Diet for Anemia

by JOHN LOGAN
(CAMDEN)

John's question...

What is a good diet for anemics?

Suzy's answer...

Thank you for your question, John. Unfortunately, you have not given us enough information to provide a good answer.

There are many types of anemia.

You probably already know that anemia occurs when you either do not have enough red blood cells or the ones you have do not contain sufficient hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) to provide the oxygen your body needs. The underlying cause of this condition will vary, and treatment will depend on your particular situation.

Get diet-planning help from a professional.

The best thing for you to do is to meet with a dietitian who can help you plan a diet that addresses your particular type of anemia.

You should also discuss supplementation of iron and B vitamins with your dietitian or other health care provider, since a deficiency in these nutrients is associated with some types of anemia. Be aware that iron supplementation can cause gastric distress and even lead to toxicity if overdone or in certain people who have an inherited susceptibility.

It is always a good idea to eat healthy.

Eating a balanced diet with foods from each food group, with emphasis on leafy green vegetables, lean proteins, legumes and whole grains will help your body get the nutrients it needs. At the same time, avoiding overly processed foods and empty calories can leave room for healthier choices in your diet.

Here is a link to our "Iron Sources" page and one to our "Vitamin B12" page that may be of further help to you.

Sources of Iron

Vitamin B12

I hope this information is helpful to you, and we appreciate your interest in healthy eating.

Thank you for visiting our healthy eating site!

Warmest regards,

Suzy Staywell
https://www.healthy-eating-support.org

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