Can iron deficiency anemia be treated with blood tonics alone?
Disease description:
I haven't been feeling well lately, often experiencing dizziness and weakness. After examination, I was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. May I ask, can iron-deficiency anemia be treated by simply taking blood-tonifying supplements?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Iron deficiency anemia usually cannot be treated by blood tonics alone. Mild anemia can be corrected by increasing intake of iron-rich foods such as lean meat, animal liver, shiitake mushrooms, and black fungus; spicy and irritating foods should be avoided. Moderate to severe anemia can be managed with oral iron supplementation; for those who have difficulty taking oral iron, intravenous iron therapy may be used. During the recovery period, aerobic exercise is also recommended to help regulate immune function.
