intake and availability of oxygen in the body, and can further complicate sickle cell disease. Good aeration is very important in managing SCD.
Avoid junk foods. Intake of highly refined foods and too much synthetic or added sugars such as sodas (soft drinks), crisps and biscuits routinely can cause anemia and cancers. These foods add no value to your body. They’re just like putting trash in your body. Instead of regularly feeding on them, give your body foods with the nutrients it needs.
B. **Blood Transfusions**: In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to boost hemoglobin levels. These transfusions provide healthy red blood cells to replace the sickled ones, improving oxygen delivery.
C. Circulation: **Stay Hydrated**: Adequate hydration is crucial in keeping blood circulating around the body. Dehydration slows down the movement of blood cells and can cause clumping that increases the likelihood of sickle cell crises. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the blood flowing smoothly.
D. **Diet**: A well-balanced diet, rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid is vital. Iron helps in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are vital for the production of red blood cells. Foods like red meats, chicken, eggs, beans, leafy greens, beets, milk, yogurt, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fruits like apples, can provide these necessary nutrients.
R. **Regular Medical Check-ups**: Routine check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring your condition. They can detect any decline in hemoglobin levels early and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
S. **Supplements**: Sometimes, dietary sources of nutrients may not be enough. Take food supplements rich in vit B12 and folic acid. Always check food labels for the fact sheet before buying supplements. Know how to read them. Your healthcare provider may also recommend supplements rich in folic acid and vitamin B12 to help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels.
I’ll recommend 2 supplements that have been of tremendous help in building my blood levels. With them, blood transfusions for me have been at the barest minimum:
1. VIVE Health Drink :
Is produced in Nigeria from Pumpkin leaves, beets, sorghum bicolor, and rosella petals. It has a rich content of flavonoids which are antioxidants that are essential in the disease moping process and boosting of immunity as well as increasing blood levels and reducing pain. It comes in three different flavors:
i.VIVE Active which contains honey and has additional blood boosters.
ii. VIVE Recover contains additional natural sugars from sugar cane to further boost energy especially for those recovering from ailments and athletics, and for daily energy intake.
iii. VIVE Silver has less sugar content and is particularly good for managing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and low libido.
All the three flavors have blood boosting properties.
2. Liquid chlorophyll: Gotten from dark green leafy vegetables.
Chlorophyll is responsible for carrying nutrients around in plants. It has the same chemical structure as hemoglobin in the human red blood cell differing mainly in their central elements, Iron (Fe) for hemoglobin and Magnesium( Mg) for chlorophyll.
As earlier mentioned, hemoglobin transports oxygen around the body. It is composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen around iron. In sickle cell anemia, the abnormal hemoglobin (Hemoglobin – S) sticks together when it gives up its oxygen to the tissues. It clumps, causing rigid, sickle-shaped red blood cells.
Chlorophyll, when ingested, can mimic hemoglobin’s function by promoting circulation, cleansing the body, increasing red blood cell count, and consequently boosting overall oxygen levels. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with sickle cell disease who require enhanced hemoglobin production. It’s just like having a blood transfusion by mouth.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels in SCD is essential for overall well-being. By avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, eating balanced diets , taking necessary supplements, and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with sickle cell disease can enjoy a better quality of life, reduce complications, and improve their resilience in the face of this challenging condition. Remember, you’re not alone, and with the right strategies and support, you can navigate the unique challenges of sickle cell disease more effectively.
