What to Eat when You are Anemic
Anemia is one of the most common diseases nowadays, it's produced when there's a low concentration of hemoglobin in blood due to several factors, from low iron consumption or deficiency in its absorption, to more important reasons such as hemorrhages or certain diseases. The most common is the one presented by iron deficient and can be treated through diet, that's why OneHowTo.com would like to suggest some tips so you know what to eat when you are anemic.
Steps to follow:
The symptoms of anemia can vary depending on age and the person's nutrition, but in general, they manifest through:
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Weakness
- Difficulty in breathing when making an effort
- Sadness
- Apathy
- Ocasionally, tachycardia
However, it is important to outline that anemia can be asymptomatic in many cases, and people who suffer from it might not be able to be diagnosed until they carry out a blood analysis.
If you have these symptoms it's important to visit a doctor as anemia is more than an actual disease, it's a symptom of a certain condition, may it be iron deficiency or any other bigger disease such as kidney problems or faults in the synthesis of certain compounds among others.
If it's due to low iron in your diet, you should start by incorporating certain foods. If we're talking about animal protein, the best options are kidney, red meat (preferably lean and grilled to avoid extra calories), blue fish such as salmon, trout or shellfish.
In some cases, besides adapting the diet it may be necessary to add some supplements of this nutrient to reach the appropriate iron levels. However, these supplements always need to be prescribed by a professional.
The vegetable group in your diet will include food such as beans, chickpeas, soya or lentils and green leaf vegetables such as spinach, lamb's lettuce, broccoli or swiss chard. Wholewheat cereal will also be a great help you improve your levels of iron and cure anemia.
You must also take a daily portion of nuts (a handful is enough) such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds or hazelnuts. It's better to take them in their natural version, with no added salt, which is much more healthy. Although they're good for your heart and brain, you shouldn't eat too many as they also have a lot of fat.
As a snack, you can try figs, raisins or dry plums, dates or olives, they're all rich in iron and are ideal to improve levels of hemoglobin in your blood and cure anemia.
Cereals are also great given that it is a food that contains much iron, perfect to fight off anemia.
Remember that if you're suffering from anemia due to low iron consumption you must add it effectively to your diet from now on, taking care of what you eat to have a balanced and nutritious diet.
In the case that it is anemia during pregnancy, you should bear in mind all the recommendations from your doctor to ensure your and your baby's health. Prescribed drugs are not recommended through pregnancy.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What to Eat when You are Anemic, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.
Tips
- Don't start a diet high in iron without your doctor's supervision.
- If you have any symptom of anemia, don't hesitate and ask a specialist.
