Women's Health: Six Beauty Signs That Point to a Blood Deficiency

By: Dr. Hilda Gonzalez

When we look through the lens of holistic health taking cues from traditional Chinese medicine, we can identify different presentations under the umbrella of blood deficiency. 

WHAT IS BLOOD DEFICIENCY?

We refer to blood deficiency specifically when a part of the body, a particular organ, or the entire body is not being sufficiently nourished by the blood. Blood deficiency is a lack of blood itself and the signs and symptoms can be present far before a CBC can show a diagnosis.

SIX EASY TO IDENTIFY SIGNS THAT INDICATE A BLOOD DEFICIENCY

1. Dry or brittle nails

2. Dry hair or unusual hair loss 

3. Premature graying hair 

4. Dry skin 

5. Pale and dull skin, particularly in the face

6. Dry and pale lips

If you are experiencing more than 1-2 of these signs don't fret! There are some simple ways to nourish the blood and reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY BLOOD DEFICIENCY?

The primary way to support blood is through our food. If the food source is red or dark in color, chances are it tonifies the blood. Despite misconceptions, good sources of iron don’t just come from animal foods, these can be found among a variety of plant foods as well. 

7 FOODS TO TONIFY THE BLOOD:

1. Red chard

2. Red beets

3. Raspberries 

4. Kidney beans 

5. Pomegranates

6. Cherries 

7. Goji berries 

OTHER WAYS TO TONIFY THE BLOOD:

1. Acupuncture

2. Custom herbal formulas

3. Rest and recovery 

4. Hydrate (Check out 6 Wellness Infusions to help your water intake here)

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