Anemia Diet:
Anemia is caused by low levels of hemoglobin in the blood which is in turn caused by low levels of iron or Vitamin B12 in the body. Refined foods such as white bread, sugar, and desserts can deplete the body of iron unless iron-rich foods are included in the diet.
Apart from being rich in iron, it should also be a balanced and nutritious one. The diet should emphasize raw fruits and vegetables that are rich in iron that will also supply the body with other essential vitamins and minerals.
Diet chart for Anemia Patient:
The first five days of a special diet for anemic patients should be devoted exclusively to fresh fruits. During this period, all three meals should consist of fresh fruits taken at five hourly intervals. Thereafter, a diet of fresh fruits and milk should be followed for the next fifteen days.
The only difference during this period is the addition of milk to each meal of fruit, starting with two pints of milk every day and moving up to four or five pints every day in ½ pint increments. Thereafter, a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts can be followed.
Foods to include:
Foods to eat in an anemia diet should include fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, nuts, and meat that are rich in iron, Vitamin B12, folic, and Vitamin C.
Fruits that should form part of an anemia die include:
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears
- Dark grapes
- Apricots
Vegetables that form part of an anemia diet include:
- Spinach
- Green onions
- Squash
- Carrots
- Beetroots
Other foods that are rich in iron include:
- Whole wheat
- Brown rice
- Soybeans
- Sunflower seeds
- Beans
Drug instructions:
Do not consume iron supplements along with calcium supplements and antibiotics. It can be consumed along with multivitamins. Such as Vitamin B, C. it is good to consume iron tablets with fruit juices such as orange juice, etc for better absorption.
Foods to avoid:
Foods that should be avoided by those with anemia are those that interfere with the absorption of iron or cause iron depletion. They include drinks such as coffee and tea and foods such as bran, egg whites, white bread, sugar, and desserts.