Anemia is a condition where the body has reduced oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When people think of anemia, they often think of iron deficiency anemia, but iron is just one cause of anemia. According to Elson Hass, M.D., in his book "Staying Healthy with Nutrition," low copper, manganese, folic acid, zinc, vitamin B6 and B12 can all contribute to anemia, as can thyroid problems. It is therefore important that you consult with a physician to get a proper diagnoses and treatment plan tailored to your particular cause of anemia.
Foods for All Anemias
If you have anemia, Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends including the following fruits in your diet: apples, apricots, bananas, plums, prunes and purple grapes. She also recommends consuming raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains, yams, kelp, parsley, peas and leafy greens. Most of these foods are high in essential vitamins and can therefore help if your anemia is caused by a vitamin deficiency.
Foods for Iron Deficiency Anemia
The most common anemia is arguably iron deficiency anemia. The following foods are the highest iron-containing foods according to Balch, and their consumption is recommended if you have iron deficiency anemia: kidney and pinto beans, liver, molasses, rice bran, raw beet greens, lentils, mustard greens, dried peaches and prune juice.
Foods for Iron-Related Anemia
Other foods that are high in iron include: oysters, tofu, lean red meat, fish, lamb, turkey, fortified cereals, and spinach. To increase the absorption of the iron in your body, WomensHealth.gov recommends combining iron-rich foods with foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, and orange juice.
Foods for B12-Related Anemia
If you are suffering with B12 related anemia, Haas recommends the following foods: meat, fish, crab, scallops, shrimp, oysters, egg yolks, and milk products -- especially yogurt. In addition, liver, heart and kidney meat are especially high in B12 and are highly encouraged. Due to the fact that the primary dietary sources of B12 are of animal origin, if you are a vegan, a B12 supplement may be necessary.
Additional Recommendations
In both iron deficiency and B vitamin deficiency anemia, Balch recommends consuming at least 1 tbsp. of blackstrap molasses twice a day. She explains that molasses is very high in iron and the B vitamins, and it is highly absorbable in the body. Finally, herbal teas such as dandelion leaf, comfrey, fenugreek, raspberry and yellow dock may also be a useful anti-anemia remedy for all types of anemia sufferers, says Ross Trattler, N.D., in his book "Better Health through Natural Healing."
Conclusion
If you suffer from anemia, a healthy and wholesome diet is absolutely vital. The National Anemia Action Council (NAAC) says that most kinds of anemia can be prevented and healed by eating a nutrient-rich diet. In addition to increasing your consumption of the above-mentioned foods, NAAC recommends eating a diet that consists of a good balance of lean meats and dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd edition"; Phyllis Balch; 2003.
- "Staying Healthy with Nutrition"; Elson M. Haas, MD; 2006.
- "Womenshealthy: Anemia"
- "National Anemia Action Council: Anemia and Nutrition: The Importance of Iron"
- "Better Health through Natural Healing"; Ross Trattler; 2001.
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