Types Of Diet That Can Help Treat Anemia

When it comes to combating this condition, one must first consider the importance of different types of diet to treat anemia. In short, it is a disease that, in most cases, is due to a diet deficient in micronutrients such as iron.

Accordingly, in the following article we will reveal the most important details regarding the types of diet that can help fight anemia.

anemia

Anemia is a disease in which there is a reduction in the amount of red blood cells in the blood. In addition, it can present with an apparently normal amount of blood cells, but which are very small compared to the normal pattern.

Furthermore,  anemia is characterized by a deficiency in the hemoglobin level,  due to poor or deficient functioning of red blood cells.

In any case, this disease is generated as a consequence of a deficit regarding the consumption and absorption of essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, as well as vitamin B12.

blood types

Anemia is usually caused by a lack of iron. This type of anemia is generated by different circumstances. Among them, excessive blood loss from hemorrhages or procedures, as well as menstruation.

However,  anemia caused by iron deficiency is due to an inadequate diet,  in which there is a lack of foods rich in this mineral.

On the other hand, there are also cases of anemia due to folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. In this sense, the key feature is the presence of large but excessively weak red blood cells.

Anemia treatment

To treat anemia, whatever the type, food will play a key role. The first and obvious measure, in short, is to include iron-rich foods in the daily diet.

In addition, it is important to know how to  differentiate heme iron and iron in the heme group. The first is of animal origin, for example: beef, poultry, fish and shellfish.

On the other hand, the iron in heme comes from vegetables. It is a type of iron that has a lower absorption capacity in the body when compared to that of animal origin.

heme and non-heme iron

The fact that heme iron is better and more quickly absorbed does not mean that you should discard it from vegetables. Even more, pay attention to the procedures you must follow to make the best use of this nutrient.

• If you are consuming an animal-based iron product, everything is fine. In short, you can be sure that it will absorb well.
• On the contrary, if it is the vegetable, you should preferably look for  those that contain other nutrients that help absorption.

If you consume a food with a good amount of iron but that does not contain other beneficial nutrients, you will have to complement it with another product that contains the elements that help in the absorption of iron. In this sense, our recommendation is that you seek help from a nutrition specialist.

Diet to help treat anemia

As we said earlier, most cases of anemia are caused by a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Therefore, a good measure to overcome it is the consumption of the missing micronutrient.

If you have anemia characterized by a deficit of folic acid or vitamin B12, you should consume foods rich in these nutrients. In addition, you must add the supplements that the doctor will prescribe

On the other hand, if you have anemia due to iron deficiency, you should include foods rich in this mineral, as well as other nutrients that can help to absorb it.

Iron Deficiency Diet

Generally speaking, the most important recommendations for an effective diet are as follows:

• Try to consume a good amount of products such as seeds, nuts, meat, seafood and egg yolks. All contain iron.

• Don’t just consume foods with iron. Include other nutrients such as vitamin C, fructose, citric acid, as well as some proteins such as histidine, lysine and cystine.
• Reduce as much as possible your intake of those food products that contain oxalic acid, tannins and phytates. This is the case with coffee, tea or spinach, among others.

Some Diet Recommendations for Treating Anemia

• Whole grains contain a greater amount of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, however they contain phytates. Therefore, be  careful with the quantities ingested.
• Try consuming citrus desserts, due to the vitamin C content, which improves iron absorption. Dairy products also improve absorption.

The Best Foods to Treat Anemia

Finally, we’ll mention the foods that you should most consider if you want to adopt a diet that works as a treatment for anemia:

• miso
• Red meat
• brewer’s yeast
• Kiwi
• lentils
• Pistachio
• Beetroot
• dried figs