Expert shares yoga asanas to beat Thalassemia!

For patients with Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e.passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn't make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. When there isn't enough hemoglobin, the body's red blood cells don't function properly and they last shorter periods of time, so there are fewer healthy red blood cells travelling in the blood stream. 

Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the cells of the body. Oxygen is the sort of food that cells used to function. When there are not enough healthy red blood cells, there is also not enough oxygen delivered to all the other cells of the body, which may cause a person to feel tired, weak or short of breath. This is a condition called anemia. People with Thalassemia may have mild or severe anemia. Severe anemia can damage organs and lead to death. 

For now, the only available cure for Thalassemia is a bone marrow transplant. However, this is possible only for a few considering the cost. The most common treatment in severe cases is life - long blood transfusion and chlelation therapy to counter side - effects due to excessive iron absorption and accumulation. 

Yoga is a holistic approach to tackling thalassemia symptoms and managing the condition. Yoga expert Akshar, in an interview mentioned that the practice of pranayama, meditation and yoga asanas have proven to have a positive impact on the patients with chronic illnesses as they help in having a positive mindset and hence improve the pace of recovery of the patient. 

"For patients with Thalassemia, a Sattvik plant - based diet is highly recommended. Ensure that you eat on time and stick to home cooked meals. Try to increase consumption of these vegetables - carrots, betts, spinach, and sweet potatoes. When you eat natural antioxidants, it helps to reduce the damage that can be caused due to excess and free iron in your body. Avoid all packaged, processed and refined foods", said Akshar. He further noted down the yoga asanas that should be practised in order to fight thalassemia. 

* Tadasana - This yoga asana, when incorporated in the daily routine, helps in improving the posture and creating self - awareness. 

* Shavasana - This yoga asana helps in aiding the immune system and calming the nervous system. It also help in reducing headache, fatigue and anxiety. 

* Balasana - Also known as the child's pose, Balasana help in improving the overall posture of the body and relaxing the mind. 

* Trikonasana - Trikonasana, or the triangle pose, helps in improving the blood circulation in the body. This yoga asana helps in boosting the overall immunity and assisting digestion and burning the fat. 

* Paschimottanasana - Besides improving the overall immunity of the body, it also helps in improving digestion and boosting the blood circulation of the body. 

Some common symptoms of thalassemia include: 

• Fatigue and weakness 

• Shortness of breath 

• Dark urine 

• Swollen abdomen 

• Bone defromities