"Blood deficiency" is a diagnostic category in Chinese medicine. It is most often linked to an underlying "spleen deficiency". Blood deficiency is aggravated by a history of hemorrhaging or serious blood loss; chronic, heavy menstruation; over-zealous exercise (especially when combined with a low caloric intake); long term vegetarianism and prolonged stress and worry. Blood deficiency tends to be more prevalent in women due to menstruation, pregnancy and nursing, but a number of men suffer from this condition as well.

Blood deficiency may manifest as the following physical symptoms: menstrual issues, infertility, numbness, skin rashes, dry skin, hair and nails, chronic muscle spasms, slow to heal injuries or chronic tendonitis, heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and specific types of insomnia.

When treating blood deficiency it is very important to stay well hydrated and to eat small, frequent meals through out the day. The blood is considered a "yin" substance in the body and, therefore, takes time to supplement. Frequent, easy to digest meals will slowly help build the blood. Eating this way prevents digestion from getting over-taxed, thereby protecting the spleen from further deficiency. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. This, as well as drinking fluids that have electrolytes, will help hydrate the bodies tissues. Try some organic chicken broth as a way to introduce fluids to the body while providing easy to assimilate nutrients.

If your practitioner has diagnosed you with Blood Deficiency there are a number of foods you can incorporate into your diet to help "tonify your blood and yin fluids". Certain vitamin/supplements will also help build your blood. It is best to check with your Naturopath or physician to be sure the supplements are safe and appropriate for your particular situation before you start taking them. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, ill or taking medication.

Generally speaking, if you're blood deficient it is best to avoid over-stimulating drinks such as green tea, alcohol as well as excessively spiced foods. Doing so will help protect your "blood and yin" from drying out or becoming exhausted. As always, when it comes to healing, make a special effort to get adequate rest. Sleep is one of the most potent ways to help the body heal and rejuvenate.

Blood Tonic Foods:

1) Certified Organic beef

2) Green leafy vegetables such as kale and chard

3) Black strap molasses

4) Dark colored fruits and vegetables- red grapes, raisins, berries, beets, etc.

5) Slow-cooked soups, stews and braised meats- these cooking methods extract the deepest "qi" and richest nutrients from bones, meats and vegetables.

6) Seaweeds - naturally rich in minerals (*Use quality brands that ensure the highest of purity standards).

7) Organic Royal Jelly- a "blood and yin tonic" that is naturally high in amino acids, vitamins and enzymes.

8) Iron supplements such as "Floradix"- a gentle, herbal tonic that helps build the blood.

9) Chlorophyll Supplements- particularly barley grass (avoid spirulina as it tends to be too warming).