Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the vital organs. Anamia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is a protein molecule within red blood cells needed to carry oxygen and if you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or not enough haemoglobin, there will be a decreased capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others.

 

Causes of Anemia

Anemia can result from many factors, including:

• A lack of iron in the diet

• Menorrhagis, heavy menstruation bleeding

• A lack of folate or vitamin B-12 in the diet

• Bone-marrow related disorder like aplastic anemia

 

Bleeding in the stomach and intestines can also cause anemia. This type of bleeding is sometimes a side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Or, it may result from:

• Ulcers

• Hemorrhoids

• Swelling in the large intestine or esophagus

• Certain cancers like leukemias.

• People who are pregnant have an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.

 

 

 

 

Anemia Treatment

Your treatment will depend on your type of anemia.

• Iron-deficiency anemia: Iron supplements and dietary changes can help in coping up the disease.

• Vitamin deficiency anemia: Treatments can include dietary supplements, vitamin B-12 shots and folate.

• Thalassemia: Treatments include folic acid supplements, iron chelation, and, for some people, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.

• Anemia due to chronic disease: The doctor will focus on resolving the underlying condition.

• Aplastic anemia: Treatment involves blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants. Immuno-suppressant medication helps in relieving symptoms.

• Sickle cell anemia: Treatment typically involves oxygen therapy, excessive hydration, pain relief medication, and intravenous fluids, but it can also include antibiotics, folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, and a cancer drug called hydrxyurea.

• Hemolytic anemia: The treatment plan may include immunosuppressant drugs, antibiotics for infections, and plasmapheresis, which filters the blood.

 

 

 

 

Anemia Diet Plan

There are two types of iron in foods: heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron is found in meat, poultry, and seafood. Nonheme iron is found in plant foods and foods fortified with iron. Your body can absorb both types, but it absorbs heme iron more easily.

 

​1.Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, especially dark ones, are among the best sources of nonheme iron. Vitamin C helps your stomach absorb iron. Eating leafy greens with foods that contain vitamin C such as oranges, red peppers, and strawberries may increase iron absorption.

Best sources of non-heme iron include:

• Spinach

• kale

• Collard greens

• Swiss chard

• Citrus fruits

 

 

2.Beans and whole grains

A diet low in folate may cause folate deficiency anemia. Citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are good sources of folate. . Certain drinks and foods, such as citrus juices and dark green vegetables, are particularly good sources of folate.

 

 

3.Red Meats

Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products. The body needs this nutrient to make healthy red blood cells and to keep its nervous system working properly.

People who have pernicious anemia can't absorb enough vitamin B12 from food. This is because they lack intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach. A lack of this protein leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. So they need vitamin B-12 shots for pernicious anemia.

 

 

4.Sea foods

Some seafood provides heme iron. Shellfish such as oysters, clams, scallops, crabs, and shrimp are good sources. Most fish contain iron.

Fish with the best levels of iron include:

• canned or fresh tuna

• mackerel

• fresh perch

• fresh or canned salmon

 

 

 

5.Nuts and seeds

Many types of nuts and seeds are good sources of iron. Nuts and seeds which you should be added in your diet for anemia.

• pumpkin seeds

• cashews

• pistachios

• hemp seeds

• pine nuts

• sunflower seeds

 

 

 

References

JAHNS, E. (2020, May 20). 10 Foods You Should Be Eating If You're Anemic. Retrieved from The/Thirty: https://thethirty.whowhatwear.com/foods-for-anemia

Kathy W. Warwick, R. C. (2020, June 26). Best Diet Plan for Anemia. Retrieved from HealthLine: https://www.healthline.com/health/best-diet-plan-for-anemia

Meredith Goodwin, M. (2020, March 26). What to know about anemia. Retrieved from MedicalNewsToday: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158800

 

 

 

 

 

 

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