Is Your Body Low in Iron? an Anemia Diet Could Be the Answer

Anemia is a medical condition where a person does not have enough red blood cells or when their blood does not contain the appropriate levels of hemoglobin. It can potentially be fatal if the proper treatment is not sought. Typically anemia is caused by pregnancy, external bleeding, hereditary, chronic illness or disease, alcoholism, and bleeding problems.

For those that suffer from anemia they struggle with extreme fatigue and often feel very weak. He or she must improve their diet to increase blood count and to provide more iron to his or her blood. The anemia diet should consist of foods that are rich in nutrients that the body needs to function. There are two types of iron that can be consumed: one is highly recommended for an anemic diet and the other is also highly recommended but not as readily available or as easy to absorb as meats. The type of iron found in the meat of animals such as beef, chicken, and fish is called Heme iron. This type of iron is quickly and easily absorbed into the blood stream. Non-Heme iron is found primarily in vegetables and is not easily at one's disposal. Some foods that are rich in Heme iron include sardines, oysters, pork liver, chicken liver, and turkey. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, breakfast cereals, baked potatoes with the skin on, cooked lentils and beans, and enriched pastas are made with non-Heme iron. In order for one's body to absorb non-Heme iron it is essential that those types of foods are eaten with meats, poultry, and fish that have higher levels of Heme-iron.

Anemia diets can consist of many different types of foods that are rich in iron and vitamins. Increase the amount of iron you take in every day. Foods such as red meat, fish, liver, chicken, offal, and leafy green vegetables are high in iron and can significantly help increase your iron intake. Usually iron absorbs more quickly and easily from animal sources than from plant foods. Taking vitamin C can also increase how much iron is in your body. Foods that are rich in vitamin C should be included in an anemia diet; such foods include tomatoes, oranges, and almost any type of citrus fruit. Since having low levels of vitamin B12 in your system can also contribute to being anemic, it is essential that you include foods rich in this vitamin to your diet such as eggs, beef, milk, pork, and cheese. Vegetarians can substitute these foods with ones that contain a significant amount of yeast extract or foods fortified with B12 such as cereal. Increasing your foliate intake is also essential in an anemia diet. Such foods include broccoli, leafy vegetables, wheat germ, Brussels sprouts, whole grains, avocados, melon, and egg yolks.

One of the most important things to remember is to restrain from eating foods that will deplete the level of iron in your blood. Anemia can be aggravated by specific types of foods if they lack the essential vitamins and minerals needed for your body to function or that actually pull iron out of your blood. Such foods and drinks include coffee, tea, bran cereals, and bran. If you wish to drink tea the leaves from dandelions and singing nettles are packed with iron and will make for an interesting blend in your tea.

Anemia diets are specifically designed for those who suffer from anemia. In addition to changing your diet as specified above one suffering from anemia must also take either over the counter iron supplements or ones prescribed by a doctor. Make sure you aim to include foods rich in Heme iron to help the absorption of non-Heme iron foods and to help the iron contained in these foods to be absorbed by the blood in your body.